Abstract: Updating firmware on multiple systems or nodes within a merged networked environment includes providing firmware update code and a firmware update utility to a primary node. The firmware update utility determines the presence of a multi-node partition and detects the partition's configuration. The configuration determination includes determining the location of a remote service processor on each secondary node. The primary node creates an image of the firmware update code and distributes the created image to each of the secondary node service processors over a sideband link. Each of the remote service processors would then restart their respective systems. The node's BIOS detects the presence of the firmware update code on the service processor and forces the node to boot the update code directly. After the firmware update is complete, the firmware update code is deleted. When it subsequent restart occurs, the nodes will boot to the merged state.

Abstract: Updating firmware on multiple systems or nodes within a merged networked environment includes providing firmware update code and a firmware update utility to a primary node. The firmware update utility determines the presence of a multi-node partition and detects the partition's configuration. The configuration determination includes determining the location of a remote service processor on each secondary node. The primary node creates an image of the firmware update code and distributes the created image to each of the secondary node service processors over a sideband link. Each of the remote service processors would then restart their respective systems. The node's BIOS detects the presence of the firmware update code on the service processor and forces the node to boot the update code directly. After the firmware update is complete, the firmware update code is deleted. When it subsequent restart occurs, the nodes will boot to the merged state.

Abstract: Signals to a management module are generated on an occurrence of an event affecting one of a plurality of server blades housed in a common chassis with the management module and aggregated in the management module. Signaling in accordance with this invention may be originated at a number of levels of operation of information handling systems, and distinction can be drawn between an occurrence requiring prompt attention from an operator—an alert—and occurrences where such prompt action is unnecessary. Occurrences signaled are logged for possible later review, and such a log will, in the contemplation of this invention, contain events related to a number of server blades.

Abstract: A chassis controller can identify a blade that spans more than one power plane. If power is healthy and available on all power planes then the blade may be granted permission to power on. The chassis controller validates that when a blade spans multiple power planes that the necessary power is available before permitting the blade to go to fully power operation.