On a Linux server running IBM Integration Bus or IBM App Connect Enterprise, which operating system group membership does a solution developer typically need in order to modify Integration Node properties and the properties of Integration Node resources such as execution groups or integration servers?

Introduction / Context:
IBM Integration Bus (IIB), now known as IBM App Connect Enterprise, uses integration nodes (formerly brokers) and integration servers to host message flows and other resources. On Linux and UNIX systems, these runtime components are associated with specific operating system user IDs and groups for security and administration. This question examines which OS level privileges a solution developer needs to modify integration node properties and integration node resources.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The environment is Linux with IBM Integration Bus or App Connect Enterprise installed.
• Integration nodes are created under a specific service user and group.
• The mqm group is associated primarily with IBM MQ administration.
• The mqbrks (or mqbrkrs) group is associated with integration node ownership and administration.

Concept / Approach:
IBM's recommended security model separates responsibilities between MQ administration and integration node administration. The mqm group is powerful and controls the queue manager. The mqbrks (or mqbrkrs) group is used to control integration nodes and their resources. To configure HTTP listeners and modify integration node properties, a developer needs to have the same OS level privileges as the integration node owner, which normally means being a member of the mqbrks group. Root access is not required for day to day administration and is usually avoided for security reasons.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1. Identify which OS user and group own the integration node processes (for example, the broker service user and mqbrks group). 2. IBM documentation states that users who administer integration nodes and their resources must belong to the integration node's administrative group (mqbrks or mqbrkrs). 3. Membership of the mqm group is typically needed only for MQ object administration, not for core integration node property changes. 4. Root access is occasionally used for installation or certain system level tasks but is not required for routine node configuration. 5. Therefore, the required privilege for modifying integration node properties is membership of mqbrks (or mqbrkrs).

Verification / Alternative check:
In a typical installation, if a user who is not in mqbrks attempts to run commands such as mqsichangeproperties or mqsireportproperties against an integration node, the system will reject the attempt with a permissions error. After adding the user to the mqbrks group and restarting their session, these commands succeed, confirming that membership of mqbrks is the key requirement. MQ administration commands, by contrast, require mqm membership, illustrating the separation of duties.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a: Root access is not required and granting it broadly is poor security practice. Option b: mqm is mainly used for IBM MQ queue manager administration, not specifically for integration node configuration. Option d: While some environments may choose to grant both mqm and mqbrks for convenience, it is not always mandatory and can violate least privilege principles. Option e: Allowing any user to modify integration nodes without group membership would be insecure; IBM products enforce group based permissions.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is giving developers mqm membership when they only need to administer integration nodes, exposing more MQ privileges than necessary. Another pitfall is forgetting to log out and back in after adding a user to mqbrks, which can cause confusion when permissions appear unchanged. Following IBM's recommended group based privilege model helps maintain a secure and manageable integration environment.

Final Answer:
On a Linux server, a solution developer typically needs membership of the mqbrks (or mqbrkrs) group, which owns and controls the integration node processes and resources, in order to modify integration node properties and related resources.