Re: ITDT: IBM Tape diagnostic Tool

In this case, there is no VIOS involved. It still takes a dedicated tool
like the one Gary pointed out. VIOS is just an example of other times when
there is no fire and forget option for this kind of stuff.

On Mon, Mar 3, 2025 at 9:05 AM Patrik Schindler <poc@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Hello Rob,

Am 03.03.2025 um 13:11 schrieb Rob Berendt <robertowenberendt@xxxxxxxxx>:

Tape drives (native or not), SAN storage, disk drives hosted by VIOS,

even FC adapters hosted by VIOS all do not get their firmware from IBM i.

You did not state if your install was VIOS based in your original post.
Hence my remark.

Adapters hosted by VIOS? Well, just slapping on the latest version of

VIOS doesn't just fix that. Often one has to run a special tool to check
the firmware levels of all your adapters, download the updates and apply
them.

Quite a process.
There's a lot one takes for granted with IBM i.

HPE (formerly DEC) is my preferred example on how updates should work in
the year 2025. Insert prepared bootable USB stick, have the machine boot
from there. It contains a "special Linux". The browser-based software there
generates an inventory of found hardware vs. firmware levels in the
devices, and those found on the stick. Next, you'll be presented with a
list of updatable devices and possible additional ToDos.

Most often, it's click on "update all", leave the machine do its thing for
half an hour, and you're set.

I simply can't comprehend why IBM still makes it so hard for admins to
cope with updates. I have a computer! It can compute what's needed much
more precisely and reliably than my wobbly, flakey brain!

:wq! PoC

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