Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Understand the purpose of application definitions in TURNOVER® for iSeries and how to plan them for your environment.
- Design and implement application structures, including levels, relationships, and change management methods for various object types.
- Configure global defaults, security, and advanced features like distributions, emergencies, and multi-version support.
- Apply best practices for testing, auditing, and maintaining applications in IBM i systems.
This summary distills the 66-page guide (October 2018 edition) into key modules for administrators planning TURNOVER® implementations. TURNOVER® for iSeries (now Lifecycle Manager) manages software changes on IBM i, using applications to model environments and automate promotions. Based on web searches as of October 24, 2025, no newer public Application Planning Guide was found; it may be integrated into later docs like the Administrator’s Guide. Check UNICOM/SoftLanding support for updates.
Key Concepts
- Application Definitions: Models of your software environment, including levels (e.g., development, test, production), object types, libraries, and change rules.
- Levels and Relationships: Hierarchical structures for promotions; relationships link apps for dependencies.
- Change Management Methods: Pre-defined or custom schemes for creating, promoting, and distributing objects (e.g., *PGM, *FILE).
- Global Defaults: System-wide settings for forms, jobs, archiving, and security.
- Distributions: Automate changes to remote IBM i systems.
- Security and Auditing: Control access, track changes, ensure compliance.
- Prerequisites: Installed TURNOVER®, cross-reference tool (e.g., Hawkeye), and planning for object types/libraries.
Module 1: Introduction to Application Planning
Why Plan Applications?
- Applications define how TURNOVER® handles changes, ensuring consistency, automation, and audits.
- Benefits: Reduces errors, supports teams, complies with regulations (e.g., SOX).
Planning Process
- Inventory objects/libraries; group into applications (e.g., by function like Payroll).
- Decide levels: Simple (dev to prod) or complex (dev, integration, QA, prod).
- Consider distributions to remotes.
Pre-Built Models
- Use templates (e.g., Basic, Multi-Level) to start; customize via TURNOVER 1 menu.
Module 2: Designing Application Structures
Defining Levels
- Levels represent environments (e.g., Level 1: Programmer Test, Level 50: Production).
- Specify libraries for source/objects, ASPs, authorities.
- Promotion Rules: Sequence, approvals, error checks.
Relationships and Multi-Version
- Link apps for dependencies (e.g., base app to add-ons).
- Multi-Version: Manage parallel releases (e.g., v1.0, v2.0) with separate paths.
Object Types and Methods
- Type Codes: *PGM, *DSPF, *PF, etc.; custom for non-standard.
- Methods: Create (compile), Promote (move), Distribute (remote).
- Examples: For *PF, handle data conversions; for *PGM, recompile dependents.
Module 3: Configuring Global Defaults and Security
Global Defaults
- Form Settings: Numbering, archiving, job queues.
- Security: User classes (e.g., Programmer, Approver), authorities.
- Auditing: Track changes, reports.
Emergency Changes
- Define emergency app for quick fixes; bypass approvals but audit.
Distributions
- Set up remotes: *FTP, *SNA; define targets, overrides.
- Automate sends/receives.
Module 4: Advanced Configurations
IFS and Non-IBM i Objects
- Manage stream files, Java/PC/Web with SVN integration.
- Custom methods for third-party tools (e.g., CA 2E, LANSA).
Testing and Implementation
- Test in sandbox: Create sample app, run forms.
- Rollout: Train users, monitor.
Maintenance
- Update defs for new objects/libraries.
- Use reports for audits/compliance.
Assessment and Next Steps
- Quiz Ideas: What are application levels? How to handle *PF promotions? Steps for distributions?
- Practice: Define a sample app in a test IBM i; promote an object through levels.
- Further Learning: Developer’s Guide, Administrator’s Guide; supplements (e.g., #50 for iASPs); contact UNICOM support (tech.support@unicomsi.com or +1-603-924-8818). Explore modern integrations like Git or cloud for 2025 updates.