Task 1: Prepare for the Upgrade

Notify users in advance that a software upgrade is planned. Because all nodes must be shut down, plan the upgrade for a time when there is the least amount of activity on the system.

Install all available patch kits for the current release before upgrading to Version 3.1. For example, if your system is currently installed with Version 2.1, make sure you have installed Patch Kit 1 (PK0) and Patch Kit 2 (PK02) before proceeding with the upgrade.

Use your preferred backup solution to perform a full backup of the head node, which can be done while the head node is up and when jobs are running. If the /hptc_cluster file system is located on an HP SFS server, ensure you back up the SFS server as well.

It can be beneficial to have online access to the contents of the /etc, /opt/hptc, and /hptc_cluster directories after the upgrade in case you need to look at previous configuration files for configuration information.

If the upgrade is not successful, you might have to revert to the previously installed release.

If you plan to add or remove nodes, do so before or after the upgrade. Adding or deleting nodes during the upgrade process is not supported.

If the system is using HP StorageWorks Scalable File Share, go to the SFS documentation to find out if you are required to update the SFS server and client software for the new HP XC release. If an SFS software update is required, you perform that task in “Task 6: Install Patches and Re-Install Additional Software” .

If the system is configured with an InfiniBand interconnect, upgrade the HCA cards on all nodes now.

Improved availability of services is a new feature introduced in HP XC System Software Version 3.1.

See “Task 9: Plan a Service Availability Strategy”, which describes what improved availability offers, how it is achieved, the supported availability tools, and the services that are eligible for improved availability. Then, determine whether or not you want to configure improved availability.

After the software has been upgraded to Version 3.1, you can enable improved availability.

Read the Version 3.1 HP XC System Software Release Notes before beginning the upgrade procedure. This document describes any last-minute changes to software, firmware, or hardware that may affect the upgrade process.

The HP XC System Software Release Notes for each XC software release are accessible at

http://www.docs.hp.com/en/highperfcomp.html