Firmware-tools = Linux packaging formats.
The firmware-tools software architecture is a dependable system that utilizes native Linux packaging formats, .rpm and .deb alongside native Linux change management frameworks to deliver and install system firmware. The firmware-tools architecture is hardware vendor, device, operating system distribution and change management system agnostic.
Easy-to-Use Architecture:
The software architecture is simple as PIE, which splits the Payload, Inventory, and Executable components into separate packages. Additionally, it uses the package format Requires/Provides language to handle dependencies at a package installation level. The software architecture also uses matching Requires/Provides language to handle runtime dependency resolution and installation ordering.
Unifying Applications:
The framework of the software provides unifying applications such as inventory_firmware and apply_updates, which handle runtime ordering of inventory, execution, and conflict resolution/ notification for all of the plug-ins. These commands are useful for system administrators.
Package Management:
Once all of the separate payload, inventory, and execution packages are in package manager format and placed into package manager repositories, standard tools can retrieve, install, and execute them: # yum install $(inventory_firmware -b) # apply_updates
What's New in this Release:
The firmware-tools software comes equipped with a proposed API and initial CLI that is both stable and functional. There are also a few minor typos for command names that have been fixed. Additionally, the firmware-addon-dell has been tested, along with the first public release to updating select Dell system BIOSs across Dell servers, desktops, and laptops.
Conclusion:
Overall, the firmware-tools software architecture is incredibly easy to use and provides unifying applications that make the management and updating of system firmware a breeze. It's a versatile tool for system administrators who may have several devices from different vendors with diverse operating systems.
Version 1.0.19: N/A