this method is not recommended for partitioned systems, but if the device resources are allocated properly, the firmware update can be done using the aix service aid.

    this service aid is supported only in online diagnostics.

    if the firmware on a partitioned system is being updated:

    1 one partition running aix must have service authority.

    2 all other partitions except the one with service authority must be shut down.

    3 the partition with service authority must own the device from which the firmware update image will be read.

    4 the partition with service authority must have a hard disk.

    if the required devices are not in the partition with service authority, the customer or system administrator must reassign the appropriate resources to it. this requires rebooting the partition with service authority.

    if the firmware on a full system partition is being updated, no special steps are required to perform the firmware update using the service aid.

    because the system always reboots itself during this type of firmware update process, the update process can take from 20 to 60 minutes.