Gen 8.5 to 8.6 upgrade and use of z/OS IT

Products

Gen

Issue/Introduction

As part of current architecture, use Gen 8.5 z/OS Implementation Toolset (IT) to install/deploy COBOL generated Cooperative Server modules.
As part of the upgrade to 8.6, will install Gen 8.6 Developer Toolset and Encyclopedia Server (CSE).

1. In addition to the Gen 8.6 Toolset & CSE installs, does the 8.6 version of the z/OS IT also need to be installed?

2. If do not wish to install the 8.6 z/OS IT, will the current 8.5 version of the z/OS IT be compatible with Gen 8.6 generated code?

Environment

Gen z/OS Implementation Toolset

Resolution

Support don't believe that using 8.6 generated code with the 8.5 z/OS IT has ever been certified.
In addition and more importantly, Gen 8.5 reached End Of Service on June 30, 2021.
Therefore irrespective of any compatibility questions of using an 8.5 z/OS IT to install and run Gen 8.6 generated code, the 8.6 z/OS IT should definitely be installed to ensure a fully supported Gen 8.6 generated code and runtime software environment is being used.
Further details of Gen 8.5 End of Service date can be found under Gen Release and Support Lifecycle Dates which is also accessible from the Gen Product home page here: https://support.broadcom.com/group/ecx/productdetails?productName=Gen
Gen 8.6 z/OS IT information:
1. Prerequisites:
  The Gen 8.6 Technical Requirements page Development Platform Environments just lists Enterprise COBOL for Implementation Toolset - z/OS. DB2 would also be required for precompiles/binds.
  Supported versions of z/OS, COBOL and DB2 are also all listed on the Technical Requirements page Third-Party Software Version. That page also references the z/OS Gen Compatibility Matrix which covers all third-party software.
2. The install and configuration steps for the z/OS Implementation Toolset (IT) can be found in the Install Gen on z/OS section of the Gen 8.6 techdocs.
  The z/OS IT cannot be upgraded in place i.e. it is a straight install.
3. Install using z/OSMF or Pax file: Install Gen on z/OS
  To help further, the Broadcom Support Portal specific pages to download the installation media are here:
  z/OSMF (level set 2210): https://support.broadcom.com/group/ecx/productfiles?subFamily=GEN&sellable=GENITS002&release=8.6&os=MVS&servicePk=2210&language=EN
  Pax file (level set 2111): https://support.broadcom.com/group/ecx/productfiles?subFamily=GEN&sellable=GENITS002&release=8.6&os=MVS&servicePk=2111&language=EN
4. After installing the main techdocs page is z/OS Implementation Toolset
5. Another very important point:
  All Gen 8.6 software on all platforms should be upgraded to Gen 8.6 complete via published PTFs after the initial install to pick up the latest features and patches. For z/OS see the page Apply Preventive Maintenance. The steps also depend on whether CSM is or is not being used.
  If CSM is not being used this KB article can help: Gen 8.6 PTFs - check current and apply missing