IBM Support

Support policy statement for IBM TXSeries for Multiplatforms fix packs; interim fixes; test fixes, IBM Total Content Ownership agreements, and IBM Software Accelerated Value Program

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Abstract

This flash describes the role and purpose of IBM® TXSeries™ for Multiplatforms® fix packs, interim fixes, test fixes, and more fee-based support offerings.

Content


IBM does not warrant that our products are defect free. However, we do endeavor to fix them to work as designed.

TXSeries for Multiplatforms fix packs
Software maintenance for TXSeries for Multiplatforms is provided if you purchased the product under the Passport Advantage® (PA) program. Fix packs or PTFs contain fixes for known defects. 

Fix packs are thoroughly tested by IBM and are available for download from IBM Fix Central. They are released on a periodical basis. Fix packs are cumulative, and include all previously delivered fixes for that release. IBM retrofits new fixes into earlier fix packs on an exception basis.

IBM recommends that you maintain your TXSeries system environments at the latest fix pack level. However, you do not have to apply the latest fix pack in order to contact the IBM TXSeries technical support team. Ensure that your PA Software Maintenance agreement is current. If you encounter a known problem that is addressed in a released fix pack, the solution is to apply the appropriate fix pack.

Interim fixes
You might encounter a new problem that is not yet fixed in a fix pack. If available, TXSeries technical support provides a bypass or workaround for the problem until the fix is delivered. If no bypass or workaround is available, TXSeries technical support might be able to provide an interim fix, which is temporary. Such a temporary fix is designed to overcome the problem encountered until the next fix pack is released.

The decision to create an interim fix is taken by IBM on a case-by-case basis. TXSeries interim fixes are cumulative, and include all interim fixes that were released after the release of the last fix pack.

Unlike fix packs, interim fixes receive limited testing by IBM. The interim fixes must be used for a limited time until the fix can be incorporated into a fix pack and made available. TXSeries interim fixes are typically supported for a maximum of 90 days after the fix pack containing the interim fix is officially released. During the period, you need to acquire and apply the new fix pack that incorporates the fix originally provided as an interim fix. If you remain at the interim-fix level beyond the time, then later fixes are provided only at the new fix pack level.

Interim fixes are not provided for defects that are already fixed in a released fix pack. If you require more specific and customized support, consider the IBM Total Content Ownership agreement or IBM Software Accelerated Value Program.

Test Fixes
Some problems might require gathering additional information from your environment. There might be also situations where a potential fix is required to be verified in your environment before including the fix in a fix pack or releasing the fix as an interim fix. In these environments, IBM might offer customers a test fix, which could contain code for gathering more debug information and potential fixes. Test fixes are also cumulative, and include all interim fixes released after the last released fix pack.

Test fixes receive limited testing by IBM. The test fixes must be used for a limited time only. When a proper fix is identified, it is incorporated into a fix pack or released as an interim fix and made available. Test fixes for TXSeries are not supported, and you are advised to migrate to the corresponding interim fix or fix pack as soon as it is released.


More Offerings: IBM Total Content Ownership and IBM Software Accelerated Value Program
You might require more control over the amount of change introduced in the software environment than what is offered by the fix deliverables available under PA Software Maintenance. For example, you might want to remain at an earlier fix pack level but might also want APAR fixes contained in later fix packs. If you require more selective defect support customized for the TXSeries environment, then IBM offers Total Content Ownership (TCO) agreements for an extra fee. With the TCO, IBM can provide fixes at your current level, if it is technically feasible. This type of support is not included with PA Software Maintenance. For further information on TCO support offerings, contact your IBM representative.

The IBM Software Accelerated Value Program is designed for the needs of IBM customers who require a more personalized, customized approach to support than that is available through the standard support offered through PA. In this service, IBM offers a customized support program suitable to your environment and requirements.

For more information on IBM Software Accelerated Value Program, contact your IBM representative.

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Document Information

Modified date:
03 September 2021

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swg21663762