Requesting PTFs and Cover Letters Using the Internet

Internet access is an alternative connection method between the AS/400 system and the RETAIN system that houses PTF information. On the Internet, users can:

• Browse PTF information

• Request shipment of a CUM package

• Request shipment of selected PTFs

Enabling Internet access over using ECS to request delivery has an advantage for many customers in the U.S. due to the cost, availability of modems, and higher speed transfer. Internet access provides a graphical interface and has the potential for faster access and download of PTF information. This is a result of higher speed modems that are available through some Internet service providers and the possible use of T1 lines. ECS PTF delivery is limited to a SDLC 19.2 kbps synchronous connection. For some customers, ECS remains the preferred method to request PTFs. In other cases where ECS is not available, Internet access provides a faster and more efficient solution than delivery of the PTF information through the “mail.”

Internet delivery does not replace or affect the traditional PTF order process. If you do not have access to the internet, continue using the ECS PTF order function with the SNDPTFORD command. To print cover letters for PTFs for a product installed on your system, enter the command:

DSPPTF LICPGM(57nnxxx) SELECT(yyyyyyy) COVERONLY(*YES) OUTPUT(*PRINT)

In the command, xxx is the licensed program number, and yyyyyyy is the PTF ID. The output can be viewed in the spooled file named QSYSPRT. To print a cover letter of a PTF for a product not installed on your system, enter the following command:

CPYF FROMFILE(QGPL/QAPZCOVER) TOFILE(QGPL/QPRINT) FROMMBR(Qxxxxxxxyy)

In this command, xxxxxxx is the PTF ID, and yy is the language ID. English PTFs do not have a language ID.