This chapter describes how to prepare for installing Siebel eBusiness Applications software. It also introduces you to the Deployment Planning Worksheet, an integral part of the installation process. It includes the following topics:

• About Installing Maintenance Releases
• How to Use This Guide If Your Database Is IBM DB2 UDB for z/OS and OS/390
• How This Guide Refers to Your Installation Directories
• Process of Installing Siebel eBusiness Applications
• Deployment of Siebel 7.7 Gateway Name Server Versus Siebel 6 Gateway
• Preparing the Hardware
• Planning the Siebel Directory Structure
• Selecting Your Media for Installation
• Media Contents
• Creating a Network Image

Before proceeding, go to Deployment Planning Worksheet and make a copy of the worksheet. Using the copy, the person in charge of the deployment effort should fill out the first section. Members of the team should fill out the information in the sections for which they are responsible.

As you work through the preparation steps in this chapter, you will be prompted to record information you will need while installing and configuring Siebel eBusiness Applications.

In subsequent chapters, you will be prompted to refer to the Deployment Planning Worksheet for specific information about your site and deployment. You will also use it to record other important information for future installations, upgrades, reconfiguration, and expansion of your deployment.