Firmware Update Guides - 2011

IBM is changing the supported methods to deploy firmware updates to new IBM System x and BladeCenter servers starting in 2011. This document details the changes being made, the tools used for firmware updates, and how totransition to a different firmware update method if the method currently in use will no longer be supported.

New System x systems starting in 2011 will require firmware updates be performed with one of the following tools:

• IBM ToolsCenter UpdateXpress System Pack Installer (UXSPI),
• IBM ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator (BoMC),
• or Systems Director Update Manager.

Updating by running individual flash packages (e.g. iFlash packages) will not be supported. Updating via the IMM's CLI or SNMP will also not be supported. Updating via the IMM web interface will be supported only for emergency recovery purposes.

In addition, the UEFI, IMM, and DSA Preboot firmware are being packaged in a new OS-agnostic file format (UXZ file). By packaging the firmware updates as OS-Agnostic UXZ files, it allows the same version of the firmware update to be installed on any operating system. This reduces the space and bandwidth needed to store and retrieve the firmware files.

Source:  IBM Support Portal - Firmware Update Guides - IBM BladeCenter and System x (IBM ID is required)