On 04/19/17 05:05 AM, Harry Putnam wrote:
HARDWARE: HP xw8600 2x Xeon 5470 3.33 Ghz - 32 GB ram
The hardware was first put into operation in 2008 and has BIOS version
of 1.46 which I'm pretty sure is the latest at Sep 2012.
Even hardware mentioned seems like a workstation product, (and don't
know if support for other HP product,like disk controllers, followed the
case), there is one one general note about HP server products.
Following management change, HP in 2014 changed it's support model for
their server hardware and they require having hardware support contracts
to update firmware.
(that includes bug fixes for hardware to function properly, without bugs
delivered with hardware).
http://www.zdnet.com/article/hp-to-begin-charging-for-firmware-updates-and-service-packs-for-servers/
This week, HP announced that effective February 19, 2014, we will
provide firmware updates through the HP Support Center
<http://h20566.www2.hp.com/portal/site/hpsc/public/?ac.admitted=1391725520165.876444892.199480143>
only to customers with a valid warranty, Care Pack Service
<http://www.hp.com/go/carepackservices> or support agreement.
Someone could say that not caring to fix firmware/hardware bugs for
already sold hardware - unless additional pay to HP, can hurt users and
HP server products usability and affect the trust in products and hurt
sales, but it certainly seems that buying new/used HP server hardware is
more risky/costly then it seemed.
(http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/02/12/hp_clarifies_firmware_support_contract_rules/)
* Which products are affected? – Only ProLiant servers, and only
system ROM and complex programming logic device (CPLD) firmware is
affected. “Entitlement requirements” won't apply to iLO, I/O or
controller firmware.
* What about warranty? – Firmware is covered under warranty, but to
get full coverage post-warranty, a service contract will be required.
* What about security? – “Security and safety” patches will be
provided to all server users for free.
http://windowsitpro.com/industry/hp-alters-access-some-server-updates-now-requires-entitlement-contract
HP has created a new categorization in their downloads center called
"Firmware (Entitlement Required)" and when customers attempt to access
the updates, the web site will first verify that customer's HP Support
Center User ID is linked to an existing contract or the registered
equipment is under warranty.
Don't know if HP expanded new policy of requesting hardware support
contracts for updating firmware in their other products.
(http://www.bit-tech.net/news/bits/2014/02/10/hp-bios/1)
The fine print suggests this is just the beginning and that more
product categories will soon also require paid contracts for support:
/Over time, more areas in the HP Support Center will be similarly
changed so that access to support materials is co-extensive to
your warranty or support agreements entitlements./
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