Package groups and the shared resources directory
When you install packages with IBM Installation Manager, you must choose an installation location and a directory for shared resources. You can also read related information about group mode.
Package groups
You install packages into a package group. A package group represents a directory that contains resources that packages share with other packages in the same group. When you install packages with Installation Manager, you can choose to create a package group or install the packages into an existing package group. Some packages cannot share a package group. In this case, the option to use an existing package group is disabled.
When you install multiple packages at the same time, you can install the packages into different package groups.
A package group is assigned a name automatically. For some products, you can edit the default package group name. You choose the installation directory for the package group.
After creating a package group by successfully installing a package, you cannot change the installation directory. The installation directory contains files and resources specific to the packages that are installed into that package group. Resources in the package that can be used by other package groups are placed in the shared resources directory.
Shared resources directory
The shared resources directory is where installation artifacts are located that can be used by one or more package groups.
You can specify the shared resources directory only the first time that you install a package. Use your largest drive for this installation. You cannot change the directory location until you uninstall all packages.
To change the shared resources directory, you must uninstall all installed packages, then reinstall the packages to the new shared resources directory location.
Group mode
On Linux, UNIX and z/OS platforms, users can share packages in a common location and manage the packages with the same instance of Installation Managerusing group mode. You can start Installation Manager in group mode with the ./IBMIM command. Group mode is not available on Windows and IBM i platforms.
When you are installing Installation Manager or packages in group mode, the installation location includes the specified directory path for packages belonging to that group.
You can specify a shared resources directory and create a package group when running Installation Manager in group mode.
The shared resources directory in group mode can be specified only the first time you install a package. Use your largest drive for this installation. You cannot change the directory location until you uninstall all packages.
Related information
Create shortcuts in group mode
Set permissions in group mode