Gen 8.5 z/OS IT and upgrades to Gen 8.6

Products

• Gen

Issue/Introduction

As part of current architecture, we 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 I 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

1. Using 8.6 generated code with the 8.5 z/OS IT has never been certified. Gen 8.5 reached End Of Service on June 30, 2021, refer to Gen Release and Support Lifecycle Dates. The 8.6 z/OS IT should be installed for 8.6 generated code to ensure a fully supported Gen 8.6 runtime software environment is being used.
   
   
2. Gen 8.6 z/OS IT information:
   
   
3. 1. 1. Prerequisites:
         The Gen 8.6 Technical Requirements page Development Platform Environments lists Enterprise COBOL for z/OS Implementation Toolset. DB2 is required for precompiles/binds. Supported versions of z/OS, COBOL and DB2 are all listed for 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 Gen 8.6 techdocs Install Gen on z/OS and Configuring z/OS Implementation Toolset. Note, you cannot use the z/OSMF (level set 2210) workflows for z/OS IT upgrade installations. These z/OSMF workflows are for installing a new z/OS Gen IT database. 
         
         
      3. Install Gen 8.6 IT using z/OSMF or Pax file. The Broadcom Support Portal specific pages to download the current installation media are:
         z/OSMF (level set 2210)
         Pax file (level set 2111)
         
         
      4. After installing, refer to these techdocs pages which explain the z/OS Implementation Toolset.
         
         
      5. Another important point:
         All Gen 8.6 software on all platforms should be upgraded to Gen 8.6 complete via published PTFs after the initial product install to pick up the latest features and patches. For z/OS, see the page Apply Preventive Maintenance. This KB article can help, Gen 8.6 PTFs - check current and apply missing.