Internet access to IBM software problem reports
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Electronic Service Request (ESR) versus Software Service Request (SSR)
There are two options for Internet access to IBM Problem Management Records, Electronic Service Request (ESR) and SSR (Software Service Request). ESR is used for software purchased under the IBM Passport Advantage
program. SSR is for software purchased with a SWMA license.
 | Note
A defect can be reported (or a question asked) only regarding software which is covered by an active support contract with IBM. |
See the Enhanced Support article in the IBM Software Support Handbook for more information regarding ESR. But please note that AIX (and most software running on it) is generally not acquired through the Passport Advantage program, so Internet access to AIX Problem Management Records (PMRs) is generally obtained using SSR.
Software Service Request (SSR) access
An IBM ID is required in order to access SSR. Registering for an IBM ID is quick and easy.
To register for SSR access, please point a browser at the Software Service Request login web page. Click 
Continue to sign in with an IBM ID. After a successful sign in, click the Submit a PMR link. A notice will appear stating that a special agreement is required unless access has already been enabled. To request an agreement for access, follow the System p update profile link. On the IBM Systems and Storage Registration profile web page, scroll down to the System p profile section and build entitlement lists there. Use the System p help links on the right hand side of the page if you need help. When entitlement lists are complete, click Submit at the bottom of the page.
As noted, five business days are required for access enablement. Once access is enabled, new PMRs can be opened and existing PMRs can be viewed and updated. Access is enabled per server (on which software is running against which PMRs will be opened). If you don't know the IBM customer number associated with a server, the server's machine type and serial number can be used to request an agreement for access. Use the AIX commands prtconf | head to display the machine type and serial number of a server.
Hardware service request
To open a hardware service request, please point a browser at the Electronic Service Call web page. Log in with an IBM ID (discussed above). Follow the prompts to open a request, which will require the failing hardware's machine type and serial number. Use the AIX commands prtconf | head to display the machine type and serial number of an IBM System p server.
