Kernel 4.4 at a glance: Reasons, technology, schedule, benefits, and to-dos

AEB will provide a kernel update for all AEB Engines from November 2022 to end-2024. In addition to technical changes in the software base, you will notice in particular the revised look and feel. You can look forward to a new color concept and a new filter and search concept. Learn more in the following about why this update was made, when your AEB application will be updated, how you will receive the update, and how you should prepare for it.

• Background: What is the kernel update for and what does it mean for my connections?
• Good to know: What should I keep in mind?
• Schedule: When is the switch planned for which AEB application?
• Deployment: How do I get the kernel update and what do I need to look out for?
  • Deployment of the update in the AEB data center
  • Deployment of the update to customers with customized applications and their own release management in the AEB data center
  • Deployment of the update to customers who run their AEB application in their own data center (on-premise installation)
• Product-specific aspects

Background: What is the kernel update for and what does it mean for my connections?

AEB Engines are built on a “kernel”. This directory is located below the installation directory and contains – besides some supporting components – the Java installation on the server in the form of the OpenJDK. In order to further develop the AEB Engines technologically, AEB provides kernel updates at regular intervals – in addition to the monthly service packs.
As from certain service packs (e.g. November 2022), a more recent kernel version is required, in this case version 4.4. Without the kernel update, this and subsequent service packs cannot be installed. However, if there are no subject-related obstacles, you can leave out service packs and install a more recent version together with the kernel update at a later time. However, AEB recommends always ensuring an up-to-date service package status.
Interfaces and connections to other AEB applications (add-ons for SAP®, nXt apps) are not affected by this update.

Good to know: What should I keep in mind?

1. Browser used:
   If you are currently still using Internet Explorer as your browser, switch to an up-to-date browser supported by AEB before the kernel update. If necessary, contact your administrator.

2. URL/web address used:
   After the kernel update, opening the application via links with the extension /html/ no longer works. An HTTP 404 error appears when using this link. Remove the extension of the link and save your favorite again if necessary.
    This affects application links

   • in the browser (MS Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox)
   • in ASSIST4
3. SAP®:
   Please notice, the SAP® Java Connector version 3.0 (or 3.1) is required whenever you communicate with your SAP® system via RFC with an AEB application: Kernel 4.4: Updating the SAP® Java Connector in AEB applications for communication via RFC
4. Staying informed:
   Please pay attention to the AEB notifications in your application. There, you will be informed about the upcoming switch. Also, follow this article to be notified as soon as there is news about the kernel update version 4.4 and the new interface.
5. Getting to know the changes:
   In the updated application, you will get information exactly where something has changed. In addition, you can obtain information from the AEB Help Center.

Schedule: When is the switch planned for which AEB application?

Deployment: How do I get the kernel update and what do I need to look out for?

Deployment of the update in the AEB data center

In the AEB data center, AEB will install the kernel update for you during the scheduled maintenance windows. You will be notified in the application in good time. You do not have to do anything.

Deployment of the update to customers with customized applications and their own release management in the AEB data center

AEB will schedule the deployment together with you. We will contact you in due time. If customer-specific adaptations have been programmed that have to be adapted again due to the kernel update, service costs may be incurred for this.

Deployment of the update to customers who run their AEB application in their own data center (on-premise installation)

Schedule the installation of the update in a timely manner. The following Help Center article describes how you get the update file, how you install it correctly in addition to the current service pack, and what the prerequisites are: Kernel 4.4: Preparing the update and implementation (on-premise installation). If customer-specific adaptations have been programmed that have to be adapted again due to the kernel update, service costs may be incurred for this. AEB will contact you in advance about this. In this case, wait with the update until AEB provides you with the customer-specific service pack.

Product-specific aspects

The changes available with the update apply to all already updated AEB Engines. There are additional changes for some products. These will be provided in an own article.

• Follow this article to be notified as soon as there is news about the kernel update version 4.4 and the new interface.