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Additional deployment options
9 Dell EMC PowerEdge Updates Best Practices Guide (BPG)
1.4 Additional deployment options
Dell EMC realizes that one size does not fit all scenarios, Dell EMC provides the tools for many optimized
environments as well as the building blocks for creating your own tool for deploying updates. Multiple Server
update tools can also be used to update a single server; however they are not optimized for that use.
1.4.1 Updating single server options
Dell Update Package: A self-extracting executable that contains an individual update. Used for performing a
single update on a server. DUPs are the cornerstone of most Dell update offerings.
iDRAC Auto-Update: iDRAC7, iDRAC8 & iDRAC9 provide unique features that allows for the staging and
deployment of updates on a schedule that you set. Setting iDRAC to compare the baseline you created and
stage the deployment of any update that is newer than what is currently installed will assist in automating the
update process, while still giving you control. Using Dell EMC Repository Manager to create and maintain the
Baseline provides an easy means of keeping the systems up-to-date.
Lifecycle Controller: Lifecycle controller is Dell’s embedded systems management tool for Dell EMC
PowerEdge 11G and above servers. LC contains systems management, OS deployment and system
updates features. LC can be invoked using the F10 key at system start up, or through the iDRAC.
Server Update Utility: Optimized for 1:1 deployment of updates through the operating system. SUU is a
standalone product that is downloadable from Dell.com or can be custom built using Dell EMC Repository
Manager.
1.4.2 Updating multiple server options
Chassis Management Controller: Dell EMC’s Chassis Management Controller provides monitoring and
management of a Dell Blade environment. CMC includes an update deployment feature, Dell EMC
Repository Managers integration with CMC can assist in identifying and gathering the updates that CMC
uses.
Dell EMC Online Catalog: Catalog of updates that point to the physical update files. Very useful for custom
built deployment tools, as well as many 3rd party deployment tools.
Bootable Media: Bootable Media puts the update files into format that a server can boot to and perform the
required updates. Dell EMC Repository Manager and Dell EMC System Update Utility (DSU) can assist in
creating a Bootable Media file.
Dell EMC System Update (DSU): DSU is a script optimized update identification and deployment tool. DSU
is available for both Windows and Linux operating systems.
Scripted Deployment Packs: Gathering updates into a group and deploying them using a script is a
common practice. Dell EMC Repository Manager can assist in gathering the updates together and attaching
a script for deployment.