Everything You Always Needed to Know About zEnterprise Server Firmware Support and Maintenance

Come to this session to learn about IBM support and service for zEnterprise server Licensed Internal Code (LIC), "firmware". Learn how server function is packaged into Engineering Change streams that are combined into a "Driver" level to support General Availability (GA) of a new server or significant mid-life functional enhancements to one already installed. Learn how Machine Change Levels (MCLs) to provide functional LIC enhancements and problem fixes are tested, organized into bundles, released to  IBM Remote Support Facility (RSF), and applied to your servers.  Learn how to have complete visibility of your System z server LIC and MCL levels and how to work effectively with IBM Service and Product Engineering using function available on a Hardware Management Console (HMC) and information on the Resource Link website including Driver Exception Letters, Hiper MCL Notifications, Machine Alerts, and Machine Information Reports. Learn about recommended best practices for:
RSF "phone home" setup using broadband, concurrent migration to a newer Driver level with Enhanced Driver Maintenance, concurrent application of MCL Bundles, and activation of "pending" MCLs. Learn how IBM handles hardware problem records (PMHs and the new PMVs) and how to open one yourself using "Report a Problem" on an HMC.

Tracks: z/OS Systems Programming