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Virtual I/O Server (VIOS) Maintenance Strategy

Preventive Service Planning


Abstract

This document describes how updates are delivered for the PowerVM Virtual I/O Server (VIOS).

Content

VIOS Release and Fix Level

The VIOS level is obtained from the ioslevel command and uses the V.R.M.F format.  The VIOS level can be broken down into two parts:
V.R.M – VIOS Release
F – Fix Level
For example, a system with ioslevel reporting 3.1.3.40 would be running VIOS Release 3.1.3 and Fix Level 40.

Interim Fixes and Fix Packs

The VIOS service stream has two delivery vehicles: interim fixes and fix packs
Targeted changes are delivered by interim fixes that apply to a specific VIOS level and do not affect the VIOS level when applied.  Fixes for these issues are typically bundled into a subsequent fix pack.

Moving a VIOS to a new release or fix level is accomplished by applying a fix pack. Fix packs deliver both fixes and new hardware enablement.  Fix packs that update the release level also deliver new software features.

Service Packs (deprecated)

Before December 2022, moving a VIOS to a new fix level could also be accomplished by applying a Service Pack.  These contained fixes and new hardware enablement but only applied to a single release and would not update a VIOS to a new release level.

Migration

Moving a VIOS to a new V.R value requires VIOS migration, which is beyond the scope of this document.

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Document Information

Modified date:
28 November 2022

UID

ibm16824225