CA has published an updated MICS r12.5 ESD distribution, essentially delivering an equivalent to a PSP for 10/2010.  However with this new distribution, none of the post- r12.5 PTFs have been integrated for new MICS clients.  Also, it is undetermined whether the MICS software suite of products has been tested with all of these PTFs applied, as used to be the MICS-standard prior to 2009. 

One downside for new MICS clients, the MICS software install will also involve applying numerous fix / enhancement PTFs out-of-the-box in order to be at a “current” maintenance level — something that’s not obvious in the MICS software install checklists and announcements, though CA is considering documentation improvements in this awareness area.

MICS administrators are strongly encouraged to use CA Support Online and periodically check PROBLEM and SOLUTION records for licensed MICS components, as a proactive problem identification/diagnosis methodology.  The objective here is to avoid MICS database corruption problems that don’t necessarily manifest as an ABEND condition or something obvious to get the MICS administrator’s attention.  Also, one may find that CA is also delivering technology support and MICS enhancements as interim PTF maintenance – something worthwhile to consider as well as problem avoidance perspective.