*** Please note that links to some security related APARs may not be available in the table above.  This is intentional for security purposes. ***

Database technology used in this release:

IBM API Connect relies on SQL and no-SQL database technology to provide persistent storage of objects required for the function of the product.  Database technology requires fast and reliable storage and in the case of a highly available configuration, the database must perform adequately in a clustered configuration.  

GlusterFS: Testing of IBM API Connect when using GlusterFS has shown that GlusterFS does not provide the speed or reliability for any of the database technologies used in IBM API Connect and thus should not be considered for use as the clustered storage facility with this product.

AWS EBS: IBM API Connect deployed on Kubernetes in EC2 instances on AWS should make use of the AWS EBS storage solution with GP2 or IO1 type.

Before upgrading to 2018.4.1.7-iFix1.5, it is highly recommended to have automatic backups configured in your environment and at least one successful backup complete before performing this upgrade.

We advise all users of prior version of API Connect v2018.x to install this update to take advantage of the fixes.

For more information about this release, see API Connect Knowledge Center: What's new in this release.

Support lifecycle policy for IBM API Connect Version 2018.4.1.7-iFix1.5:

IBM API Connect 2018.4.1.7-iFix1.5 is fix pack to a Long-Term Supported (LTS) release.  API Connect 2018.4.1.7-iFix1.5 is a recommended product level for which support, including defect and security updates, will be provided through cumulative, in-place Fix Packs until the effective end of service (EOS) date for IBM API Connect 2018.4.1.x.  An LTS release is intended for customers that may need a longer-term deployment for their environment. For more information, see IBM API Connect v2018.x Support Lifecycle.

Downloads:

SPECIAL NOTE FOR CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE API CONNECT V2018.4.1.7 INSTALLED:

**this only affects customer have installed fixpack 2018.4.1.7.  Customers upgrading from earlier versions are NOT affected**

Problem Statement:
Upgrade to 2018.4.1.7 - log-in fails due to duplicate users in database

Firmware Impacted: 
Fixpack 2018.4.1.7 upgrade only - i.e. Upgrading from any release to FP7

Summary: 
Login fails for any users (except admin) which existed in the developer portal prior to upgrade to 2018.4.1.7

Work-around: 
Delete all duplicated users from the portal database.
This work-around will remove both of the user entities from the portal, both of which are invalid. A new user will be created from information from the management server. Unless the user entity has been customized with extra fields in a site then all of the information is retrieved from the management server and nothing is lost.

Steps:
- Log into the portal site as admin
- Go to the People page ( <site_url>/admin/people ).
- You will see duplicate entries for users who are unable to log in.
- Select the duplicate users then select 'Cancel the selected User account(s)' from the Action dropdown.
- Press 'Apply to selected items'
- The users will be recreated on login or update from the management server (which will happen automatically after installing this fix).

NOTE: If you have customized user entities in your developer portal then please contact IBM Support.

Full installation files for IBM API Connect 2018.4.1.7-iFix1.5 and the IBM API Connect 2018.4.1.7-iFix1.5 Toolkit files can be downloaded from Fix Central :

Ensure that you have read and understood the installation instructions for OVAs and Containers before downloading and using the installation files. You can find detailed installation instructions in IBM API Connect Knowledge Center -- Installing API Connect .

Beginning with API Connect v2018.4.1.4, files for ICP Installation will be provided outside of the main fix pack availability but generally within a week of the fix pack, or subsequent iFix, availability date.  Please see the table below for the availability and download links from Fix Central.

ICP Installation Files for API Connect v2018.4.1.7-ifix1.0

IBM API Connect Local Test Environment is now available

The IBM API Connect Local Test Environment allows you to test APIs on your local machine, without the need to connect to an API Connect management server.  For more details, please see the IBM Knowledge Center

What is Fix Central (FC)?