About Updates

Updates to FireMon software are packaged as a single unit and delivered together as an FMOS system update. These updates are applied using FMOS tools, which manage the process of verifying the update source, installing the new software, updating configuration files, and migrating data.

Update Source

Previously, an update source was the URL of a Yum package repository or the path to a block device or file system image containing a Yum package repository. Now, an update source is a path or URL to an FMOS Distribution Archive.

Update Process

Because the FMOS root file system is immutable, applying updates to a system requires replacing the file system image. The machine must be rebooted in order to use the new image. Therefore, the update process for the Generation III platform is as follows:

  1. The distribution archive is fetched, validated, and unpacked.
  2. The new root file system image is mounted at a temporary location.
  3. The system is prepared to boot from the new image by generating a new initramfs image and bootloader configuration file.
  4. The root file system image is copied to the /boot directory.
  5. The machine is rebooted.
  6. During the next boot, the FMOS configuration policy is applied. This includes invoking the Security Manager migration tool (Flyway) to manage database schema and other application-level updates.

FireMon uses two types of updates:

  • Enterprise Upgrade Release (with only monthly maintenance releases) prioritizes stability.

  • Feature Upgrade Releases (with monthly maintenance and new content each release) prioritize new features.

Requirements and Recommendations

This section provides additional requirements and recommendations beyond system requirements.

  • The download process requires an Internet connection and a browser.
  • Updates are available to customers with current software subscriptions only.
  • It is strongly recommended that you back up the SIP database and files before installing any updates.
  • If you are updating both a single-server Data Collector and an Application Server, you must upgrade your Application Server first.
  • If you are updating from a version that is three (or more) minor versions behind the current version, please contact Support to help you perform a staged updating.

Prerequisites for Updating

During the update process, all SIP components will be stopped, and connectivity will be terminated. Please consider updating your product during periods of low product use to minimize the effects of this loss of connectivity.

  • If you are updating from a version that is three (or more) behind current, please contact support@firemon.com for help with the upgrade.

  • It is advised to perform a database backup before beginning the upgrade process.