topic Re: SimpliVity update manager for VMware updates on a cluster without DRS functionality in HPE SimpliVity

SimpliVity Upgrade Manager for VMware updates on a cluster without DRS functionality

CadenLange — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 05:31:43 GMT

Is there any benefit in using SimpliVity Upgrade Manager for ESXi updates if you don't have DRS licensed? Is it even supported to do it without DRS?

If you need to manaully evacuate each host of VM's before you can use Update Manager to upgrade the ESXi, then you might as well just update VMware using VMware esxcli commands using the SimpliVity offline bundle. Or perhaps I'm missing a trick here.

many thanks

Re: SimpliVity update manager for VMware updates on a cluster without DRS functionality

Azr_geek — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 04:20:39 GMT

Hello @CadenLange,

Using vSphere Update Manager (VUM) or Lifecycle Manager (vLCM) to patch/upgrade SimpliVity ESXi hosts without DRS is possible but offers minimal benefit—because you still have to manually evacuate VMs from each host, due to the lack of DRS.

So yes, you're mostly right. If you're manually evacuating each host anyway, you might as well use esxcli+ the SimpliVity offline bundle.

Regards,
Azr_geek

Re: SimpliVity update manager for VMware updates on a cluster without DRS functionality

CadenLange — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 07:31:26 GMT

Thanks

My question was more about the benefits (if any) of using SimpliVity Upgrade Manager for ESXi updates when DRS is not available (Sorry for the confusion in using the term 'update manager' rather than Upgrade Manager - I've now edited this correctly). The SimpliVity Upgrade Manager pre-checks block the upgrade when multiple hosts are selected from the cluster for upgrade if DRS isn't functional, but it might allow it if I only select one host at a time within Upgrade Manager. But even if Upgrade Manager allows me to just select just one host at a time - is there any benefit of doing it this way.

thanks

Re: SimpliVity update manager for VMware updates on a cluster without DRS functionality

Sanika — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 09:06:04 GMT

Hello @CadenLange

Without DRS, the benefit of using SimpliVity Upgrade Manager for ESXi updates is mainly compatibility checks and automation of SimpliVity-specific steps.
However, if you are upgrading one host at a time, the process becomes more manual anyway, which may reduce the advantage of using Upgrade Manager. In smaller environments or for administrators seeking a guided upgrade process, Upgrade Manager still adds value. For larger clusters or experienced admins, using VMware esxcli commands with the SimpliVity offline bundle might be faster and just as effective.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Sanika.

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Re: SimpliVity update manager for VMware updates on a cluster without DRS functionality

CadenLange — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 18:58:14 GMT

Hi @Sanika
Yes, you’re absolutely right. The benefits are in the package validation, pre-upgrade checks and ensuring things like Storage HA etc. For small environments, using Upgrade Manager is feasible and for larger environments DRS is almost certainly going to be available anyway. Thanks again

Re: SimpliVity update manager for VMware updates on a cluster without DRS functionality

Sanika — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 06:28:43 GMT

Glad to know your concern has been addressed!
Happy to help in any way I can.

Regards,
Sanika.