Hardware and software requirements on IBM i systems

Check that the server environment meets the prerequisites for installing IBM MQ for IBM i. Check the product readme files and install missing prerequisite software supplied on the server CD.

Before installation, you must check that your system meets the hardware and software requirements set out in the IBM MQ system requirements page. See System Requirements for IBM MQ. You must also review the release notes file, which are on the product CD in the \Readmes folder for each national language, and check the READADD.txt file for any changes made between translation and the manufacturing of the installation CD. READADD.txt is found in the root directory of the server installation CD.

During installation, the release notes file is copied to the IBM MQ program files folder (default /QIBM/ProdData/mqm).


Storage requirements for IBM MQ server

The storage requirements for IBM i depend on which components you install, and how much working space you need. The storage requirements also depend on the number of queues that we use, the number and size of the messages on the queues, and whether the messages are persistent. You also require archiving capacity on disk, tape, or other media. For more information, see System Requirements for IBM MQ.

Disk storage is also required:

  • Prerequisite software
  • Optional software
  • Your application programs


Install prerequisite software

To install the prerequisite software provided on the IBM MQ Server CD (which does not include service packs or web browsers), do one of the following:

  • Use the IBM MQ installation procedure.

    When you install using the IBM MQ Server CD, there is a Software Prerequisites option in the IBM MQ Installation Launchpad window. We can use this option to check what prerequisite software is already installed and which is missing, and to install any missing software.


Use TLS Version 1.2

TLS version 1.2 is the latest version of the Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocol. The core System TLS v1.2 functionality is included in IBM i 7.1 Technology Refresh 6 (TR6). To enable and use the new protocols, program temporary fixes (PTFs) from multiple areas of the operating system are also required.

Provided DCM (5770SS1 option 34) is installed on your system, requesting and applying SI48659 obtains all of the enablement PTFs.

System value changes

The new support is installed, but dormant in System SSL after applying SI48659.

In order to activate the new protocols for System SSL, use Change System Value (CHGSYSVAL) to modify The QSSLPCL system value.

Change the default value of *OPSYS to:

  • *TLSV1.2
  • *TLSV1.1
  • *TLSV1
  • *SSLV3
If QSSLPCL is set to something other than *OPSYS, add *TLSV1.2 and *TLSV1.1 to the existing setting.


Prerequisite PTFs for multiple certificate support

You are not limited to a single certificate for TLS channels. To use multiple certificates on IBM i platforms, you must install the following program temporary fixes (PTFs):

See Digital certificate labels: understanding the requirements for details about how to select certificates by using certificate labels.