Today, I have some important information that I’d like to share with you!
Originally in July 2021 IBM announced that the Custompac (ISPF) installation method of ServerPac was planned for removal in January 2022. Then, due to the data set merge function not being ready in January 2022, we decided to delay that removal until later because we wanted continual capability for customers to merge data sets within their ServerPacs, via this announcement in November 2021 .
Recall that data set merge needed to be provided in two pieces: the z/OSMF Software Management capability (via APAR PH42028, PTFs available as of March 23, 2022 on z/OS V2.3 and higher) and the z/OSMF ServerPac production exploitation of that capability (provided in orders since May 6, 2022). Also remember that this removal impacted all ServerPacs, but had no impact on the availability of CBPDO.
Now that both of those data set merge pieces have been provided, we are ready to remove the CustomPac (ISPF) ServerPac installation method from Shopz., leaving only the z/OSMF installation method for ServerPacs.
The CustomPac Dialog installation method choice from Shopz is planned to be removed on July 10, 2022. After July 10, 2022, IBM intends that any ServerPac for z/OS, CICS, Db2, IMS, or program products ordered via Shopz will only be packaged and installable with z/OSMF.
We have updated this information on our primary website for z/OSMF ServerPac installation information, Use that website to learn more about the z/OSMF ServerPac installation method. Also, please do use the Try It sample provided via that website as a representative package which you can use to verify your driving system is sufficient for installation of any z/OSMF portable software instance, from any software vendor.