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| brob |
 Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 10:52 am Post subject: General Fixpack question |
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Newbie
Joined: 31 Jan 2006
Posts: 2
Location: Waterloo, ON
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Our shop is presently running WebSphere MQ 5.3.0.5
Fix pack 12 is currently available.
Do any of you have Best Practices as when to apply fix packs?
I know full well that, most often, the driving force to upgrade is when you have a problem with the current release. But what if you don't - what if things are running fine?
Is there a compelling reason to keep up with the latest fix packs when it has to weighed against the cost of downtime and potential risk. |
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| Toronto_MQ |
| Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 11:02 am Post subject: |
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Master
Joined: 10 Jul 2002
Posts: 263
Location: read my name
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I would say it is worth upgrading, because if you do end up needing to open a PMR with IBM, their first response will be to get your installation to current maintenance levels.
*Even though* the problem you run into may not be documented as being fixed in any of the fixpacks.
Just my opinion, speaking from experience.
Cheers
Steve |
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| HubertKleinmanns |
| Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 11:05 am Post subject: |
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Shaman
Joined: 24 Feb 2004
Posts: 732
Location: Germany
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brob,
FixPacks sometimes include also new features. For example when you install CSD-08 for version 5.3 you will get the Pub/Sub mechanism onto your system (formerly known as SupportPac MA0C). In this case - when you already use the SupportPac - you have to remove it. Think about, before you upgrade.
But when you do not have any problems yet, it could still make sense, to upgrade your system. A problem could occur never, next month or tomorrow. Then you will be in hurry, to upgrade from CSD-05 to CSD-12. Assuming you did not have a proper look to the readme files, you may get big trouble.
When you upgrade without having a problem, its time enough, to test the upgrade, before you start a roll-out. When you install - lets's say - only each second or third CSD, you will have less work, smaller steps and get better support, when a problem occurs.
But it is your personal decision.
Hubert |
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| csmith28 |
| Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 11:37 am Post subject: |
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Grand Master
Joined: 15 Jul 2003
Posts: 1196
Location: Arizona
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All that being said I usually wait at least a month or so after the release of a new Fix-Pack unless it fixes an issue that I know I have.
Some times FixPack introduce new problems and waiting a few weeks lets the other people find all those bugs and gliches allowing IBM to create interum fixes and APAR's.
Just my .02
_________________
Yes, I am an agent of Satan but my duties are largely ceremonial. |
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| Toronto_MQ |
| Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 1:51 pm Post subject: |
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Master
Joined: 10 Jul 2002
Posts: 263
Location: read my name
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| Yep, I second csmith. Forgot to mention that... |
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| PeterPotkay |
| Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 1:55 pm Post subject: |
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Poobah
Joined: 15 May 2001
Posts: 7722
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I used to say upgrade even if there is no problem. Wait a month or so to be sure the new fixpack isn't total garbage, but why not be at the latest version.
And then the whole CSD8 / CSD9 JMS fiasco bit us:
http://www.mqseries.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=24095&highlight=csd
Now I need a real good reason to fix something that ain't broke (i.e. apply a CSD when things seem to be OK).
_________________
Peter Potkay
Keep Calm and MQ On |
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| csmith28 |
| Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2006 2:18 pm Post subject: |
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Grand Master
Joined: 15 Jul 2003
Posts: 1196
Location: Arizona
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| PeterPotkay wrote: |
I used to say upgrade even if there is no problem. Wait a month or so to be sure the new fixpack isn't total garbage, but why not be at the latest version.
And then the whole CSD8 / CSD9 JMS fiasco bit us:
http://www.mqseries.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=24095&highlight=csd
Now I need a real good reason to fix something that ain't broke (i.e. apply a CSD when things seem to be OK). |
That too Peter, I'm at 5.3.0.6 on most of my Servers right now and I'm preparing to move directly to 6.0.1.0 right after the AIX5.1 to 5.2 upgrades are complete. Doing Fixpacks across a Dev, Integration Test, Quality Assurance, Prod Fix, Prod and Disastery recovery environment it a lot of work.
_________________
Yes, I am an agent of Satan but my duties are largely ceremonial. |
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| brob |
| Posted: Wed Feb 01, 2006 8:52 am Post subject: |
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Newbie
Joined: 31 Jan 2006
Posts: 2
Location: Waterloo, ON
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