Searching knowledge bases

We can often find solutions to problems by searching IBM knowledge bases. We can optimize your results using available resources, support tools, and search methods.

We can find useful information by searching the IBM Knowledge Center for this product. However, sometimes we need to look beyond the IBM Knowledge Center to answer your questions or resolve problems.

To search knowledge bases for information that we need, use one or more of the following approaches:

• Search for content using the IBM Support Assistant (ISA).

  ISA is a no-charge software serviceability workbench that helps you answer questions and resolve problems with IBM software products. We can find instructions for downloading and installing ISA on the ISA website.

• Find the content that we need using the IBM Support Portal.

  The IBM Support Portal is a unified, centralized view of all technical support tools and information for all IBM systems, software, and services. The IBM Support Portal lets you access the IBM electronic support portfolio from one place. We can tailor the pages to focus on the information and resources that we need for problem prevention and faster problem resolution.

• Search for content using the IBM masthead search. We can use the IBM masthead search by typing your search string into the Search field at the top of any ibm.com page.

• Search for content using any external search engine, such as Google, Yahoo, or Bing. If we use an external search engine, your results are more likely to include information that is outside the ibm.com domain. However, sometimes we can find useful problem-solving information about IBM products in newsgroups, forums, and blogs that are not on ibm.com.Tip: Include IBM and the name of the product in the search if we are looking for information about an IBM product.

Parent topic: Support Information