Storage Center Version 7.x Software Update Guide

Decide How to Apply Updates

Within an update package, an individual update component is classified by the method in which the update component can be installed. It is critical to know which updates can impact Storage Center operation.

The following list outlines the software update process and the implications to the storage system. For more information, see Software Update Types.

• The installation process automatically reboots Storage Center storage controller(s) when required by the components being updated.
• Write cache is disabled during the entire software update, including during disk firmware updates if included.
• Disk firmware, when applied in-service, does not require a system boot.
• For dual-controller Storage Centers, installation reboots the storage controllers in sequence or simultaneously, depending on the components being updated. A service outage is required when the storage controllers are rebooted simultaneously.
• To install deferrable components, those that are not required and that do not affect service, plan for applying the updates during a time at which the Storage Center is least busy.
  NOTE:If you do not install deferrable components when you install the required components, it can negatively impact the reliability of the components whose firmware is not being updated. Dell recommends that you schedule a service outage and apply deferrable component updates as soon as possible.
• To install components that affect service, plan for and schedule a service outage during which to apply the updates. You may also want to install components that are non-service affecting during the schedule outage.
  CAUTION:Do not manually restart the Storage Center storage controllers during the update process. Updating is a software-controlled process.