On 23rd June 2023, IBM released version 2.3.3.7 of IBM Cloud Pak System. This release is only available for IBM Cloud Pak System W3700 model, based on Power CPUs. The latest release for Intel-based IBM Cloud Pak Systems is 2.3.3.6 that was released on 31st March this year.
Release 2.3.3.7 is the first release available for Power-based models since 2.3.2.0. So what’s new with 2.3.3.7?
To summarise, this release is the opportunity to refresh this CPS platform to have it up-to-date and in line with the Intel-based CPS models.
The most visible change is the new IBM Cloud Pak System graphical user interface which is now common between Power and Intel models.
Under the covers, the upgrade to v2.3.3.7 includes a lot of new firmwares for internal components, including CMM (Chassis Management Modules), storage (IBM Storwize V7000), compute nodes, TOR (Top of Rack) switches, Fibre Channel switches (on W3700+ models). As a consequence, be aware that the upgrade process will take longer than usual. For details about the upgrade procedure, you can have a look at this page of IBM Support website.
The 2.3.3.7 release focuses on security: 28 CVEs are fixed, related to Apache Log4J, Java, OpenSSL or Golang Go both on IBM Cloud Pak System and on the IBM OS image for AIX Systems that is provided with the product. Also, IBM Cloud Pak System now supports Transport Layer Security (TLS) 1.2.
Because this release is cumulating several versions since 2.3.2.0, it contains a lot of bug fixes. A list of the APARs fixed in 2.3.3.7 is available here and you can find the long list of release notes here.
The catalog of IBM Cloud Pak System is also widely refreshed:
- The IBM OS image for AIX Systems is now using AIX 7.2, AIX 7.1 being deprecated.
- The OS Pattern Kit has been also renewed. Note that OS Pattern Kit for pLinux on Power has been removed.
- Most of the pattern types have been updated, including the Foundation pattern type and the IBM Application Pattern for Java.
- The IBM WebSphere Application Server pattern now supports traditional WAS 9.0.5.15 and 8.5.5.23 and WebSphere Liberty 23.0.0.3.
- IBM Db2 11.1 is deprecated and replaced by Db2 11.5. Be aware that, with IBM Cloud Pak System Software Suite offering, you’re entitled for IBM Db2 Advanced Edition V11.5.8.0 Special Build 26513, but, for IBM Cloud Pak System and IBM Cloud Pak System Software offerings, you must bring your own license.
- IBM Spectrum Scale version 5.1.7.0, IBM Tivoli Monitoring 6.3.0.7 SP 14 and IBM Endpoint Manager client and Relay 10.0.8.37 are now supported.
Some pattern types are deprecated or removed such as the Docker pattern type on Power (deprecated), IBM Common Services on OpenShift® Container Platform Pattern, IBM Cloud Automation Manager Pattern and IBM Common Services Pattern (these three patterns are no longer available). In line with CPS release 2.3.3.2, entitlement for IBM BigFix has been also removed. Customer needs to contact HCL to get HCL BigFix entitlement directly from the vendor.
In conclusion, if you own an IBM Cloud Pak System W3700, this new 2.3.3.7 release is a must-have to make it up-to-date and fix security vulnerabilities and defects. As always, to request an upgrade for your system, you must open a case (Severity 4 only) from the MySupport page.
IBM Cloud Pak System 