Roadmap: Applying maintenance

Portal maintenance is delivered through two mechanisms: individual fixes (iFixes) and combined cumulative fixes. iFixes are provided, when necessary, for severe or security-related bugs. Combined cumulative fixes are delivered on a regular schedule. They provide a mechanism to deliver fixes faster, improve existing features, deliver new features, update documentation, and provide new documentation on a frequent basis. To deliver continuous improvements for your digital experience software, it is recommended that you apply the latest Combined Cumulative Fix to your environment.

Use this roadmap to learn more about the following information:
  • What the latest Combined Cumulative Fix contains
  • How to apply the latest combined cumulative fix
  • How to configure and enable new Combined Cumulative Fix features

Who should use this roadmap

Use this roadmap if you:
  • Installed HCL Portal V8.5 for the first time and want to apply an iFix or the latest Combined Cumulative Fix.
  • Need a high-level view of which features or improvements are ready to use by default after you apply the latest Combined Cumulative Fix and which features need additional configuration.

What is continuous delivery

Continuous delivery is short development cycles with continuous integration and automated tests. The result is a releasable product at any time. Continuous delivery has the following benefits:
  • Accelerated time to market
  • Building the right product
  • Improved productivity and efficiency
  • Reliable releases
  • Improved product quality
  • Improved customer satisfaction

The continuous delivery features are delivered with the combined cumulative fixes.

Learning about this Combined Cumulative Fix

Some combined cumulative fixes focus on fixing known issues that are identified by Defect Articles. Other cumulative fixes are focused on new features.

Procedure

  1. View a list of APAR fixes delivered a combined cumulative fix.

    Documentation resource: Fixes integrated in HCL Portal 8.5 Combined Cumulative Fixes

  2. Get an overview of the features and improvements delivered in the latest combined cumulative fix. Click the document resource for features that you want to use. The documentation provides information on how to enable and use the new feature.

    Documentation resource: What's new in the combined cumulative fixes

Applying a Combined Cumulative Fix

To apply a Combined Cumulative Fix, you must update the product files with IBM® Installation Manager. You must also update properties files, download the cumulative fix, and run ConfigEngine tasks to apply the changes to each profile in your system. The HCL Digital Experience V8.5.0.0 Combined Cumulative Fix readme file provides detailed instructions on how to apply a fix and planning information.

Before you begin

Use the Health Checker tool to identify issues with your installation. Use the Health Checker tool on your target system before you apply a Combined Cumulative Fix. You can learn more about how to apply the Health Checker tool in the readme instructions.

Individual fixes: Individual fixes (iFixes) are included in the Combined Cumulative Fix. However, if you need a fix before the Combined Cumulative Fix is available, you can install the iFix. More information about Fixes for HCL Digital Experience can also be found in the HCL Software Support site. To install a Fix, download it from the HCL Software License Portal page and use the IBM® Installation Manager to update the portal server. An iFix can be installed with the Installation Manager GUI or command line interface. It can also be automated with a response file. Most iFixes also require a command to update your profile. This requirement differs with each fix. Refer to the readme file that comes with the iFix for details.
iFixes required for CF08: Install one of the following iFixes, based on your system, before you upgrade:

Procedure

To apply this cumulative fix, follow the readme file instructions that apply to your environment. You can find separate instructions for stand-alone, cluster, farm, and remote search environments from the overview topic.