The recommended steps for migrating to a new release of SMP/E are:

1. Become familiar with the supporting migration and installation documentation for the release.

   Determine what updates are needed for products that are supplied by IBM®, system libraries, and non-IBM products. Review z/OS Planning for Installation and z/OS Introduction and Release Guide for information about SMP/E and other z/OS® elements.

2. Develop a migration plan for your installation.

   When planning to migrate to a new release of SMP/E, you must consider high-level support requirements, such as machine and programming restrictions, migration paths, and program compatibility.

3. Obtain and install any required program temporary fixes (PTFs) or updated versions of the operating system.

   Call the IBM Software Support Center to obtain the preventive service planning (PSP) upgrade for SMP/E, which provides the most current information about PTFs for SMP/E. Check RETAIN® again just before testing SMP/E. For information about how to request the PSP upgrade, refer to the SMP/E Program Directory. Although the SMP/E Program Directory contains a list of the required PTFs, the most current information is available from the IBM Software Support Center.

4. Install the product using the SMP/E Program Directory or the ServerPac Installing Your Order documentation.
5. Verify that any application programs that use the SMP/E API will continue to run and, if necessary, make changes to ensure compatibility with the new release.
6. Use the new release before initializing major new function.
7. If necessary, customize the new function for your installation.
8. Exercise the new functions.