Free IBM Tools

IBM has created several freely available tools that can help you to manage your systems:

1. Fix Level Recommendation Tool

This tool does a general health-check of the packages currently loaded on to your system and also recommends available updates and fixes:

http://www-304.ibm.com/support/customercare/flrt/

2. System Planning Tool

This is available both online and as a Java program that can be installed on your Windows desktop. The SPT helps you to design and verify system configurations and partition layouts. It can be used to create new hardware orders, and to calculate licence and resource usage:

http://www-947.ibm.com/systems/support/tools/systemplanningtool/download.shtml

Remember to keep this tool updated in order that it includes the latest hardware and components.

3. AIX Linux Toolbox

Many open-source tools are available for AIX and have been compiled and placed in a single convenient location:

http://www-03.ibm.com/systems/power/software/aix/linux/index.html

Note: There are several other locations where you can download ready-made RPM's, or you can also compile them from source.

4. AIX Support Centre Tools

These are freely available tools and utilities:

http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=aixtools_home


5. IBM Fix Central

You should regularly visit this site to check for patches and updates for your OS, hardware, and firmware. This includes Hardware Management Consoles (HMC), and Virtual IO Servers (VIOS):

http://www-933.ibm.com/support/fixcentral/