SMP/E can install a large variety of system updates, provided they
are packaged as a system modification or SYSMOD. A SYSMOD is the actual package
of elements and control information that SMP/E needs to install and track
system modifications.
SYSMODs are composed of a combination of elements and control information.
They are comprised of two parts, as follows:
- Modification control statements (MCSs), designated by ++ as the first
two characters, that tell SMP/E:
- What elements are being updated or replaced
- How the SYSMOD relates to product software and other SYSMODs
- Other specific installation information
- Modification text, which is the object modules, macros, and other elements
supplied by the SYSMOD
There are four different categories of SYSMODs, each supporting a task
you might want to perform:
- FUNCTION
- This type of SYSMOD introduces a new product, a new version or release
of a product, or updated functions for an existing product into the system.This
type of SYSMOD introduces a new product, a new version or release of a product,
or updated functions for an existing product into the system.
- PTF
- A program temporary fix (PTF) is an IBM-supplied correction
for a reported problem. They are meant to be installed in all environments.
PTFs may be used as preventive service to avoid certain known problems that
may have not yet appeared on your system, or they may be used as corrective
service to fix problems you have already encountered. The installation of
a PTF must always be preceded by that of a function SYSMOD, and often other
PTFs as well.
- APAR
- An authorized program analysis report (APAR) is a temporary
fix designed to correct or bypass a problem for the first reporter of the
problem. An APAR might not be applicable to your environment. The installation
of an APAR must always be preceded by that of a function SYSMOD, and sometimes
of a particular PTF. That is, an APAR is designed to be installed on a particular
preventive-service level of an element.
- USERMOD
- This type of SYSMOD is created by you, either to change IBM® code or to
add independent functions to the system. The installation of a USERMOD must
always be preceded by that of a function SYSMOD, sometimes certain PTFs, APAR
fixes, or other USERMODs.
SMP/E keeps track of the functional and service levels of each element
and uses this SYSMOD hierarchy to determine such things as which functional
and service levels of an element should be installed and the correct order
for installing updates for elements.