The version naming scheme for IBM MQ for Multiplatforms
IBM MQ uses a three digit Version, Release, and Modification (VRM) for CD releases, and a four-digit Version, Release, Modification, and Fix (VRMF) for LTS releases.
The VRMF acronym stands for:Version.Release.Modification.Fix
Versions and releases of IBM MQ are known by the first two digits of the VRMF. The two digits are sometimes prefixed by a V, such as V9.0. A version of IBM MQ always has a release level, even if it is the first release in a version. A new version or release has a new service end date. To run a queue manager at a different VR level, we must migrate the queue manager, its applications, and the environment in which it runs.
The third digit in the VRMF identifies the modification level of a release. A change in the third digit does not change the release. For example, after upgrading IBM MQ to modification level 9.0.1, the release of IBM MQ remains 9.0. However the command level does change to 901. New modification levels generally do not result in a new service end date, but if a modification level is announced then a new service end date might be announced too.
The fourth digit in the VRMF represents the fix pack level. For example, the first fix pack of the IBM MQ Version 9.2.0 LTS release is numbered 9.2.0.1. Fix levels do not affect the command level of the queue manager. No migration is required, and fix levels do not affect the service end date of a release.
Version naming for Long Term Support and Continuous Delivery
For Long Term Support (LTS) releases, the number consists of a four digit
VRMF.
For Continuous Delivery (CD) releases, the number consists of a three digit VRM.
Where a fourth digit is added to the code, it is always a zero.
9.1.0.4, 9.2.0.2, and 9.2.5 are examples of IBM MQ version codes.
In general, the two release types are distinguishable by the modification number:- Long Term Support releases always have a modification number of zero, for example 9.1.0 and 9.2.0.
- Continuous Delivery releases generally have a modification number that is non-zero, for example, 9.1.4, 9.1.5, and so on.
We can find the full version level of an IBM MQ installation by typing the command DSPMQVER, or DSPMQMVER on IBM i. The command returns the full three-digit VRM, or four-digit VRMF.
Applying updates
Fix packs for a particular version/release are cumulative, from the initial release. We can apply any higher numbered fix pack of the same version/release to upgrade directly to that version level. You do not have to apply the intervening fixes.
We can also refresh the full version of IBM MQ by installing a manufacturing refresh that is available online or on physical media. The result of installing a manufacturing refresh is almost the same as applying a fix pack to an earlier fix level of IBM MQ. However there is one important difference: Fix packs are applied using a maintenance procedure, manufacturing refreshes are installed using an installation procedure. We can "unapply" a fix pack to return to the previous fix level you had installed. We can only uninstall a manufacturing refresh, which removes IBM MQ from the system.
In addition to manufacturing refreshes and fix packs, we are also occasionally directed by Service to apply interim fixes. Interim fixes are also known as emergency or test fixes, and are used to apply urgent updates that cannot wait for the next fix pack or manufacturing refresh. Interim fixes are known either by their fix name, which follows the same naming scheme as fix packs, or by the list of APARs they fix. When you apply a new fix pack or manufacturing refresh, all interim fixes are removed. The documentation with the fix pack or manufacturing refresh tells you if the APARs associated with the interim fixes you have applied have been fixed. If they have not, check to see if there are new interim fixes, at the new level, for the APARs that concern you. If there are not, consult Service. They might either tell you to reapply the interim fix, or supply a new interim fix.
You get manufacturing refreshes, fix packs and interim fixes through Passport Advantage and Fix Central. See Where to find downloadable installation images.
Parent topic: Maintain and migrate IBM MQRelated concepts
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