JP3453582B2 - Disk array device firmware management system and management method therefor - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a firmware management system for a disk array device and a management method therefor, and more particularly to a firmware management system for a disk array device which does not cause malfunction or data destruction even if major constituent elements are replaced. And its management method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this type of disk array device is
The disk array control unit has a firmware storage unit,
The control was started by the firmware execution unit reading and operating the firmware stored in the firmware storage unit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a first example of a conventional disk array device. Disk array device 60
1 includes a disk array control unit 602 that controls the disk array device, and a plurality of input / output devices 607a to 607c controlled by the disk array control unit 602. The disk array control unit 602 has a firmware storage unit 605 that stores and stores firmware, and the firmware execution unit 606 starts operation by the firmware recorded in the firmware storage unit 605. The host communication unit 603 communicates with a higher-level device under the control of the firmware execution unit 606, and receives commands, notifies results, and inputs / outputs data. The input / output device control unit 604 communicates with the input / output devices 607a to 607c under the control of the firmware execution unit 606, issues commands, receives results, and inputs / outputs data.

Next, the operation will be described. When the power of the disk array device 601 is turned on, the firmware execution unit 606 in the disk array control unit reads the functional firmware from the firmware storage unit 605 by the start program recorded in the firmware storage unit 605 and starts the operation. The firmware execution unit 606
The host communication unit 603 is controlled to communicate with a higher-level device, receive commands, notify results, and input / output data. Further, the firmware execution unit 606 controls the input / output device control unit 604 to control the input / output devices 607a-60.
It communicates with 7c, issues commands, receives results, and inputs / outputs data.

In addition to the method described above, this type of disk array device has a plurality of input / output devices with redundant firmware, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-190463 (hereinafter referred to as Document 1). Stored,
In some systems, the disk array control unit accesses these input / output devices in a predetermined order, reads the functional firmware into the firmware execution unit, and executes the function firmware to start the control.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the disk array device disclosed in Document 1 above. The disk array device 701 has a disk array controller 702 for controlling the disk array device and a plurality of input / output devices 707a to 707c controlled by the disk array controller 702. The disk array control unit 702 uses the input / output device 7
It has a firmware selection reading unit 705 which selects and reads the function firmware stored in 07a and 707b and transfers the read function firmware to the firmware execution unit 706. The firmware execution unit 706 starts operation by the functional firmware transferred from the firmware selection reading unit 705. The host communication unit 703 is a firmware execution unit 70.
Under the control of 6, the communication with the higher-level device is performed, and the command is received, the result is notified, and the data is input / output. The input / output device control unit 704 controls the firmware execution unit 706 and communicates with the input / output devices 707a to 707c by the firmware selection reading unit 705, issues commands, receives results, and inputs / outputs data.

Next, the operation will be described. When the power of the disk array device 701 is turned on, the firmware selection / reading unit 705 in the disk array control unit receives the firmware storage unit 708a of the input / output device 707a or the firmware storage unit 708b of the input / output device 707b via the input / output device control unit. Select either one to load the functional firmware. Firmware selection reading unit 70
5 transfers the read function firmware to the firmware execution unit 706. Firmware execution unit 706
Starts operation by the functional firmware transferred from the firmware selection reading unit 705. The firmware execution unit 706 controls the host communication unit 703 to communicate with a higher-level device, receive commands, notify results, and input / output data. Further, the firmware execution unit 706 controls the input / output device control unit 704 to communicate with the input / output devices 707a to 707c, issue commands, receive results, and input / output data.

On the other hand, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-181680 (hereinafter referred to as Document 2), the firmware revision stored in the firmware storage section in the external storage device and the firmware revision stored in the ROM of the input / output device are the same. Alternatively, when the firmware revision stored in the ROM is newer, the firmware is immediately read from the ROM in the input / output device, whereby the firmware is transferred from the external storage device to the main storage device to each input / output control device. A technique is disclosed in which there is no need to transfer to.

[0009]

The conventional disk array device (see FIG. 6) in which the firmware is recorded in the disk array control unit has the following problems when the disk array control unit is replaced due to a failure of the disk array control unit. There is a problem.

First, when the function of the disk array device is changed according to the type of firmware recorded in the disk array control unit, the one that has been erroneously operated until the replacement of the disk array control unit. There is a problem that the disk array controller malfunctions or data is destroyed by replacing the disk array controller with a different firmware.

Second, when the function of the disk array device is changed according to the type of firmware recorded in the disk array control unit, prepare the disk array control units for replacement as many as the types of firmware. , There is a problem that must be managed individually.

Thirdly, when the function of the disk array device is changed depending on the type of firmware recorded in the disk array control unit, when a new type of firmware is added, a disk prepared for further replacement is prepared. There is a problem that additional preparation of the array controller is required.

On the other hand, a conventional disk array device that operates by reading the functional firmware from the input / output device (see FIG. 7).
However, if the I / O device is replaced due to a failure of the mounted I / O device, the following problems occur.

First, unless the firmware is recorded in the input / output device in advance, when a plurality of input / output devices are sequentially replaced due to a failure of the input / output device, the firmware is lost and the disk array device does not operate. .
Further, when the firmware is read from the input / output device in which the firmware different from the one that has been operated by the replacement is recorded, there is a problem that the disk array device malfunctions or the data is destroyed.

Second, when the function of the disk array device is changed depending on the type of firmware recorded in the input / output device, the number of types of the recorded firmware of the input / output device prepared for replacement is changed. There is a problem that must be prepared and managed individually.

Thirdly, when the function of the disk array device is changed according to the type of firmware recorded in the input / output device, the input / output prepared for further replacement when the type of firmware is newly added There is a problem that it is necessary to prepare additional equipment. The means for solving the above problem is not described in the above document 2.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a firmware management system for a disk array device and a management method therefor, which does not cause malfunction or data destruction even when the main components (disk array controller and input / output device) are replaced. To provide.

[0018]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a firmware management system for a disk array device according to the present invention is provided.
The management system is a firmware management system for a disk array device including a disk array control unit and a plurality of input / output devices, and the system includes firmware provided in each of the disk array control unit and the input / output device. a firmware storage means for storing a firmware management information storage means for storing the firmware management information corresponding to the firmware provided in each of the disk array control unit and said input device, said plurality provided in the disk array controller I / O device
Compare the firmware management information stored in
The file to be read and operated by the disk array controller.
Firmware to the disk array controller and the input / output
Firmware selecting means for selecting from the firmware stored in the apparatus .

The disk array device according to the present invention is also
The firmware management method is a firmware management method for a disk array device including a disk array control unit and a plurality of input / output devices, and the method is a firmware provided in each of the disk array control unit and the input / output device. A second step of storing firmware management information corresponding to the firmware provided in each of the disk array control unit and the input / output device; and a plurality of storage units provided in the disk array control unit . The firmware stored in the input / output device
The disk array control unit compares the management information
Load the firmware that should be loaded and run on the disk
The ray controller and the firmware stored in the input / output device.
And a third step of selecting from the

According to the present invention, since the firmware that has been operating before is identified and selected from the firmware management information provided in each of the disk array control section and the input / output device, the main configuration is It is possible to provide a firmware management system for a disk array device and a management method thereof, which does not cause malfunction or data destruction even when the elements (disk array control unit and input / output device) are replaced.

[0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS First, the outline of the present invention will be described. In the disk array device according to the present invention, even if either the disk array control unit or the input / output device is replaced, the firmware selection unit of the disk array control unit selects and reads the firmware operating before the replacement. . More specifically, the disk array controller (102 in FIG. 1) and a plurality of input / output devices (1 in FIG. 1).
09a to 109c) has a firmware storage unit (1 in FIG. 1).
05, 110a, 110b) and the firmware management information storage unit (106, 111a, 111b in FIG. 1), and the information of the firmware management information storage unit (106, 111a, 111b in FIG. 1) recorded in each is stored. The firmware selection unit (107 in FIG. 1) reads and selects the firmware that was operating before replacement by comparison and judgment, and the firmware execution unit (108 in FIG. 1) selects it by the firmware selection unit (107 in FIG. 1). The received firmware will operate.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the best mode of a firmware management system for a disk array device according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the disk array device 1
01 is composed of one disk array control unit 102 and three input / output devices 109a to 109c.

The input / output device 109a is an input / output device controlled by an external command to record and read data, and manages the firmware storage section 110a in which the functional firmware is recorded and the recorded functional firmware. And a firmware management information storage section 111a which is information to be stored. Similarly, the input / output device 109b
Is an input / output device controlled by an external command to record and read data, a firmware storage unit 110b in which functional firmware is recorded, and firmware management information which is information for managing the recorded functional firmware. And a storage unit 111b. The input / output device 109c is an input / output device that is controlled by an external command and records or reads data.

The disk array controller 102 is composed of the following components. The firmware storage unit 1 includes a firmware storage unit 105 configured by a rewritable nonvolatile memory that stores firmware.
In 05, start-up processing firmware and function firmware are recorded. In addition, the firmware storage unit 1
The firmware management information storage unit 106 is composed of a rewritable nonvolatile memory for recording the management information of the functional firmware recorded in 05. The firmware selection unit 107 is provided when the disk array device is powered on.
Is a functional block that starts operation by the startup processing firmware stored in the firmware management information storage unit 106 and the firmware recorded in the input / output devices 109a and 109b by controlling the input / output device control unit 104. Management information storage unit 111a or 111b
Read the information of and compare. The firmware selection unit 107 determines that the firmware storage unit 1
05 or the input / output device control unit 104 to read the functional firmware from either the firmware storage unit 110a or 110b recorded in the input / output device 109a or 109b.
Transfer to 8. The firmware execution unit 108 has a storage unit for the function firmware selected and transferred from the firmware selection unit 107, and when the function firmware is received from the firmware selection unit 107, the function firmware is executed and the host communication unit 103 and The input / output device controller 104 is controlled. Host communication unit 103
Is controlled by the firmware execution unit 108 to receive an instruction from a higher-level device, notify the result, and input / output data. The input / output device control unit 104 includes a firmware execution unit 108 and a firmware selection unit 1.
By being controlled from 07, the input / output devices 109a-10a
9c issues an instruction, receives a result, and inputs / outputs data.

FIG. 2 is a firmware recording image diagram of the firmware storage unit 105 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Between the boot processing firmware storage area 21 and the functional firmware storage area 22, there is a free space 23 of a sufficient size so that the recording start address of the functional firmware storage area 22 does not shift even if the capacity of the boot firmware increases due to a change. is there. In addition, even if the functional firmware storage area 22 is changed to have a large capacity, a sufficient free space 24 for recording the entire area is provided.
have.

FIG. 3 is a management information recording image diagram of the firmware management information storage unit 106 in the embodiment of the present invention. Rev. of functional firmware. Function firmware Rev. that stores (revision) Storage unit 31
And a type storage unit 32 representing the type of functional firmware
And a time stamp storage unit 33 for recording the time when the functional firmware was last selected.

The time stamp for recording the time when the functional firmware was last selected is the firmware selection section 1
When the function firmware to be operated by 07 is managed, it is managed so as to prevent erroneous selection due to coincidence. The information may be replaced with this.

FIG. 4 is an image recording image diagram of the input / output devices 109a to 109c in the embodiment of the present invention. The input / output devices 109a to 109c are magnetic disk devices capable of reading and writing data in sector units.
It has 512 bytes per sector. The sector address of the firmware management information storage area 41 corresponding to the firmware management information storage unit 111a or 111b is address 0h. The sector address of the function firmware storage area 42 for storing the corresponding function firmware in the firmware storage unit 110a or 110b is from the address 1h. The user data recording area 43 is assumed to start after a sufficient spare area for recording the entire area even if the capacity is increased due to a change in the functional firmware, and the starting sector address in this embodiment is 1000h. In the input / output device 109c,
Sector address 0h for storing firmware management information
Also, the sector addresses 1h to 0fffh for storing the firmware including the spare sector are unused areas, and the start sector address of the user data recording area 43 is 1000h like the input / output devices 109a and 109b.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 5 is a function firmware selection flow chart of the firmware selection unit 107. When the disk array device 101 is powered on,
The three input / output devices 109a to 109c are started by a control unit (not shown) included in each input / output device. At the same time, the firmware selection unit 107 incorporated in the disk array control unit 102 causes the firmware storage unit 1 to
The operation is started by the program of the startup firmware 21 recorded in 05. The firmware selection unit 107 performs the initialization including the diagnosis of each unit by the operation of the initial setting program, and at the same time, sets the host communication unit 103 to notify that the communication from the host device cannot be responded. Subsequently, the input / output device control unit 104 is controlled to wait until the input / output devices 109a to 109c can operate (step A1).

Next, the firmware selection unit 107 controls the input / output device control unit 104 to input / output the device 109a.
The information of the firmware management information 41 is obtained, and the information of the firmware management information 41 is written in the memory area A (in the firmware selection unit 107) for comparison (step A2).

Similarly, the firmware selecting section 107
The input / output device control unit 104 is controlled to control the input / output device 109.
Memory area B (firmware selecting section 107) for obtaining and comparing the firmware management information 41 of b.
The information of the firmware management information 41 is written in (in) (step A3).

Next, the firmware selection section 107 compares the firmware management information 41 stored in the memory area A with the firmware management information 41 stored in the memory area B (step A4).

Next, when the firmware management information 41 stored in the memory area A and the firmware management information 41 stored in the memory area B match each other, the firmware selection section 107 carries out the following processing (steps). A4 Yes determination process). The matching of the firmware management information 41 means that neither of the input / output devices 109a and 109b has been exchanged.

The firmware selection section 107 rewrites the information in the time stamp storage section 33 of the firmware management information 41 stored in the memory area A with a new time stamp. Next, the information of the newly created firmware management information 41 is overwritten on the firmware management information 41 of the input / output device 109a, the firmware management information 41 of the input / output device 109b, and the firmware management information storage unit 106 (steps A5 to A8). .

Next, the firmware selection unit 107 controls the input / output device control unit 104 to copy the functional firmware 42 recorded in the input / output device 109a to the functional firmware storage area 22 in the firmware storage unit 105 ( Step A9).

Next, the firmware selection unit 107 transfers the functional firmware stored in the functional firmware storage area 22 in the firmware storage unit 105 to the firmware execution unit 108 (step A10).
Then, the firmware selection unit 107 transfers control to the firmware execution unit 108 (step A11).
The firmware execution unit 108 sets to notify the host communication unit 103 that it can respond to the communication from the host device, and starts the operation as the disk array device.

On the other hand, when the firmware management information 41 stored in the memory area A and the firmware management information 41 stored in the memory area B do not match each other, the firmware selection section 107 performs the following processing (step A4). No determination process). The mismatch of the firmware management information 41 means that the input / output devices 109a and 109a
It means that any of 09b has been replaced.

The firmware selecting unit 107 obtains the information in the firmware management information storage unit 106, stores it in the memory area A of its own, and rewrites the information in the time stamp storage unit 33 with a new time stamp (steps A12, A13). ).

Next, the information of the newly created firmware management information storage unit 106 is overwritten on the firmware management information 41 of the input / output device 109a and the firmware management information 41 of the input / output device 109b, respectively. Steps A14 to A1
6).

Next, the firmware selection unit 107 controls the function firmware recorded in the firmware storage unit 105 by the input / output device control unit 104, and the area of the function firmware 42 of the input / output devices 109a and 109b. Copy to (Step A17, A
18).

Next, the firmware selection unit 107 transfers the functional firmware stored in the functional firmware storage area 22 in the firmware storage unit 105 to the firmware execution unit 108 (step A10).
Then, the firmware selection unit 107 transfers control to the firmware execution unit 108 (step A11).
The firmware execution unit 108 sets to notify the host communication unit 103 that it can respond to the communication from the host device, and starts the operation as the disk array device.

In this embodiment, the disk array device having one disk array control unit has been described. However, when two or more disk array control units are installed, the disk array control unit has a predetermined priority. Select the function firmware that operates one disk array control unit,
It is clear that the functional firmware can be matched among a plurality of disk array control units by notifying and storing the selected functional firmware and the information to be stored in the new firmware management information storage unit in the other disk array control units. is there.

In this embodiment, the case where the two input / output devices have the firmware storage unit and the firmware management information storage unit has been described, but the firmware storage unit and the firmware management information are provided in three or more input / output devices. It has a storage unit, and when comparing in step A4, it is determined that the information in the firmware management information storage unit of all the input / output devices is the same, and the selected function firmware and new firmware management information are all input. It is obvious that the functional firmware can be matched by recording in the output device.

Next, when the disk array device is in the power-on state, the I / O device 109a fails and the I / O device 10
The case of replacing 9a will be described. The disk array control unit 102 of the disk array device uses the input / output device 109a.
When the abnormality is confirmed, the control of the input / output device 109a is disconnected and the maintenance panel or the upper device is notified to notify the maintenance person of the failure, and the operation is continued by the other input / output device. When a maintenance staff replaces the input / output device, a new input / output device is immediately started, and the information in the firmware management information storage unit 106 is controlled by the input / output device control unit 104 to manage the firmware of the input / output device 109a. Copy to the information storage area 41. In addition, by controlling the information in the firmware storage unit 105 by the input / output device control unit 104, the functional firmware storage area 4 of the input / output device 109a is stored.
Copy to 2. Next, a preset combination of input / output devices and RAID (a case for)
Redundant Arrays of Inex
According to the information of the pensive disk, the data in the user data storage area 43 of the input / output device 109a is reconstructed based on the data from the user data storage area of another input / output device.

In this embodiment, the input / output device 109
Although the fault replacement of a has been described as an example, it is obvious that the functional firmware can be matched by performing the same control even when a fault occurs in another input / output device.

[0047]

According to the present invention, there is provided a firmware management system for a disk array device comprising a disk array controller and a plurality of input / output devices, the system including the disk array controller and the input / output device. Firmware storage means for storing firmware, and firmware management information storage means for storing firmware management information corresponding to the firmware, which is provided in each of the disk array controller and the input / output device, and the firmware management Since it includes firmware selecting means for identifying and selecting the previously operating firmware from the information, malfunction or data destruction may occur even when the main components (disk array control unit and input / output device) are replaced. Disk array device farm without It is possible to provide the E A management system and its management method.

The reason for this is that the function firmware and information for managing the function firmware are recorded in the disk array control unit and the input / output device, and the firmware selecting unit reads and compares the information at the time of startup and the function to be executed. This is because the firmware is selected.

There is also an effect that it is not necessary to manage the type of firmware recorded in the disk array controller or the maintenance component of the input / output device. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and it is obvious that the present invention can be appropriately modified within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a disk array device firmware management method comprising a disk array controller and a plurality of input / output devices.
The method includes a first step provided in each of the disk array control unit and the input / output device to store firmware, and firmware management information corresponding to the firmware provided in each of the disk array control unit and the input / output device. And a third step of identifying and selecting the previously operating firmware from the firmware management information.
The same effect as the above invention is achieved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of the best mode of a firmware management system for a disk array device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a firmware recording image diagram of a firmware storage unit 105 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a management information recording image diagram of a firmware management information storage unit 106 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows an input / output device 109 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
It is an information recording image figure of a-109c.

FIG. 5 is a function firmware selection flowchart of a firmware selection unit 107.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a first example of a conventional disk array device.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a disk array device disclosed in Document 1.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 disk array device 102 disk array controller 105 Firmware storage unit 106 Firmware management information storage unit 107 Firmware selection section 108 Firmware execution unit 109a-109c input / output device 110a, 110b Firmware storage unit 111a, 111b Firmware management information storage unit

Continuation of front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 3/06-3/08 G11B 20/10

Claims (16)

(57) [Claims] 1. A firmware management system for a disk array device comprising a disk array control unit and a plurality of input / output devices, wherein the disk array control unit and the input / output device are each provided with a firmware stored therein. a firmware storage unit, and the firmware management information storage means for storing firmware management information corresponding to the firmware provided in each of the disk array control unit and said input device, said multi provided in the disk array controller
Number of the I / O devices stored in the firmware management information.
The reports are compared and read by the disk array controller.
The firmware to be operated is stored in the disk array control unit.
And the firmware stored in the input / output device
Firmware management system of the disk array apparatus comprising a firmware selection means for al selection. 2. The firmware selecting means compares the firmware management information in each input / output device, and selects one of the firmware in each input / output device when they match. 1. A firmware management system for a disk array device according to 1. 3. The disk array device according to claim 1, wherein the firmware selection means compares the firmware management information in each input / output device, and selects the firmware in the disk array control unit if they do not match. Firmware management system. 4. The firmware selecting means compares the firmware management information in each input / output device, and if they match, rewrites the firmware management information in the input / output device with new firmware management information. 3. The firmware management system for a disk array device according to claim 2, wherein is overwritten on the firmware management information in the disk array control unit and the input / output device. 5. The firmware selection means compares the firmware management information in each input / output device, and if they match, one of the firmware in each input / output device is transferred to the firmware in the disk array controller. 5. The firmware management system for a disk array device according to claim 2, wherein the firmware management system is a disk array device. 6. The firmware selecting means compares the firmware management information in each input / output device, and if they do not match, rewrites the firmware management information in the disk array control unit with new firmware management information. 4. The firmware management system for a disk array device according to claim 3, wherein the firmware management information in the disk array control unit and the input / output device is overwritten. 7. The firmware selecting means compares the firmware management information in each input / output device, and transfers the firmware of the disk array controller to the firmware in each input / output device if they do not match. The firmware management system for a disk array device according to claim 3 or 6. 8. A plurality of the disk array control units are present, one of the disk array control units selects the firmware in a predetermined priority order, and the other firmware and the new firmware selected by another disk array control unit are selected. 8. The firmware management system for a disk array device according to claim 1, wherein the firmware management information is notified. 9. A firmware management method for a disk array device comprising a disk array control unit and a plurality of input / output devices, wherein the firmware is stored in each of the disk array control unit and the input / output device. A first step; a second step provided in each of the disk array control unit and the I / O device to store firmware management information corresponding to the firmware; and a plurality of I / O devices provided in the disk array control unit. Before remembered by
The firmware management information is compared with each other and
The firmware to be read by the ray control unit and operating
It is stored in the disk array controller and the input / output device.
And a third step of selecting from the firmware, the firmware management method for a disk array device. 10. The firmware management information in each input / output device is compared in the third step, and if they match, one of the firmware in each input / output device is selected. 9. A firmware management method for a disk array device according to item 9. 11. The disk array according to claim 9, wherein in the third step, the firmware management information in each input / output device is compared, and if they do not match, the firmware in the disk array controller is selected. Device firmware management method. 12. In the third step, the firmware management information in each input / output device is compared, and if they match, the firmware management information in the input / output device is rewritten with new firmware management information and the new firmware management information is updated. 11. The firmware management method for a disk array device according to claim 10, wherein the information is overwritten on the firmware management information in the disk array controller and the input / output device. 13. In the third step, the firmware management information in each I / O device is compared, and if they match, one of the firmware in each I / O device is transferred to the firmware in the disk array controller. The firmware management method for a disk array device according to claim 10 or 12, characterized in that: 14. In the third step, the firmware management information in each I / O device is compared, and if they do not match, the firmware management information in the disk array control unit is rewritten with new firmware management information and the new firmware management information is updated. The firmware management method for a disk array device according to claim 11, wherein the information is overwritten on the firmware management information in the disk array control unit and the input / output device. 15. In the third step, the firmware management information in each input / output device is compared, and if they do not match, the firmware of the disk array controller is transferred to the firmware in each input / output device. 15. The firmware management method for a disk array device according to claim 11 or 14. 16. A plurality of the disk array control units exist, one of the disk array control units selects the firmware in a predetermined priority order, and the other firmware and the new firmware selected by another disk array control unit are selected. 16. The firmware management method for a disk array device according to claim 9, further comprising notifying firmware management information.