Glossary Term

IBM i Release

A specific IBM i operating system version used to determine hardware support, PTF planning, ISV compatibility, and upgrade timing.

Definition

An IBM i release is the operating system version running inside an IBM i partition, such as IBM i 7.4, 7.5, or 7.6. The release affects which Power hardware is supported, which PTFs and Technology Refreshes are available, and whether third-party software remains certified.

Release planning becomes urgent when hardware is being refreshed, standard support dates are approaching, or an application vendor requires a newer level.

Example

A Power 9 to Power 11 migration may require an IBM i release review before the hardware cutover can be scheduled.