Online mode of patch management for AIX

In versions earlier than BMC Server Automation version 8.2, only the Offline mode of patch management for the IBM AIX OS was supported. In Offline mode, all patches are downloaded to a local repository and applied to target servers from that repository. Offline mode works well for customers working in air-gapped environments in which the BMC Server Automation Application Server lacks external Internet access. However, even customers working in environments with Internet access had to download and apply patches from a local repository.

BMC Server Automation version 8.2 supports Online mode for patch management, in addition to Offline mode, for the AIX OS. Online mode enables customers working in environments with Internet access to download and apply patches directly from the product site. The following sections describe how to use the Online mode for AIX. For details about patch management, see the BMC Server Automation User Guide.

AIX patch catalog changes for Online mode

The AIX Catalog tab defines a number of options including locations (such as locations of the source files and the repository), filters, and whether local copies of the files are created on the target server or downloaded directly during deployment.

Catalog Mode

In BMC Server Automation version 8.2, the Catalog Mode contains the Source from IBM Network (Online Mode) option. Use this option if the BMC Server Automation Application Server is installed on a server with Internet access. Credentials are not required.

Repository Options for Online mode

You do not need to specify the URL of the patch files. The patches are downloaded directly from the AIX website.

You enter the NSH path to the location where the patch repository is located in the Repository Location (NSH path) text box. This location must be hosted on an AIX OS. BMC recommends that this location have ample free space. Repositories typically contain many files, usually totaling gigabytes of data.

Note

Because you do not need to specify the URL of the patch files, the Payload Source Location (NSH path) option appears dimmed.

Depot Object Options for Online mode

The Depot Object Options for Online mode are similar to the Depot Object options for Offline mode.

RBAC Policy for Online mode

The RBAC Policy for Online mode is similar to the RBAC Policy for Offline mode.

OS Base Version

The OS Base Version for Online mode is similar to the OS Base Version for Offline mode.

Filters for Online mode

The Filters for Online mode are similar to the Filters for Offline mode.