Upgrading from IBM Control Desk 7.6.1.5 to Maximo IT
Earlier known as the IBM Control Desk (ICD), Maximo IT is now an add-on to Maximo Manage and a part of Maximo Application Suite (MAS), featuring new and enhanced capabilities.
Maximo IT in the Maximo Application Suite
IBM Control Desk is now known as Maximo IT. Maximo IT is one of the many add-ons to the Manage application in Maximo Application Suite. This suite is a fully integrated set of applications built on the Red Hat® OpenShift® platform, offering multi-cloud portability and supporting both hybrid cloud and on-premises deployments. Based on the Red Hat OpenShift deployment model, this platform-as-a-service solution, is built around containers and Kubernetes for user container orchestration. Once upgraded to Maximo IT, user licenses are seamlessly managed through the Maximo Application Suite.
What's changed in Maximo IT
Maximo IT, formerly known as IBM Control Desk (ICD), used to be an independent product. It is now integrated into the Maximo Application Suite, with processes that were previously managed at the product level now being handled at the suite level.
- IBM Control Desk Service Portal replaced by Self-Serve: The IBM Control Desk Service Portal has been replaced by the Self-Serve application in Maximo IT. Self-Serve enables users to log service requests, raise tickets, explore solutions and offerings, and interact with service agents to resolve issues. Self-Serve is designed to support only the user persona, unlike the Service Portal, which supported agent and administrator personas as well.
- Changes in Licensing Model: Maximo Application Suite uses a new licensing model that leverages AppPoints to track application usage, runtime, and user access. AppPoints are allocated based on your organization’s license entitlement, and you can configure your environment to enforce these allocations. For more information, visit our section on Administering Licenses and AppPoints Usage.
- Changes in Authentication and User Management: In Maximo IT, user authentication is managed at the Maximo Application Suite level. During the upgrade process, existing users are migrated to the Users application within the Maximo Application Suite, where their details can be viewed and edited. Users are then synchronized from Maximo Application Suite to Maximo Manage via a cron task. Security groups, however, are still configured in Maximo Manage to control access and permissions
- Changes in Architecture and Deployment: In Maximo Application Suite, installation, configuration, deployment, and upgrades are managed by the Red Hat® OpenShift® operator. The entire deployment process is built on the Red Hat OpenShift platform, ensuring scalability, flexibility, and efficient management across environments.
- Integration Framework: The integration framework in Maximo IT within Maximo Manage enables seamless data exchange with both internal and external applications. It includes predefined content and a toolkit that allows for extending this content to new integration points. Additionally, the framework supports message providers and abstracts messaging queuing features, making Maximo IT independent of specific messaging models such as JMS or Kafka.
- Changes due to Containerization: Containerization is the packaging of software code with just the operating system (OS) libraries and dependencies that are required to run the code to create a single lightweight executable package that is infrastructure-agnostic. As a result of containerization, system properties, integration, and customization processes will differ when upgrading from IBM Control Desk to Maximo IT. This shift to containerized architecture brings changes in how these components are managed and deployed.
Upgrade Process
Upgrading to Maximo IT involves careful planning, preparation, execution of key tasks, and troubleshooting. Allowing sufficient time for each phase of the process ensures a seamless transition. The upgrade process includes the following steps:
- Determine the Upgrade Timing: Assess the best time for upgrading to ensure minimal disruption and maximum readiness.
- Planning the Upgrade: Create a comprehensive upgrade plan, outlining tasks and timelines for each phase.
- Performing Pre-Upgrade Tasks: Complete essential preparations such as system backups and compatibility check before starting the upgrade.
- Upgrading in a Test Environment: Implement the upgrade in a test environment to identify potential issues and ensure compatibility.
- Troubleshooting Your Test Upgrade: Address any issues found during the test upgrade to ensure a smooth transition to production.
- Upgrading Your Production Environment: Execute the upgrade in the production environment, ensuring everything functions optimally and efficiently.
Upgrading from IBM Control Desk to Maximo IT represents a significant step forward in the way IT services are managed. With a fully integrated platform, enhanced functionality, and a modernized architecture, Maximo IT empowers organizations to deliver better service, improve efficiency, and scale operations with ease. By carefully planning and executing the upgrade process, you can ensure a seamless transition to Maximo IT, unlocking the full potential of your IT service management.
If you’d like to learn more about our how to upgrade from ICD to Maximo IT, don’t hesitate to contact Pragma Edge Team at sales@pragmaedge.com
