Chapter 14. Firmware maintenance 441
Starting with GA5 firmware, updates will be available in one of the following formats
depending on the changes contained in the firmware update:
Concurrent install and activate: Fixes can be applied without interrupting running
partitions and restarting managed system.
Concurrent install with deferred disruptive activate: Fixes can be applied as delayed
and activated the next time the managed system is restarted.
Disruptive install with activate: Fixes can only be applied by powering off the managed
system.
Figure 14-26 shows an overview of the firmware update process.
Figure 14-26 Firmware overview
In-band firmware overview
The firmware update policy must be set to operating system and an i5/OS partition must be
defined as the service partition via the HMC.
New firmware updates/fixes are package as special MHxxxxx PTFs and can be ordered
individually though Fix Central or via the i5/OS SNDPTFORD command. These MHxxxxx
PTFs are also included in both Cumulative PTF packages and the HIPER Group package.
You use the normal i5/OS PTF installation functions to apply the MHxxxxx PTFs on your
service partition.When you apply these PTFs, the updates are placed in a repository on the
load source disk. If the MHxxxxx PTF is applied temporarily, then the update is held on the
(b-side) of the load source. If the MHxxxxx PTF is permanently applied, then the update is
stored on the a-side of the load source disk.
Important: If your firmware update policy is set to operating system (in-band) then all your
firmware updates will be disruptive - all partitions must be shutdown and the managed
system restarted to apply the new firmware changes.
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