WebSphere Application Server V7.0: Concepts ... - IBM Redbooks

Note: A common source of confusion is the use of variables at one scope and
the resources that use them at a different scope. Assuming that the proper
definitions are available at a scope the server can see, they do not have to be
the same scope during runtime.
However, consider the case of testing a data source. A data source is
associated with a JDBC provider. JDBC providers are commonly defined
using variables to point to the installation location of the provider product.
The scope of the variables and the scope of the JDBC provider do not
necessarily have to be the same to be successful during runtime. However,
when using the test connection service to test a data source using the
provider, the variable scope and the scope of a JDBC provider must be the
same for the test to work. For more information, see the test connection
service topic in the WebSphere Information Center at the following Web page:
http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/wasinfo/v7r0/topic/com.ibm.
websphere.nd.multiplatform.doc/info/ae/ae/cdat_testcon.html
9.6 Change management topics
Proper change management is important to the longevity of any application
environment. WebSphere Application Server contains a number of technologies
to aid with the change management process.
This section highlights some topics to think about when planning for changes to
the WebSphere Application Server V7.0 operational environment. Topics are as
follows:
► Application update
► Changes in topology
► Centralized installation manager (CIM)
9.6.1 Application update
WebSphere Application Server V7.0 permits fine-grained updates to
applications. It allows application components to be supplied and the restart of
only required parts of the application. This preserves application configuration
during the update process.
326 WebSphere Application Server V7.0: Concepts, Planning, and Design