I just received a very useful email on a VMware internal mailing list and thought I would share it with you guys.
Here’s the question:
I want to update ESXi U3 to U4. My ESXi contains specific vendor modules for monitoring. (HP for instance) When I do the updates will these modules be removed or will they be upgraded?
And the answer:
Source article, page 10 : http://www.vmware.com/files/pdf/ESXi_management.pdf
The core hypervisor code also can contain custom code provided by server vendors (OEMs) that provides additional functionality, such as hardware monitoring and support information. These customizations would be present, for example, if ESXi had been obtained in embedded form from the server manufacturer or if a custom version of ESXi was installed onto the hard drive. Any update to an existing ESXi installation automatically incorporates the proper update to this custom code. The process is described in greater detail in the following section.
In a doc that HP provides to its customers on updating ESXi, it states that the HP CIM providers are updated as well, provided they are installed before the Update. Does that mean that the Update that VUM pulls from our site includes newest versions of all CIM providers and the installer just upgrades any existing?
This is correct. VUM pulls a bundle with the latest customizations from all OEMs and will deploy that customization based on what is already on the user’s machine. As HP has stated, if the customer has a standard, VMware image, he will continue to get that image. However, if a customer has deployed a customized (by Dell, HP, IBM, etc.) image, then the update will also include any customization updates from the OEM. There is no additional dependence from the OEM.
Thanks Mr. Tom Vandenbosch. (My fav. inside SE – Benelux ;-))