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Abstract
This document describes the role and purpose of Db2 Mod Packs, Fix Packs, Special Builds, and the IBM Expertise Connect(aka IBM Accelerated Value Program).
Content
Db2® Mod and Fix Packs
Db2 Database for Linux®, UNIX®, and Windows® software maintenance is provided to customers who have purchased products under the Passport Advantage® (PA) program. Db2 Mod Packs and Fix Packs are the primary maintenance delivery vehicles for Db2 database products and are released on a periodic basis. They follow the IBM Maintenance Delivery Vehicle standard four part product signature numbering scheme. Mod Packs are used to indicate new significant features and also contain fixes for known defects. Fix Packs contain fixes for known defects.
Although IBM recommends that customers maintain their Db2 database system environments at the latest Mod Pack or Fix Pack level, you do not have to apply the latest Mod Pack or Fix Pack in order to contact IBM Db2 technical support. All that is required is that your Passport Advantage Software Maintenance agreement is current. However, if it is determined that you have encountered a known problem that is addressed in a released Mod Pack or Fix Pack, the solution is to apply the appropriate Mod Pack or Fix Pack. IBM retrofits only new fixes into an earlier Mod Pack or Fix Pack on an exception basis.
Db2 Cumulative Special Builds
You might encounter a new problem that is not yet fixed in a Mod Pack or Fix Pack. In this case, IBM Db2 technical support will first try to provide you with a bypass or workaround for the problem. If no bypass or workaround is available, IBM Db2 technical support might be able to provide a Cumulative Special Build (CSB). A CSB is designed to make fixes available to customers faster while maintaining the same reliability of a Fix Pack. We recommend to apply the most recently published CSB as soon as it is released.
Since v11.5.4, IBM maintains code stream for Cumulative Special Build and performs extensive quality assurance on it. This means CSBs are always built in cumulative manner based on the latest Fix Pack for the current Mod Pack or the one earlier. This practice ensures much improved quality in CSBs, compared to Special Builds in previous releases.
Basically, the CSBs are released as needed and the download links are shared through Cases opened with IBM Db2 technical support. IBM Db2 technical support also publishes a list of Known Issues (KIs) fixed in a specific CSB and its download link in a technote every 4 to 8 weeks. The link to the technote for the published CSBs are listed in the Fix Pack download page. The schedule is subject to change.
Effective December 2021, as new Mod or Fix Packs are released, CSBs are built on the latest two Mod Pack code streams.
It is recommended to apply a Mod Pack or Fix Pack containing the CSB fix as soon as it is released. Db2 CSB is not provided for defects that are already fixed in a released Mod Pack or Fix Pack.
The IBM Expertise Connect Program is designed for the needs of IBM customers who require a more personalized, custom approach to support than that available through standard support or MLC subscription. In this service, IBM pairs your department or organization with assigned experts to serve as your focal point for support services. The Technical Account Manager works with you to become familiar with your specific environment, the skill levels of your support staff, your status/reporting needs, and other factors that influence your support experience, then works with you to establish a communication and reporting structures that fit with how you do business. Through proactive support, the IBM Expertise Connect helps you plan for ways to avoid encountering known product issues, and through skill sharing they help your organization enhance their skills in using IBM software.
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Modified date:
08 April 2024
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