Software Owner manual

10 Upgrading VC firmware after VCEM is managing VC
Domains
The process for upgrading VC firmware requires extra steps when VCEM is managing the VC
Domain. VCEM gains exclusive access to managed domains. However, using the VC Domain
Maintenance capability, the VCM can be used to upgrade VC firmware while the VC Domain is
being managed by VCEM.
IMPORTANT: Starting with VCEM 7.1.1 or later versions of VC firmware prior to VC 3.30 are
not supported. If you have versions of VC firmware before 3.30 installed, an incompatible firmware
icon is displayed, and VCEM prevents most VC Domain, VC Domain group, and server profile
operations. You must upgrade to at least VC firmware 3.3x. See “Upgrading incompatible firmware
modes and versions” (page 28) for more information. While VCEM does not support these older
firmware versions, both VCEM and the Insight Managed System Setup Wizard will not prevent
you from licensing these older firmware versions.
Preparation checklist
Before upgrading VC firmware, you must ensure that the installed version of VCEM supports the
VC firmware upgrade. For more information, see the “VC Domain Group firmware compatibility”
(page 21), and the “VCEM supported VC features” (page 97).
The VC firmware version might require installation of a VCEM Firmware Support Update or new
version of VCEM. Ensure the following requirements have been met:
1. Download and install the VCEM Firmware Support Update or a new VCEM version that
supports the VC firmware.
2. Acquire the HP BladeSystem c-Class VC Firmware. You can download the firmware from
http://www.hp.com. Firmware installation instructions are included with the download.
3. Determine whether any other components must be updated before upgrading the VC firmware
by reviewing the VC firmware documentation. The VC firmware might have dependencies on
specific versions of the following items:
• HP BladeSystem c-Class Onboard Administrator
• HP ProLiant c-Class Server BIOS – System ROM
• HP Integrity c-Class Server EFI
• HP c-Class Embedded NICs
• HP c-Class Server Mezzanine Cards
• HP Integrated Lights-Out (iLO )
See the HP Insight Management Support Matrix at http://www.hp.com/go/insightmanagement/
docs for support such as operating system and system type.
Preparation checklist 149