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- Sun Proprietary/Confidential: Internal Use Only -
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                        FIELD INFORMATION NOTICE
                  (For Authorized Distribution by SunService)

FIN #: I0507-1

Create Date: Jun/29/99

Keywords: 

Installation of flash update bundled with Solaris 7 will not prevent the use of earlier releases of Solaris.

Top FIN/FCO Report: No

Products Reference: flash prom update vs OS support

Product Category: Software / Solaris

Product Affected: 

Mkt_ID   Platform   Model   Description            Serial Number 
------   --------   -----   -----------            ------------- 
Systems Affected
----------------

   -     ANYSYS       -     System Platform Independent   -

X-Options Affected
------------------

SOLMS-07AWD999    -   -     SOLARIS 7  SVR             -
SOLMS-07AW9999    -   -     SOLARIS 7  DT              -

Parts Affected: 

Part Number        Description           Model
-----------        -----------           -----
    -                   -                  -

References: 

N/A

Issue Description: 

There is a misunderstanding in the field with regard to upgrading any
SUNW, Ultra platform (desktop, workgroup server, server) that the flash 
prom will prevent customers from running earlier releases of the OS.

The above mentioned statement is not true, all released flash prom images 
are tested on all supported platforms on all supported releases of Solaris.

All supported flash prom updates work with all supported OS releases.
Specifically, all FLASH PROM updates for all SUNW,Ultra systems
including Ultra-1, Ultra-2, Ultra-450 and Ultra-Enterprise systems are
all tested with all supported Solaris versions.  Implementation of the
flash update bundled with Solaris 7 will not prevent a customer or a system 
from running an earlier release of Solaris.

Implementation: 

---
        |   |   MANDATORY (Fully Pro-Active)
         ---    
         
  
         ---
        |   |   CONTROLLED PRO-ACTIVE (per Sun Geo Plan) 
         --- 
         
                                
         ---
        | X |   REACTIVE (As Required)
         ---

Corrective Action: 

No corrective action is required.  This FIN serves as a reference to
customers and support representatives; that all supported versions of
the firmware are tested and work with all supported versions of the
OS.

Comments: 

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Implementation Footnote: 

i)   In case of MANDATORY FINs, Enterprise Services will attempt to    
     contact all affected customers to recommend implementation of 
     the FIN. 
   
ii)  For CONTROLLED PROACTIVE FINs, Enterprise Services mission critical    
     support teams will recommend implementation of the FIN  (to their  
     respective accounts), at the convenience of the customer. 

iii) For REACTIVE FINs, Enterprise Services will implement the FIN as the   
     need arises.
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All released FINs and FCOs can be accessed using your favorite network 
browser as follows:
 
SunWeb Access:
-------------- 
* Access the top level URL of http://sdpsweb.ebay/FIN_FCO/

* From there, select the appropriate link to query or browse the FIN and
  FCO Homepage collections.
 
SunSolve Online Access:
-----------------------
* Access the SunSolve Online URL at http://sunsolve.Corp/

* From there, select the appropriate link to browse the FIN or FCO index.

Supporting Documents:
---------------------
* Supporting documents for FIN/FCOs can be found on Edist.  Edist can be 
  accessed internally at the following URL: http://edist.corp/.
  
* From there, follow the hyperlink path of "Enterprise Services Documenta- 
  tion" and click on "FIN & FCO attachments", then choose the appropriate   
  folder, FIN or FCO.  This will display supporting directories/files for 
  FINs or FCOs.
   
Internet Access:
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* Access the top level URL of https://infoserver.Sun.COM
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General:
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* Send questions or comments to finfco-manager@Sun.COM
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