12.1.6.203 Web Viewer - Can Passphrase Support Be Turned on Early?

Products

• Output Management Web Viewer

Issue/Introduction

With Linux servers (Redhat 7) running CA Web Viewer Build #203, are we allowed to turn-on (check the box) for passphrase support before the mainframe allows passphrases?  Web Viewer Build #193 added the passphrase support, but can it be turned-on early? We don't want to break the current systems. At the same time, we do want to be prepared when passphrase support is added to the mainframe down the road. 

Environment

Release : 12.1

Component : CA OUTPUT MANAGEMENT WEB VIEWER FOR ALL PLATFORMS

Resolution

If we're talking about the "PassPhrase Supported on LPAR" setting in Administration->Repository Definitions, that setting is only allowing > 8 characters for View Repository access credentials, which are relevant for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), but I suppose would be needed for PassPhrase enabled on Mainframe credentials as well, depending on the SECURITY= SAR parameter in CA View. Web Viewer is already able to handle PassPhrases for the Single Signon into Web Viewer automatically. Long story above short, it should not be a problem, but I would advise waiting until the PassPhrase is enabled on the mainframe LPARs, to see if it is needed when coordinated testing is occurring.

So, the short answer is, it's possible/allowable, but not recommended.