Preinstallation tasks include performing an HMC backup and determining the method to use for installing the server firmware from an HMC.
The tasks in this topic are HMC related. However, you can upgrade server firmware on 8203-E4A and 8204-E8A systems without using an HMC. For information about upgrading without using an HMC, see Upgrading server firmware without using an HMC.
Perform an HMC backup only if the system is attached to an HMC.
Upgrading server firmware can be a disruptive process that requires you to shut down the server and all logical partitions and to perform another initial program load (IPL).