HP Smart Update Best Practices Implementer Guide

Yes, starting with HP SPP version 2012.02.0 and HP SUM 5.0.1, HBA and CNA firmware
updates can be performed while online.
6 How do I manage my Ethernet Blade interconnect switch updates?
You must use the vendor tools to update the blade interconnect switch modules.
7 Are there any guidelines for downgrading firmware?
There are several limitations about downgrading firmware. If necessary, firmware downgrades
should only be attempted on a component-by-component basis. HP does not recommend
downgrading components unless absolutely necessary.
8 Can you upgrade versions of HBA and CNA firmware without being concerned about going
through an interim version to facilitate the upgrade?
There are no generational skipping requirements for Fibre Channel HBAs. You can upgrade
from one firmware and boot BIOS version to another without any intermediate steps.
NOTE: You need to perform an offline update to get to the HBA and CNA firmware versions
included in the HP SPP version 2011.09.0 or later before you can update the HBA and CNA
firmware online starting with 2012.02.0 or later.
9 Can I roll-back the individual changes on a per-server or per-chassis basis?
There is no uninstall/reverse functionality, although it is possible to force older components to
overwrite newer ones if a reference set of the presently installed versions is created. HP does
not recommend downgrading components unless absolutely necessary.
IMPORTANT: If you do decide to downgrade a component, do not downgrade more than
one firmware version. For example, do not downgrade from version 6.5 to 4.0. Downgrading
more than one firmware version risks incompatibilities between the downgraded firmware and
other hardware. You will need to download the component you want to downgrade manually,
it will not be included as part of the latest HP SPP or HP Integrity bundle.
10 How often should we upgrade firmware?
Update your ProLiant firmware once per year to keep your firmware up-to-date with the latest
updates.
11 How does the firmware version affect our support status with HP?
Typically, HP supports each SPP version for 12 months. In some cases, HP may extend the
support period beyond a year, so always consult the HP Service Pack for ProLiant Release
Notes. For more information, see the HP SPP website at http://www.hp.com/go/spp.
NOTE: Generally, you can tell when your support period ends by the version number of the
release. For example, if you have installed the content of SPP 2011.09.0, your support period
should end the last day of September, 2012 based on version 2011=year, 09= month,
0=release ID number.
HP SPP
1 How do I add updated components to the HP SPP?
For more information about adding components, see “Adding components to the HP SPP” (page
39).
2 What order of update should be followed when updating a blade enclosure?
For information on how to update a blade enclosure using the HP SPP, see “OA Installation
order” (page 33).
Mixed HP ProLiant and HP Integrity environments
1 Can I update a mixed HP ProLiant and HP Integrity environment at the same time?
38 FAQs