In IBM Cloud Pak for Integration (CP4I) v2021.2, Foundational Services provide authentication and access control mechanisms, including Single Sign-On (SSO) integration. The two supported authentication types for SSO are:

OpenShift Authentication

IBM Cloud Pak for Integration leverages OpenShift authentication to integrate with existing identity providers.

OpenShift authentication supports OAuth-based authentication, allowing users to sign in using an OpenShift identity provider, such as LDAP, OIDC, or SAML.

This method enables seamless user access without requiring additional login credentials.

Enterprise SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language)

SAML authentication allows integration with enterprise identity providers (IdPs) such as IBM Security Verify, Okta, Microsoft Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS), and other SAML 2.0-compatible IdPs.

It provides federated identity management for SSO across enterprise applications, ensuring secure access to Cloud Pak services.

A. Basic Authentication – Incorrect

Basic authentication (username and password) is not used for Single Sign-On (SSO). SSO mechanisms require identity federation through OpenID Connect (OIDC) or SAML.

C. PublicKey – Incorrect

PublicKey authentication (such as SSH key-based authentication) is used for system-level access, not for SSO in Foundational Services.

E. Local User Registry – Incorrect

While local user registries can store credentials, they do not provide SSO capabilities. SSO requires federated identity providers like OpenShift authentication or SAML-based IdPs.

Why the other options are incorrect:

IBM Cloud Pak Foundational Services Authentication Guide

OpenShift Authentication and Identity Providers

IBM Cloud Pak for Integration SSO Configuration

IBM Cloud Pak for Integration (CP4I) v2021.2 Administration References:

When installing IBM Cloud Pak for Integration (CP4I) operators via the CLI, the Operator Lifecycle Manager (OLM) requires an OperatorGroup resource before applying a Subscription.

OperatorGroup defines the scope (namespace) in which the operator will be deployed and managed.

It ensures that the operator has the necessary permissions to install and operate in the specified namespace.

Without an OperatorGroup, the subscription for ibm-cp-integration cannot be applied, and the installation will fail.

Create a new namespace (if not already created):

Why an OperatorGroup is Required:Steps for CLI Installation:oc create namespace cp4i-namespace

Create the OperatorGroup YAML (e.g., operatorgroup.yaml):

apiVersion: operators.coreos.com/v1

kind: OperatorGroup

metadata:

name: cp4i-operatorgroup

namespace: cp4i-namespace

spec:

targetNamespaces:

- cp4i-namespace

Apply it using:

oc apply -f operatorgroup.yaml

Apply the Subscription YAML for ibm-cp-integration once the OperatorGroup exists.

B. The ibm-foundational-services operator and subscription

While IBM Foundational Services is required for some Cloud Pak features, its absence does not prevent the creation of an operator subscription.

C. The platform-navigator operator and subscription

Platform Navigator is an optional component and is not required before installing the ibm-cp-integration subscription.

D. The ibm-common-services namespace

The IBM Common Services namespace is used for foundational services, but it is not required for defining an operator subscription in a new namespace.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:IBM Cloud Pak for Integration (CP4I) v2021.2 Administration References:

IBM Cloud Pak for Integration Operator Installation Guide

Red Hat OpenShift - Operator Lifecycle Manager (OLM) Documentation

IBM Common Services and Foundational Services Overview

IBM Aspera High-Speed Transfer Server (HSTS) is a core component of IBM Cloud Pak for Integration (CP4I) that enables secure, high-speed file transfers over networks, regardless of file size, distance, or network conditions.

HSTS does not impose a file size limit, meaning users can transfer files of any size efficiently.

It uses IBM Aspera’s FASP (Fast and Secure Protocol) to achieve transfer speeds significantly faster than traditional TCP-based transfers, even over long distances or unreliable networks.

HSTS allows an unlimited number of concurrent users to transfer files using an Aspera client.

It ensures secure, encrypted, and efficient file transfers with features like bandwidth control and automatic retry in case of network failures.

A. HSTS allows an unlimited number of concurrent users to transfer files of up to 500GB at high speed using an Aspera client. (Incorrect)

Incorrect file size limit – HSTS supports files of any size without restrictions.

B. HSTS allows an unlimited number of concurrent users to transfer files of up to 100GB at high speed using an Aspera client. (Incorrect)

Incorrect file size limit – There is no 100GB limit in HSTS.

C. HSTS allows an unlimited number of concurrent users to transfer files of up to 1TB at high speed using an Aspera client. (Incorrect)

Incorrect file size limit – There is no 1TB limit in HSTS.

D. HSTS allows an unlimited number of concurrent users to transfer files of any size at high speed using an Aspera client. (Correct)

Correct answer – HSTS does not impose a file size limit, making it the best choice.

Analysis of the Options:

IBM Aspera High-Speed Transfer Server Documentation

IBM Cloud Pak for Integration - Aspera Overview

IBM Aspera FASP Technology

IBM Cloud Pak for Integration (CP4I) v2021.2 Administration References:

Uninstalling IBM Cloud Pak for Integration (CP4I) v2021.2 requires removing the operators, instances, and related resources from the OpenShift cluster. One method to achieve this is through the OpenShift console, which provides a graphical interface for managing operators and deployments.

The OpenShift Web Console allows administrators to:

Navigate to Operators → Installed Operators and remove CP4I-related operators.

Delete all associated custom resources (CRs) and namespaces where CP4I was deployed.

Ensure that all PVCs (Persistent Volume Claims) and secrets associated with CP4I are also deleted.

This is an officially supported method for uninstalling CP4I in OpenShift environments.

Why Option D (OpenShift Console) is Correct:

A. Uninstall.sh → ❌ Incorrect

There is no official Uninstall.sh script provided by IBM for CP4I removal.

IBM’s documentation recommends manual removal through OpenShift.

B. Cloud Pak for Integration console → ❌ Incorrect

The CP4I console is used for managing integration components but does not provide an option to uninstall CP4I itself.

C. Operator Catalog → ❌ Incorrect

The Operator Catalog lists available operators but does not handle uninstallation.

Operators need to be manually removed via the OpenShift Console or CLI.

Explanation of Incorrect Answers:

Uninstalling IBM Cloud Pak for Integration

OpenShift Web Console - Removing Installed Operators

Best Practices for Uninstalling Cloud Pak on OpenShift

IBM Cloud Pak for Integration (CP4I) v2021.2 Administration References:

The IBM Licensing Operator is responsible for managing and tracking IBM software license consumption in OpenShift and Kubernetes environments. It provides two key Custom Resources (CRs) to facilitate license tracking, reporting, and compliance in IBM Cloud Pak deployments:

IBM License Collector (IBMLicenseCollector)

This custom resource is responsible for collecting license usage data from IBM Cloud Pak components and aggregating the data for reporting.

It gathers information from various IBM products deployed within the cluster, ensuring that license consumption is tracked accurately.

IBM License Service (IBMLicenseService)

This custom resource provides real-time license tracking and metering for IBM software running in a containerized environment.

It is the core service that allows administrators to query and verify license usage.

The IBM License Service ensures compliance with IBM Cloud Pak licensing requirements and integrates with the IBM License Service Reporter for extended reporting capabilities.

B. IBM License Service Reporter – Incorrect

While IBM License Service Reporter exists as an additional reporting tool, it is not a custom resource provided directly by the IBM Licensing Operator. Instead, it is a component that enhances license reporting outside the cluster.

C. IBM License Viewer – Incorrect

No such CR exists. IBM License information can be viewed through OpenShift or CLI, but there is no "License Viewer" CR.

E. IBM License Reporting – Incorrect

While reporting is a function of IBM License Service, there is no custom resource named "IBM License Reporting."

Why the other options are incorrect:

IBM Licensing Service Documentation

IBM Cloud Pak Licensing Overview

OpenShift and IBM License Service Integration

IBM Cloud Pak for Integration (CP4I) v2021.2 Administration References:

Upgrading the operator

If asked, approve the install plan

Upgrading the operand

Upgrading the traced integration capabilities

1️⃣ Upgrade operator using Operator Lifecycle Manager.

The Operator Lifecycle Manager (OLM) manages the upgrade of the Operations Dashboard operator in OpenShift.

This ensures that the latest version is available for managing operands.

2️⃣ If asked, approve the Install Plan.

Some installations require manual approval of the Install Plan to proceed with the operator upgrade.

If configured for automatic updates, this step may not be required.

3️⃣ Upgrade the operand.

Once the operator is upgraded, the operand (Operations Dashboard instance) needs to be updated to the latest version.

This step ensures that the upgraded operator manages the most recent operand version.

4️⃣ Upgrade traced integration capabilities.

Finally, upgrade any traced integration capabilities that depend on the Operations Dashboard.

This step ensures compatibility and full functionality with the updated components.

In IBM Cloud Pak for Integration (CP4I) v2021.2, the Operations Dashboard provides tracing and monitoring for integration capabilities. The correct upgrade sequence ensures a smooth transition with minimal downtime:

Upgrade the Operator using OLM – The Operator manages operands and must be upgraded first.

Approve the Install Plan (if required) – Some operator updates require manual approval before proceeding.

Upgrade the Operand – The actual Operations Dashboard component is upgraded after the operator.

Upgrade Traced Integration Capabilities – Ensures all monitored services are compatible with the new Operations Dashboard version.

IBM Cloud Pak for Integration (CP4I) v2021.2 Administration References:

Upgrading Operators using Operator Lifecycle Manager (OLM)

IBM Cloud Pak for Integration Operations Dashboard

Best Practices for Upgrading CP4I Components

In IBM Cloud Pak for Integration (CP4I) v2021.2, the Automation Assets (formerly known as Asset Repository) is managed through the IBM Automation Foundation Assets Operator. When manually upgrading Automation Assets, you need to update the Custom Resource (CR) associated with the Asset Repository.

The correct approach to manually upgrading the Automation Assets CR is to:

Navigate to the OpenShift Web Console.

Go to Operators → Installed Operators.

Find and select IBM Automation Foundation Assets Operator.

Locate the Asset Repository operand managed by this operator.

Edit the YAML definition of the Asset Repository CR to reflect the new version or required configuration changes.

Save the changes, which will trigger the update process.

This approach ensures that the Automation Assets component is upgraded correctly without disrupting the overall IBM Cloud Pak for Integration environment.

B. In OpenShift web console, navigate to the OperatorHub and edit the Automation foundation assets definition.

The OperatorHub is used for installing and subscribing to operators but does not provide direct access to modify Custom Resources (CRs) related to operands.

C. Open the terminal window and run "oc upgrade ..." command.

There is no oc upgrade command in OpenShift. Upgrades in OpenShift are typically managed through CR updates or Operator Lifecycle Manager (OLM).

D. Use the OpenShift web console to edit the YAML definition of the IBM Automation foundation assets operator.

Editing the operator’s YAML would affect the operator itself, not the Asset Repository operand, which is what needs to be upgraded.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:IBM Cloud Pak for Integration (CP4I) v2021.2 Administration References:

IBM Cloud Pak for Integration Knowledge Center

IBM Automation Foundation Assets Documentation

OpenShift Operator Lifecycle Manager (OLM) Guide