PSP's & HP Proliant Firmware Updates

[Sergei Sherbin]

If we update our Proliant servers with the PSP's, do we also need to apply the HP Firmware updates?

If both updates are required, is the best way to apply the firmware updates to use HP's Smart Update Manager or can I integrate the firmware pushes with HP SIM?

Thanks,
Serge

[Rancher]

After you apply the PSP, you can push out any later firmware needed through the VCA on SIMS.

[Sergei Sherbin]

Yes, I understand the firmware must be updated, too. But, are all the needed firmware updates provided on the PSP's or must the separate firmware update cd's be applied?

For example, this link is to the firmware updates: http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/27225.html

This link is to the PSP's:
http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/download/26998.html?jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

Must I update all proliant servers with both updates or does the psp, by itself, take care of both?

[Rancher]

If you have a Version Control Repository Manager configured on your SIMS, it automatically goes to HP site and downloades the latest and greatest. Mine is set up to do that once a week. After the PSP is applied, you can go into the Version Control page for the server,l and it will show if there is anything else needed. Then you can push it out through SIMS. No other cd is necessary!

Here is a link to the VCRM manual:

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c00293365/c00293365.pdf?jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN

[Sergei Sherbin]

That was my impression also. However, I was working with HP Tech Support yesterday about a failed NIC. They told me to update the psp's AND the firmware (the firmware link I showed you on an earlier post). I asked them if I install the complete PSP indicated by the VC Agent, if you still need to do the firmware install. Their answer was yes, both. So is what we have a breakdown in communication or a Tech that didn't understand?

[Rancher]

There is some firmware downloaded to the repository, but I am not sure if SIMS shows in through the VCA, and I don't think that all firmware downloads. If you know which one you need, you can look in the VCRM and see if it is there. If it is, you can still push it out. If it is not there, you should be able to download just the one you need, add it to the repositry, and then push it out. I am sorry I am not really being much help.

[Sergei Sherbin]

I appreciate your help, but I'm confused, too. What started this was when HP looked at the drivers on the NIC that had failed. They were not current, even though we had been pushing out all psp updates indicated by the VC Agent on the remote server. That's when the HP Tech said that we needed to push updates from the PSP and the HP Proliant Firmware. If I ever get the definitive answer from HP, I'll post it.

Hello, HP, are you out there?

[Rob Buxton · Accepted solution]

PSP's do NOT contain firmware updates.

But, you can use the VCA / VCRM mechanism to manage and install certain firmware updates. Typically for ILO, Array Controllers and BIOS. I don't believe the NIC Firmware Updates have yet been incorporated, but there are utilities for upgrading NIC firmware available in the HP Software repositories. It's a similar exercise for HBAs.

With my VCRM I have a top level directory that the VCRM Repository points to. Below that are directories for the PSPs plus one for non-PSP stuff.

If the VCA finds a CPnnnnn.exe and .mnf file containing the firmware for the appropriate device in a server it will match and allow you to use the VCA to push out the update. It would be nice if the VCA functionality was extended to include the firmware on some of the other devices.

[Sergei Sherbin]

Thanks!