WebSphere Message Brokers
File: au37040_
Writer: Jane Brockbank

Concept topic

This build: July 31, 2007 21:40:00

IBM Support Assistant (ISA)

The IBM Support Assistant (ISA) helps you to resolve questions and problems with IBM software products by providing access to support-related information and troubleshooting tools.

ISA is available at no charge to install on your computer; you then install the relevant product plug-ins. ISA has a built-in user guide, and the ISA download package includes an installation and troubleshooting guide. This topic contains a brief overview of the features of ISA Version 3; you can find more detailed information on the ISA Web page.

Search

ISA provides a tool that searches multiple sources of product information, and returns the results in the following categories:
  • IBM software support documents
  • IBM developerWorks
  • IBM news groups and forums
  • Google Web search
  • Product information center

Product Information

The product information component directs you to the appropriate IBM Web sites for WebSphere Message Broker or another product that you have selected, as shown in the following example:

Example of the ISA Product Information component for WebSphere Message Broker Version 6.0

Tools

If diagnostic tools are available for WebSphere Message Broker, or any other product plug-in that you have installed on ISA, you can access them through the Tools component. More tools might be made available, so check for updates periodically.

Service

Use the Service component to perform the following tasks:
  • Collect diagnostic data automatically
  • Send files to IBM Support for problem determination
  • Create and submit a new problem report
  • View or update an existing problem report
Two data collectors are supplied for the WebSphere Message Broker plug-in:
  • A general runtime data collector (to run for run time problems)
  • A general toolkit data collector (to run for toolkit problems)
Run the appropriate data collector before you open a PMR, so that you can send the collected data to IBM with the PMR.

You can use the problem submission tool to enter your entitlement information once, and save it for future sessions. You can then create a problem report and attach the collector file at the same time.

Updater

Use the Updater component to perform the following tasks:
  • Install and uninstall product plug-ins and tools
  • Upgrade the ISA when an updated version is available
As well as WebSphere, product plug-ins are available for other products, such as DB2, Lotus, Rational, and Tivoli. You can also choose from a number of diagnostic tools that are common to all products.
Related tasks
Installing the IBM Support Assistant (ISA)
Updating the IBM Support Assistant
Contacting your IBM Support Center
Making initial checks
Troubleshooting and support
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This build: July 31, 2007 21:40:00

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