Pre-activation checklist

Use this checklist to help plan for Electronic Service Agent™ activation and to verify that you have completed all the preparation tasks.

Activation will be easier knowing the following information before starting activation:
  1. Start of changeEnsure you have the following required products installed (confirm by using the Display Software Resources (DSPSFWRSC) command):
    • 5722-SS1 - Option 34 (i5/OS™ - Digital Certificate Manager)
    • 5722-JC1 (IBM® Toolbox Kit for Java™)
    End of change
  2. Ensure the latest recommended PTFs for Electronic Service Agent are installed on i5/OS.
    1. Go to the Recommended fixesLink outside Information Center Web site.
    2. Under Recommended for specific products or functions, select V5R4, Electronic Service Agent as the topic, and click Go.
  3. Decide on the best method of connectivity. Service and support recommends the following methods for your systems or logical partitions (listed in order).
    1. Direct Internet from each logical partition or server: This method allows larger fix files to pass through the connection to the server. Each logical partition can receive the fixes it needs. It is also faster than modem dial-up.
    2. Shared direct Internet: This method allows larger fix files to pass through the connection to the server. It allows connectivity to be concentrated through one server or logical partition simplifying firewall rules. It is also faster than modem dial-up connection.
    3. Dial-up from the server, or shared dial-up (if you have logical partitions): If you do not have direct or shared direct Internet, you might choose to use shared dial-up connection. It is slower and restricts the file size that can pass through the connection.
  4. Ensure you have the required setup for the type of connection you are using:
    • If you are using a VPN connection:
      • VPN capability
      • The prerequisites for enabling service configurations over a direct Internet connection include:
        • The iSeries™ server must have a globally routable IP address, or the server must be behind a network address translation (NAT) firewall with a globally routable address.
        • Ensure that TCP/IP is active. You can start TCP/IP through the Start TCP/IP (STRTCP) command.
        • Ensure your default TCP/IP route, or a host route, directs traffic out the appropriate TCP/IP interface to the Internet to allow the VPN to be established to IBM.
        Note: For more information about different types of VPN connections, see Scenarios: Universal Connection.
    • If you are using a dial-up connection:
      • Refer to Modem and resource requirements to find out the requirements for Electronic Service Agent connections to IBM.
      • Verify that the connection number for AT&T Global Network Services (AGNS) is current. For the most up-to-date connection numbers, see the AT&T businessLink outside Information Center Web site, and select Help Center > Access Numbers.
      • Select modem resource for dial-up connections
      • Select dialing prefix for dial-up connections.
Parent topic: Electronic Service Agent