When to update firmware?

[seezer]

We installed an S8710/G650 with several LSPs (CM 3.0) for a customer a few weeks ago. New CM service packs and firmware updates for the G700 are available. Also, a few circuit packs and media modules came from the factory with firmware that is older than what is listed on Avaya's website.

We take a conservative stance and do not apply service packs and firmware unless a specific problem warrants an update. So far, we've encountered no problems with the above installation.

I was wondering what position others in this forum take on applying updates. Apply service packs/firmware as they are relased? Apply only when warranted?

Care to share your thoughts?

Regards,
Seezer

 

[nohuhu]

seezer,

my position is simple: don't fix if it ain't broken.
well, the other side is that software updates may have some useful features as well, and these updates may require firmware updates. but that's another story.

 

[seezer]

Thanks dwalin, I share the same position. This morning, my coworker was working with Avaya tech support on an issue and the Avaya tech said that we should apply the most current service packs and firmware when we do installs.

Looks like everyone has a different philosophy.

Regards,

Seezer

 

[nohuhu]

seezer,

when we do installs, yes. when there are some problems with existing firmware, yes. otherwise, no. i just can't understand people who have working system without any issues and entertain themselves by updating firmware and so on just out of curiosity. some people are like ants, they can't live without unneeded work.

 

[4merlucent]

Avaya will always tell you to upgrade firmware and service packs before they investigate an issue but otherwise I don't upgrade firmware just for the sake of it.

 

[1a22ip]

I took a different approach. I paid for a system and paid for installation. Therefore I want the latest and greatest. I had the Tech install all updates to current levels. If something goes wrong There will be no finger pointing.



1a2 to ip I seen it all

 

[JAS04]

1a22ip - Did you get any puch back from your BP or did you purchse from Avaya? They push this back on the customer, but I too feel we paid (lot's of money for this system) and they should be accountable as well - thoughts? Thanks~

 

[phoneguy55]

I tend to agree with 1a22ip as I am an end user. When my BP installs an new switch. I want the latest and greatest firware on everything. After the install, I will handle the firware upgrades.

 

[SF0751]

I agree with phoneguy55 and 1a22ip; with one note of caution - I NEVER install a firmware upgrade the moment it's available. I usually wait about 6 weeks after release before I install it. Just in case Avaya finds a problem with the firmware; which, of course, never happens.....

Susan
"A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort."
- Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)

 

[1a22ip]

I did not get any push back from the BP or Avaya. The system was purchased from a BP and is maintained by Avaya. As a matter of fact the BP had a line item on his install plan to update firmware. The only problem that is still giving me a rash is the 2420's.

Thanks
ED

1a2 to ip I seen it all

 

[phoneguy55]

What is wrong with the 2420's?

Susan you are right on. I don't think there is any harm installing new firware, just don't be the first one to do it. Usually if there are problems with a new firware, it becomes know fairly quickly, thanks to this board and others.

 

[1a22ip]

The Clan or processor board will not transfer the BIN file using the avaya TFTP server SW or any TFTP SW for that matter.

Thanks
ED

1a2 to ip I seen it all

 

[phoneguy55]

Thanks for the info. I have not tried to upgrade any of my 24XX sets yet. I have been very sucessful with the 46XX IP sets however.

 

[seezer]

If a customer requests that we update all firmware to current levels, we will do some research before accomodating the request just to ensure we don't introduce problems.

Another factor we consider is the age of the factory-installed firmware. We've had instances where factory-installed firmware was a couple of versions behind current. In such a case, we'll upgrade to the minimum release that supports the particular release of CM on the servers.

On a side note, did you notice how frequently the MM R2.0 hotfixes have been relased? Hard to keep up.

Thanks,

Seezer

 

[mikeydidit]

Like a lot of things on the Definity's, I had to do my research before doing my first firmware upgrade. Having worked on this system and with Denver's TSC group for over 12 years, this has given me some places to turn to for help that most do not have access to.

I am older now and have to document things so I can remember them when I need them again (thats CRS), so as I did my research I did just that. I spoke with one of the engineers that actually help produce the programmable circuit packs and the FTP procedures.

One thing that he stressed to me was to make a backup of the firmware that I was going to upgrade so if some sort of bug was in the newer version you could quickly reload the old version.

During the firmware upgrade if you will use this command “get boot-image board xxxxx” This command will give you a backup copy of the current version of firmware.


Mikey