How to upgrade the firmware on an IBM WebSphere DataPower Appliance

 Upgrade to new firmware version via CLI:

    ##Login to the admin server and change to admin user
     From the admin server log on to DataPower appliance (as admin) through SSH

$ssh <>
Example:
$ssh DataPower device DNS

[admin@**** ~]$ ssh DataPower device DNS

DataPower device DNS

Unauthorized access prohibited.

Performing functions to this computer with the intention of accessing

any computer services, programs or data, to which you are not authorised

is a criminal offence and is prohibited under the Computer Misuse Act 1990.

ANY PERSON OR COMPANY CONTRAVENING THIS POLICY WILL BE SUBJECT TO LEGAL ACTION.

login: ***********

Password: *******

Domain (? for all): default

Welcome to DataPower XI50 console configuration.

Copyright IBM Corporation 1999-2010

Version: XI50.3.7.3.8 build 181161 on 2010/01/20 23:01:02

Serial number: 6805371

   ##Make sure no other users have logged in

#show users

DataPower device DNS:xi50# show users

 Session ID Name Connection    IP address                                        Login Domain
 ---------- ---- ----------            ----------                                                   ----- ------
 21         admin web-gui        171.16.14.60                                     Wed Jun 15 13:05:09 2011 default
 22         admin secure-shell  170.19.19.18                                     Wed Jun 15 13:09:58 2011 default

    ##Disconnect all the other sessions except your session

# disconnect <>

DataPower device DNS:xi50# disconnect 21

Session 21 closed

DataPower device DNS:xi50# show users

 Session ID Name Connection    IP address                                        Login Domain

 ---------- ---- ----------            ----------                                                   ----- ------

 22         admin secure-shell  170.19.19.18                                    Wed Jun 15 13:09:58 2011 default

    ##Enter to Global Configuration Mode

#configure terminal

DataPower device DNS:xi50# co

Global configuration mode

    ##Then backup the entire device. The backup file will be created in export directory of default domain

# backup <>
Example:
#backup fullBkp-10012011

    ##Copy the backup file to admin server

# copy export:///.zip scp://admin@//<>
Example:
#copy export:///fullBkp-10012011.zip scp://admin@170.19.19.18//home/admin

DataPower device DNS:xi50(config)# backup fullbackupJun152011

Backup to 'fullbackupJun152011.zip' scheduled (may take a few minutes to complete).

Backup is complete.

    ##Then delete the backup file from the DP appliance (Make sure backup is copied to admin server)

# delete export:///fullBkp-10012011.zip

DataPower device DNS:xi50(config)# delete export:///fullbackupJun152011.zip

File deletion successful

    ##Exit from the Global Config mode

#exit

DataPower device DNS:xi50(config)# exit

    ##Reboot the DP to clear temp space

#shutdown reboot

DataPower device DNS:xi50# shutdown reboot

You have requested a system shutdown reboot. Do you want to continue? [y/n]: y

System about to reboot in 0 second(s)

Connection to DataPower device DNS closed by remote host.

Connection to DataPower device DNS closed.

    ##After the appliance is up login again using SSH and enter Global Config mode

#configure terminal

DataPower device DNS:xi50# co

Global configuration mode

    ##Copy the Firmware image file to image directory (Assuming it has been downloaded and copied to admin server)

# copy scp://admin@170.19.19.18//home/admin/firmware/xi3812.scrypt2 image:///xi3812.scrypt2

DataPower device DNS:xi50(config)# copy scp://admin@170.19.19.18//home/admin/firmware/xi3812.scrypt2 image:///xi3812.scrypt2

Password: *******

File copy success

    ##Verify that the file is copied

#dir image:

DataPower device DNS:xi50(config)# dir image:

   File Name              Last Modified              Size

   ---------              -------------              ----

   xi3812.scrypt2         Wed Jun 15 13:21:59 2011   58003623

   177.2 MB available to image:

    ##Enter Flash Configuration mode

#flash

DataPower device DNS:xi50(config)# flash

Flash configuration mode

    ##Now boot the device with the new firmware image file (image:/// prefix not required before the image name)

# boot image <>

Example:

#boot image xi3812.scrypt2

DataPower device DNS:xi50(config-flash)# boot image xi3812.scrypt2

Invoking dynamic loader

.........Firmware upgrade successful

Device is rebooting now.

Connection to DataPower device DNS closed by remote host.

Connection to DataPower device DNS closed.

    ##Once the DP appliance is rebooted login using SSH and confirm the firmware version

#show version

DataPower device DNS:xi50# show version

         Serial: 6805371

        Version: XI50.3.8.1.2

          Build: 188103

     Build Date: 2010/06/25 17:49:22

 Watchdog Build: XI50.3.8.1.2

 Installed DPOS: XI50.3.8.1.2

   Running DPOS: XI50.3.8.1.2

XML accelerator: xg3

   Machine Type: 9235

     Model Type: 4BX

 Coproc library: 1.2

             MQ: 7.0.1.1

  WebSphere JMS: 1.2.3

Rollback to previous firmware version via CLI:

Follow all the above steps below to take a backup and to rollback the firmware.

    ##Login to the admin server and change to admin user

    From the admin server log on to DataPower appliance (as admin) through SSH

$ssh <>

Example:

$ssh DataPower device DNS

    Enter to Global Configuration Mode

#configure terminal

    ##Enter Flash Configuration mode

#flash

    ##Switch to previous firmware version

# boot switch

    ##Datapower will reboot now. After it has rebooted, login again and verify the firmware version

#show version

How to raise PMR (problem management record) with IBM for DataPower

 

Information Gathering

 

The most important aspect of raising a PMR (problem management record) is to gather enough information on the issue at hand. This section will give indicators on what all information is to be collected before contacting IBM. 

1. Product Information 

 

We need to be able to correctly identify the product

product name: "IBM WebSphere DataPower" 

Product ID: 92354BX [Rev 01] 

component id: "DP1234567". 

2. Information about the appliance and the firmware

 

Serial Number of the appliance 

Firmware Version 

Build Machine Type 

Model Type 

This information has to be taken from the affected appliance either by using 'show version' CLI command or by logging in to WebGUI

# show version 

Serial: 6805371 

Version: XI50.3.8.1.2 

Build: 188103 

Build Date: 2010/06/25 17:49:22 

Watchdog Build: XI50.3.8.1.2 

Installed DPOS: XI50.3.8.1.2 

Running DPOS: XI50.3.8.1.2 

XML accelerator: xg3 

Machine Type: 9235 

Model Type: 4BX 

Coproc library: 1.2 

MQ: 7.0.1.1 

WebSphere JMS: 1.2.3 

3. A clear description of the problem we are facing. Any background information which might be useful.

 

4. A backup of the entire system should be taken when the problem occurred. 

5. All the related log messages.

 

Contacting IBM Support

Once all the required information is available we will have to call IBM Support to raise a PMR.

Contact Number: 0870-010-1952

1. Select appropriate IVR options
2. The call will be routed to a support personnel
3. Provide customer name and  the customer ID when prompted
4. They will provide a number, called the PMR Number. Note it down and keep it safe. It is required for further communication and tracking.
5. This call will end here and you can expect a call back from IBM Support
6. The call-back will be more specific to the problem at hand and may prompt for detailed info on the problem. 

Additional Information

Further details are available at IBM site contacting IBM WebSphere DataPower SOA Appliance Support

Which Tech Trends Will Be Most Familiar in 2013?

One of the great things that keep millions of us around the world glued to technology newswires is that the industry has a tendency to take everything that we know, turn it on its head, render it meaningless, and come up with something new for us all to get excited about.

That means that the products that are much loved today could find themselves a long way down the food chain in 12 months’ time, while some may even find that there is no longer a place for them in the modern world.

We explored the technologies that are likely to become even more familiar to so many of us over the coming year, and how they will have such a profound impact on our life.

Cloud Computing

Many of us probably don’t know what the cloud is, but are using it on a daily basis without realizing it. Gmail and iTunes are just two of the global services that are based in the cloud, and many more are set to follow in the years ahead.

For the individual consumer, cloud computing means that we will be looking at a page on our laptop or tablet, and when we have to switch off or head out we can then continue browsing the same page from our mobile phones.

For businesses, everything from data storage to server space will become cloud based, although until security can be assured this may prove to be a slow evolution.

Stuff That Bends

If you have not heard about Samsung’s bendy mobile phone then you have no right to call yourself a technology enthusiast. If you have, then you have probably already considered the possibility that we are likely to see a bendy tablet, and perhaps even a bendy television, at some point during 2013.

Not only will the bendy element mean that is unlikely to break – a godsend for millions – but there is also the possibility that we can fold up our devices and keep them in our pockets or bags, getting them out and unfolding as and when we need to make use of them.

There is bound to be a creative advertising campaign with viral videos in there somewhere, too, which we’re sure will make for great viewing on YouTube.

New Gaming Devices

The games consoles that we see before us today, unless you own a new Nintendo Wii U, are on the verge of being deemed obsolete, relics of the first decade of the 21^st century.

Sony announced the PlayStation 4 last week, while Microsoft are believed to be on the verge of announcing their new Xbox console. Prepare to be blown away by 3D and life size games characters in your living room, as well as graphics that will be so good that ‘ridiculous’ might well be the only word able to describe them.

The only thing we need to worry about is whether or not these will all be around next year. Thankfully, these trends all seem to be ones that will be with us for the long term, so you can feel safe and secure investing your money into a purchase of one, or more, of them.

Author Bio: Jaguar PC is the original leader in VPS hosting, with affordable web-hosting plans along with money back guarantee.

Handy Camera Cheat Sheet

File Format should always be RAW.

Raise your ISO for faster SS.

Open your aperture for faster SS.

ISO
Consumer Camera 800-1600 (3200 MAX)
Pro End 800-3200 (6400 MAX)

Fast subject needs higher SS 1 /250th+
Slower subject 1 /60th+

Cheat system if needed raise SS 1-2 stops in M
Example 1 /1 25th becomes 1 /250th or 1 /500th

Mode Aperture Priority (A Nikon / AV Canon)

Focus
Continuous for moving subject
Single for stationary subject

Metering
Spot for wide angle lens or the whole show
Matrix for telephoto lens

Don’t rest arms on stage vibration could blur images.

Wear Ear Plugs.

Don't be a fan.

Don't use Flash unless needed or approved.

Post Processing
Offload to your PC

Rename Folder
year_month_day_event
(2013_01_14_concert)

Import into Light-room
(drag folder into library)

Select All Files
Library > Rename > Custom Settings > Edit >
Determine how many photos 001 or 0001. Under 999 or over 1 k in folder
(2013_01_14_concert_001 )

Star or Flag your favorites.

MAKE BACK UPS..

Transformation – That transformed me !!

This is written to give a sort of impression about my experience recently at onsite and yeah of course by me!! People often write this experience stories at their first time. But it took me 3rd time to write.

So guys and girls fasten your seat belts, because it’s going to be a rocky and a bumpy ride!!

Well the names SAPTARSHI... hmmm...well I'm kinda a nice guy for some people and bad for some... let’s stick to the topic in hand “my onsite experience”.

It started sometime in mid of August 2012. I got my visa 5th Sept’12. My manager (name hidden, of course everyone knows him) came to me on 10th Sept’12 and asked me to fly the very next day for a project, to be frank about this I don't knew too much at that point of time. I asked for a week's extension but all I got, only 3 days.

I was told that Kashif who is handling the project has been already moved for some other project  and clients were eagerly looking for the person who is going to take this up and answer their entire query; luckily or unluckily it was me.

Before leaving to Bristol on 15th Sept, I got telephonic KT for 3 days (per day 1.5 HRS). Though it was my 3rd time still I was sacred like hell at that moment (believe me).

Finally I reached to the known place called United Kingdom, again. London..Bristol..Bradly Stoke..Orchard Gate on 16^th night.

Next day I started for office with my friends. I reached Park gate and to my utter surprise my friends didn't enter there. They said our office has been shifted to Aztec 800. I followed them as I didn't know the exact location of Aztec 800. I went in and found some known faces and felt a bit relaxed. I went to Kashif's desk immediately after meeting some of my known faces.

It is my first day at office and on this day usually we don’t work, as we won’t be having laptop with us. But luckily my laptop was there with Shakir. And he brought it to office and I started working on the same day. Kashif started explaining me things which I never ever heard of, it seemed all alien language to me. Then exactly client came to our desk and asked to Kashif about the update of transformation. He explained everything to him and introduced me as the Point of Contact for Data Power SPG transformation project from now onwards. That day I understood whether I transform Data Power or not but at the end I'll be transformed for sure.

Now come to the 2nd edition of my travel. Previously I was working in the L2 team so I also got involved into some L2 work as well. It was going fine by handling client's SPG query, doing L2 work and some chit chats if time permits. Until, this P11 came into picture. And at the same time SPG started flowing full-fledged. I was badly stuck on it, Shakir returned to India, Kashif was on another floor and I was all alone with the entire headache. Frankly speaking these two guys helped me a lot in every possible way. Whenever they were there, it felt like I was back in my comfort zone but it was the time to get out from this. Once you come out of your comfort zone then only you will experience the real.

That was one fine morning I was sleeping and my phone ranged at 6.30 AM. It was one of our onsite manager asked me to come to office in next 30 mins. I jumped out of the bed and started to get ready. I got one more call from my offshore manager asking the same. And one more from Domain F onsite manager for the same. I was asked to join to a meeting. Ooppsss did I told meeting !!  Not meeting they called it as war. WAR ROOM. Ask any guy in Everything Everywhere/T-System they will be able to explain what WAR ROOM was. Days again started flowing until that Friday comes. It was 28th Sept’12. I came to office in the morning and got to know that I need to join the WAR ROOM at 7 PM. I went home a bit early that day after escaping from SPG transformation. Came at 6.15 PM to office again. Everyone was leaving except the chosen ones. I joined WAR ROOM and when I left that room it was next day morning 6.30 AM. It was chilling cold outside. Came home and went to bed.

Got a call at around 9 AM someone was looking for some logs. That’s the beginning. Again I went to bed Sunday morning around 11 Am. I was totally exhausted and relieved at the same time without knowing that there is more of it that is coming on its way that to towards me & only me. 

Next day again started with SPG & L2 work and got one information that I need to give DataPower PAS & CEPI(which I never heard of) KT to CTS. About which I'll explain later. In the mean time I moved myself from ground floor to upstairs to get rid of some work which is unwished for. But still they kept haunting me.

It was Sunday the week starting with 7th Oct’12, again a call came and I needed to Hotfix for EGI BT domain as all calls were failing. It took me about one and half hour to finish it. That whole week I received call every other night and it took me 5 to 6 hours every night to fix it. I couldn’t skip the office next day as I was needed to finish SPG transformation on time. And all of a sudden I realised it was Friday again. I was praying for divine intervention but the almighty had some other plans for me.  And again I was needed to join the famous WAR ROOM in the evening. I left office early and came back and started my work, again. I didn't remember rather I don't want to remember when I landed onto Monday 15th Oct’12 morning and it was 8 AM in the morning. I took leave on that day from office and crashed into my bed. But my phone helped me to keep awake with all SPG queries and finally again I found myself into office desk. And I thought I took leave on that day. Ufff, P11. My personal phone (which eventually became support phone) and laptop were the only friends those days. That week also went same as the previous one. Fridays and Sundays were the most hectic. I can't remember if for a single weekend, where I slept. All my friends had seen me sitting on the sofa with laptop entire weekend. I remember one of my friends visited me on Saturday evening and he found me sitting on the sofa doing work. Next day morning he came and seen me in the same position. Guess what I was doing?? Yesssssssssssss..I was back again in P11. 

It was my last week and I was supposed to return to India and I was just counting my days. Just wanted to get rid of this misery. I was a bit happy that week till I found that my return has been cancelled and has been postponed for another week. My misery continues.

That week I was busy with SPG workshop with clients, bridge calls, P11 & CEPI KT. Frankly speaking I was become used to it now. And Everything Everywhere launch is near. That Friday to my surprise I was relieved and there were no call outs.

Finally, yes finally I was in the last week of my travel. So what it was my last week. Work never stopped. This time it was Monday night and I spend 12 hours in office accompanied by our new SMEs. I was in a mind set that the new SMEs will take care of the work and I'll only guide them. But the way they started handling, I knew that this will end up into escalation. So I ended up with joining 3 bridge call at the same time. Fixing EGI SSL issue, EESEL configuration & WSEL2 service issue. It was a night to remember. Finally in the next 3 days I finished my part of SPG work (for which I went officially), prepared SPG handover document for Everything Everywhere, given SPG KT. The last three days was a bit peaceful than the earlier which I already experienced of. 

Till now I have seen my share of ups and downs, learnt some lessons! Well now a day’s life’s going a bit slow! I’ve been through all the ups and downs of life.  And all I can say is it’s been a HELLUYA ride for me!!

Life’s been good for me. Kind, to say the least! Life’s shown me enough!! I don't hate anyone but can't help it if someone hates me after reading this!!..hehehe well again deviating from the topic in hand......uffff!!!

And lastly...some GYANs..for all those who read my story.

To what we put off till tomorrow has now become today. So don't you sit upon the shore and say you're satisfied. Choose to change the rapids and dare to dance with the tides. Be tactful; overlook not your own opportunity.

It may not work out perfectly on a regular basis, but I am, who will try my hardest to go the farthest, and that is usually what it takes to get ahead. And I love it! After all, nobody ever changed the world by playing it safe. Yeah I know you will say that I take it simple sometimes.  Since I cannot live life on the edge all the time. Or can I??

That is what life is all about & it goes on.