Preventive Service Planning
Abstract
IBM FlashSystem A9000/A9000R Code Update Recommendation
Content
This generalized recommendation is made available to assist our clients in implementing a code update strategy. It is a full field perspective, and as such, a customized recommendation which takes into account specifics such as business upgrade windows, length of time since last update, decommission plans, etc. may require assistance from local support teams.
In general, these recommendations assume planning updates to be done annually.
The word "must" when used in the notes below refers to bundles resolving specific problems for a targeted subset of A9000/A9000R systems. Code update information will be communicated via My Notifications to our clients or through Information Alerts to IBM Service colleagues
| Model | Machine Types | Minimum Level | Recommended "Go-To" Level | Latest level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A9000/R Models 415/425 (R12.0/R12.1/R12.2) | 9835, 9836, 9837, 9838 | Move to the recommended R12.3 microcode level | ||
| A9000/R Models 415/425 (R12.3) | 9835, 9836, 9837, 9838 |
12.3.2.d [Mar 2022]
(15)
|
12.3.2.d [Mar 2022]
(15)
|
12.3.2.e [Jan 2023]
|
Notes which describe exceptions to the matrix recommendations:
Note (15) A fix for systems using HyperSwap is included in 12.3.2.e. Also, a mitigation option and fix details are included in the following MyNotification: https://ibm.biz/BdPaS3
Historical notes:
Note (1) Systems on 12.2.0/12.2.0.a must have a patch installed to prevent Medium Error propagation issue as documented in the release notes - https://ibm.biz/BdYxuL
Note (2) Systems with future planned MES activity should be upgraded to 12.2.1.b-1 or higher.
Note (3) Systems with plans to leverage HyperScale Mobility should be upgraded to 12.2.1.b-1 or higher.
Note (4) System already on code level 12.2.1.b-1 need not upgrade to 12.2.1.b-2.
Note (5) Encrypted Systems - Systems that leverage or planning on leveraging the system encryption capabilities are recommended to upgrade to code level 12.3.1. See the following MyNotification - https://ibm.biz/BdzX2F.
Note (6) HyperSwap Systems - Systems that leverage the HyperSwap feature are recommended to upgrade to code level 12.3.1.
Note (7) Performance degradation during deletion or formatting - Known issue. See the following MyNotification - https://ibm.biz/BdzrxQ .
Note (8) Customers using Async Mirroring - Systems that are below code level 12.3 that are using or are planning to use Asynchronous mirroring with Model 415 must upgrade to code level 12.3.2.a-1, if the system is on Model 425 the system must upgrade to 12.3.2.a-3 (Release Notes reference SYS-307987).
Note (9) Model 425 systems that are running on 12.3.2.a, 12.3.2.a-1 or on 12.3.2.a-2, must upgrade to 12.3.2.a-3 or higher (Release Notes reference SYS-315562).
Note (10) A higher priority upgrade to the Recommended "Go To" Level should be set for Machine Types 9836 and 9838 that are below 12.3.2.a code level. The Recommended "Go To" level should be based on the system Model (415 vs 425) (Release Notes reference SYS-313410).
Note (11) Customers running versions 12.3.2 through 12.3.2.b and utilizing any type of mirroring relation need to follow the IBM recommendation in the following MyNotification: https://ibm.biz/BdfFvb
Note (12) Customers running versions 12.3.0 through 12.3.2.b and are using the vol_copy commands, need to follow the IBM recommendation in the following MyNotification: https://ibm.biz/BdfFv8
Note (13) Customers running versions earlier than 12.3.2.d with Machine Type 9386 or Machine Type 9838, be sure to follow the IBM recommendation within the following MyNotification: https://ibm.biz/BdfGHq
Note (14) Customers running versions earlier than 12.3.2.c need to upgrade to 12.3.2.c – Release Notes reference SYS-316012 - "Multiple cache failures may occur resulting in loss of access."
General Recommendations:
All systems running code levels below 12.3.2.b MUST be upgraded to code level 12.3.2.b or above, per recommendation table.
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Modified date:
28 May 2023
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