With this blog we want to give answers to some frequent questions (inquiries) of what and how can be done with JSPM. We hope it will be useful to you.
In case you need more information on a question or want to ask a new question, please do not hesitate to do so. We will be more than happy to gather these new inquiries and publish their answers so that we all can benefit from a transparent knowledge broadcast.
Please note that the information in this current issue of the blog is applicable only to JSPM in SAP NetWeaver 2004s (also known as NW 2004s). Subsequent blogs will provide answers to your inquiries on other versions.
Let’s get to the point.
JSPM and Other Tools
Q: What is JSPM?
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A: It stands for Java Support Package Manager. Since NW 2004s it is the official tool for applying Java SPs and SP stacks.Q: Could JSPM (Java Support Package Manager) be used for patching NW 2004 systems?</p>
A: No, JSPM is the patching tool for NW 2004s systems. *Q: * What is the advantage of using JSPM over SDM? Can I just use SDM in the same way I used it in NW04 for applying support packages?
A: There are several things that JSPM can do and SDM can not. - JSPM can update the SAP Kernel, IGS and SDM. They are listed as components.
- Note:* In case you want to update SDM it has a component name SAP_JAVASL. **</li>
- JSPM orders the Java components in a proper sequence for deployment. When the product is updated with stack definition file, JSPM will check that the required set of components is complete. If instead SDM is used it is the user who must ensure that the complete set of components is selected for update.**
* Q:* Does JSPM replace SAPinst for applying Support Packages?**
* A:* Yes, for NW 2004s only. For NW 2004, the old SAPinst and SDM-based SP procedures still apply.
JSPM Documents
Q: Where is the official JPSM user guide?</p>
A: Java Support Package Manager guide (It is located at http://help.sap.com -> Documentation -> SAP NetWeaver -> SAP NetWeaver Q: Is there some common troubleshooting document for JSPM?</p>
A: Yes, there is troubleshooting section in JSPM user guide. Additional information can be found in SAP note 891983 - JSPM: Central SAP Note SAP NetWeaver 2004s AS Java. * Note:* You must have appropriate authorizations to view SAP notes.
Q: Are there other JSPM related materilas on SDN?</p>
A: For the moment there is one - JSPM: Better Know It Now Than Later
Q: Where is the SP Stack guide located?</p>
A: http://service.sap.com/maintenancenw2004s </p>
Applying SPs and SPS
Q: What should I do in order to apply a support package stack to a system? Should I use "Single Support Packages" or "Support Package Stacks?</p>
A: Applying Support Package Stack is recommended. Applying single support packages may lead to inconsistent state of the system via patching some components and others not. If the whole stack with the stack definition file is downloaded JSPM will patch all at once – filtering what should be patched for the available system. For more information see SAP Note 884537 - Benefit and use of the Support Package Stack XML. * Note:* You must have appropriate authorizations to view SAP notes.
* Q:* When should I use the "Single Support Packages" functionality of JSPM?
A: Generally you should use it to apply patches to individual software components, i.e. the SP-level stays the same and only the patch-level is updated. Also, if you want to update JSPM itself you should use "Single Support Packages" functionality of JSPM.**
*Q: *I downloaded the whole stack but JSPM does not find stack definition file? How to download it?
*A: *The download procedure is described in section 1.3 (Downloading Support Packages) in the SP Stack guide located on http://service.sap.com/maintenancenw2004s . Choose button Save as file on the third download step during downloading of SP Stack content.* Q:* What happens if you try to apply an SP with the same version as the one already deployed on the system?
* A:* JSPM selects only new support packages with higher SP level or patch level.**
* Q:* Can I use JSPM to apply SP patches (on a software component level) and hotfixes (on a development component level)?
* A:* You can use JSPM to apply SP patches. In this case you should use the option Single Support Packages. You can not use JSPM to apply hotfixes. For hotfixes you should use SDM. </p>
JSPM, Java, ABAP and clusters
* Q:* How does JSPM behave on a double stack system? Does it also exchange the ABAP kernel?
* A:* Yes. On a double stack system if the kernel has to be patched, JSPM will stop ABAP and exchange both kernels – ABAP and Java.
Q: Does JSPM check Java and ABAP dependencies between components?</p>
A: No.* Q:* How does JSPM behave in a cluster? Will it update all dialog instances as well?
* A:*In a cluster environment there are two things to be considered – update of binaries and update of J2EE components.
When JSPM is patching binaries it updates the shared SYS/exe location.
- If the dialog instance is configured to synchronize (with sapcpe in the start profile) local binaries (DIR_EXECUTABLE) from the central file system (DIR_CT_RUN) on SAPGLOBALHOST, it will update its binaries automatically after it is restarted.
If the dialog instance is installed in a way to use local file system and not to synchronize its binaries from the SYS/exe location, then you have to update its binaries manually.
For more information see SAP Note 886296 – JSPM: High Availability and Distributed Systems.
- Note:* You must have appropriate authorizations to view SAP notes.</li>
- The J2EE components are automatically synchronized during deployment and restart. Therefore they will be updated by JSPM without need of other actions.
Q: Can I use JSPM to apply ABAP support packages</p>
A: No. You still have to use SPAM for that.</p>
Future plans
* Q:* Do you plan to integrate JSPM and SPAM in a future release of JSPM?
* A:* No, it is planned for the future releases to introduce integrated solution for the whole landscape based on SLM (Software Lifecycle Manager).
This was the last inquiry for now. We hope that you have enjoyed this little blog. And of course, we look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
The JSPM Team
