Re: V5R4M0 upgrade - HMC as well?

[rob@xxxxxxxxx]

Your FSP, (not your HMC), is not that far behind.  You're on SF240_219. 
The latest is SF240_320_201.  The cool part is that you can upgrade from 
219 to 320 non-disruptive.  Meaning that anything at SF240, and above 201 
can be installed non-disruptive.  Non-disruptive means that you do NOT 
have to power down the lpars to apply it.  For confirmation on this check 
out:
http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/firmware/gjsn?mode=30&page=01SF240_320_201.html
http://www-912.ibm.com/s_dir/slkbase.nsf/ibmscdirect/E58D7BBF0EAC9A2786256EAD005F54D8

However you really need to get over your fear of your HMC and start using 
it, after all, you did pay for it.  Stop using STRSST to check flash 
levels.  Start using HMC to install upgrades, especially if you want to do 
them non-disruptive.

Now, according to this matrix:
http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/sas/f/power5cm/supportedcode.html
clicking on "Supported HMC and POWER5 Server Code combinations (excluding 
595 and 590)"
your level of HMC is not supported on that level of FSP.
So first I would upgrade your HMC to V6R1.  Then I would upgrade your FSP 
to SF240_320.  Then I would upgrade your HMC to V7R3 (and appropriate fix 
packs).
All this can be done without any notice by your end users.

For information as to how to get new HMC code, and new FSP code check out
http://www-912.ibm.com/eserver/support/fixes/fixcentral
- System i family
- Server Firmware 
and
- Hardware Management Console.


Rob Berendt