Solution Manager EHP1 : upgrade steps

I recently upgraded 2 Solution Manager 4.0 systems to EHP1 and here is the steps I followed:

1.Update Java stack to SPS17 (including IGS) via JSPM.This step is a prereq. Time = 5-7 hours.
2.Update Java stack to EHP1 (including IGS) via JSPM. Time = 3-4 hours
3. Update SPAM/SAINT patch level to 33.
4. Update Kernel to 7.01 patch level 23.
5.Install EHP1 via SAINT on ABAP stack.Time = 9-15 hours

Notes :

• You need BI_CONT 7.03 installed in the ABAP stack before you can upgrade to EHP1.
• Make sure the Java Heap parameters is set correctly before running JSPM
• You have ample free disk space in the disk drive that SDM in running in, as it creates files temporariliy when compiling in JSPM.
• Make sure all the plugins in the system is upgraded to it's latest level before installing EHP1.
  

Below a screenshot of what SAINT looks like before your start EHP1 install :

Upgrading Solution Manager 7.0 to 7.0 EHP1 (Stack 18)

Solution Manager 7.0 EHP1 (Stack 18) is now available for download. Please make sure that you read note1169247 before starting the upgrade. Also check out this detailed presentation on what EHP1 contains.

New in NW 7.0 EHP1 usage Type ABAP : Information Lifecycle Management

As of SAP NetWeaver 7.0 Enhancement Pack 1 you can use the ILM solution from SAP for end-to-end management of your information. Information Lifecycle Management (ILM) in general, is comprised of the policies, processes, practices, and tools used to align the business value of information with the most appropriate and cost effective IT infrastructure from the time information is conceived through its final disposition.

This includes Data Archiving, Retention Management and the Retention Warehouse.
Have a look here.

New in NW 7.0 EHP1 usage Type EP : WorkProtect Mode

New in NW 7.0 EHP1 usage Type EP (Portal) is the WorkProtect Mode. To avoid losing unsaved data when navigating to another iView, the portal provides a WorkProtect mode that, when activated, provides the user an opportunity to save any changes before navigating.

Screenshots of BI Diagnostics & Support Desk Tool

I have mentioned the BI Diagnostics & Support Desk Tool in one of my previous posts.
Here is 2 screenshots of what it looks like, very handy indeed in solving BI Java issues.

Unicode Conversion: Troubleshooting

There is a good SAP note with checklists and a troubleshooting guide attached on when problems or errors occur during conversion from non-Unicode SAP System
to Unicode. This SAP Note applies for Single Code Page and MDMP system
conversion. Have a look at Note 765475.

SQL Server 2008 : What's New?

Have a look at this Teched document on the new features on SQL Server 2008 from a DBA's perspective.