Central site distribution concepts

Central site distribution is the process of duplicating the software of one iSeries server or duplicating the software of a logical partition, and distributing it to multiple iSeries™ servers.

• Central site distribution terminology
  These terms are specific to central site distribution.
• Overview of tasks to distribute software using central site distribution
  This information is an overview of the tasks involved in distributing software from a central system.
• Central site distribution of software license information
  You can distribute license information for software products that use i5/OS™ license management.
• Types of distribution media for central site distribution
  The types of distribution media available to the central system for central site distribution are image catalog (optical or tape), tape, digital video disc (DVD), and CD-ROM.
• Installation profiles for central site distribution
  IBM supplies four installation profiles that you can use to install the distribution media at the target systems. You can also customize these profiles to suit your specific needs.
• Benefits of using automatic installation and installation profiles to install distribution media
  Using an installation profile to install the media that contains licensed programs and application programs has several advantages.
• Installation methods for the target systems
  Automatic installation and manual installation are the two methods for installing the distribution media at the target systems. To help you decide which installation method to choose, review this information.
• Licensed program compression and decompression for central site distribution
  Consider the following information about compressing and decompressing objects before you create the distribution media:
• Central site distribution of primary and secondary language files
  You can use central site distribution to distribute primary language files and secondary language files.
• Central site distribution of program temporary fixes (PTFs)
  The central site distribution process allows you to apply fixes to the central system and distribute them to the target system. You apply fixes only once.