For an overview of this release of the product, see the topics in the Introduction to Rational Application Developer section of the help.
For information about hardware and software requirements for installing the product, see http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg27014264
For instructions on how to install the product, see the topics in the Installing Rational Application Developer section of the online help.
If you download the electronic images of your product from Passport Advantage, follow the instructions in the download document that is available at http://www.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg24032379.
For information about features that are removed or deprecated in Rational Application Developer, Version 8.5.1, see http://www.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg27024872.
For information about the APARs fixed in Rational Application Developer, Version 8.5.1, see http://www.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg27024873.
For FAQs, lists of known problems and fixes, and other support information, visit the product support page for Rational Application Developer at http://www-947.ibm.com/support/entry/portal/Overview/Software/Rational/Rational_Application_Developer_for_WebSphere_Software.
For information about updates or fixes to the version 8.5.1 release, see http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg27007823.
Known problems are recorded in individual documents in the Support knowledge base at http://www-947.ibm.com/support/entry/portal/Overview/Software/Rational/Rational_brand_support_(general). As problems are discovered and resolved, the knowledge base is updated and maintained with new information. By searching the knowledge base, you can quickly find workarounds or solutions to problems.
For contact information and guidelines or reference materials that you need when you require support, read the IBM Software Support Handbook at http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/sas/f/handbook/home.html.
Before you contact IBM Rational Software Support, gather the background information that you will need to describe your problem. When describing a problem to an IBM software support specialist, be as specific as possible and include all relevant background information so that the specialist can help you solve the problem efficiently. To save time, know the answers to these questions: