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IVP - Installation Verification Procedure

Enhanced Definition

An Installation Verification Procedure (IVP) is a set of jobs, programs, and data designed to confirm that a newly installed or updated software product on z/OS is correctly installed, configured, and functioning as expected. It serves as a crucial post-installation step to validate the integrity and basic operability of the software before further testing or production deployment.

Key Characteristics

- Product-Specific: Each IBM or Independent Software Vendor (ISV) product for z/OS (e.g., CICS, DB2, IMS, utilities) comes with its own unique IVP tailored to verify its specific components and functions.
- Automated Execution: Typically consists of JCL (Job Control Language) that invokes programs, utilities, and sometimes custom COBOL, PL/I, or REXX scripts to perform predefined tasks.
- Basic Functionality Check: Focuses on verifying the core functions of the installed software, such as starting a component, accessing a database, or executing a simple transaction.
- Output Analysis: Generates output (e.g., SYSOUT, reports, log entries) that must be reviewed by a system programmer or administrator to confirm successful execution and expected results.
- Error Detection: Designed to expose common installation errors, missing libraries, incorrect configurations, or issues with system interfaces.
- SMP/E Integration: Often invoked or guided by SMP/E (System Modification Program/Extended) during or after the APPLY and ACCEPT processes to ensure the software placed in target libraries is viable.

Use Cases

- New Product Installation: Running the IVP after installing a new version of DB2 to ensure the Database Manager, IRLM, and associated utilities are correctly set up and can be started.
- Maintenance Application: Executing the CICS IVP after applying a PTF (Program Temporary Fix) or APAR (Authorized Program Analysis Report) to verify the fix works and doesn't introduce regressions.
- System Upgrade: As part of the post-upgrade checklist for a new z/OS release, verifying core system components, utilities, and middleware products.
- ISV Product Deployment: Confirming the successful installation and basic functionality of a third-party vendor product (e.g., a security product, a performance monitor, a storage management tool).
- Configuration Validation: Verifying that specific customization options or configuration parameters have been correctly applied and are recognized by the installed software.

Related Concepts

IVPs are inextricably linked to SMP/E, the standard tool for installing and maintaining z/OS software, as they validate the integrity of the software placed in target libraries by SMP/E. While an IVP confirms basic *installation*, it's typically the first step before more comprehensive system testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing (UAT) begin. IVPs themselves are implemented using JCL to invoke various z/OS programs, utilities (like IDCAMS, IEBCOPY), and sometimes custom application programs written in languages like COBOL or REXX, demonstrating their reliance on fundamental z/OS components.

Best Practices:

Consult Documentation: Always refer to the product's official installation and customization guides for specific IVP instructions, prerequisites, and expected output.
Dedicated Environment: Execute IVPs in a non-production, isolated test or development LPAR to prevent any potential impact on live systems.
Thorough Output Review: Do not solely rely on a RC=0 (return code zero); meticulously review all SYSOUT, generated reports, and system logs (SYSLOG) for warnings, error messages, and confirmation of expected data.
Systematic Troubleshooting: If an IVP fails, use the provided error messages, system logs, and product documentation to diagnose and resolve the issue before proceeding, often involving checking JCL, dataset allocations, and configuration parameters.
Keep IVP JCL Current: Ensure that any customized IVP JCL or data sets are kept in sync with product updates, system changes, and local naming conventions to avoid execution failures.