Subject: Fix Level Recommendation Tool

Audience: All

Date: September 9, 2006

Here's a new URL to determine whether you have the recommended combination of AIX, microcode, HMC and VIO

http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/flrt/home

Be sure to keep your software and microcode levels "compatible and current". My "preventative maintenance" guidelines are

1. Upgrade on a 6-12 month cycle.
2. Upgrade to the "n-1" level b (where "n" is the current level)
3. No TIP'ing (testing in production)

Again, these are guidelines. Exceptions include new equipment (which often requires the current level), upgrading to the current level to fix a known problem or for new functionality.