If you are a current user of IBM Flashcore Modules (FCM) on models 5200, 7300 and 9500 then please take note of the following announcement from IBM or contact us for more information.
A number of pervasive critical issues have been discovered on FlashCore Modules (FCM) running 3_1_2 or earlier firmware levels that can result in loss of data or loss of access to data.
HIPER: Potential Data Corruption with FlashCore Module (FCM) Running 3_1_2 or Earlier Firmware
If a FlashCore Module (FCM) drive running 3_1_2 or earlier firmware is either physically or virtually re-seated following a drive fault, the drive may not correctly process future write operations, leading to data loss/corruption.
If an FCM drive running 3_1_2 or earlier firmware is either physically or virtually re-seated following a drive fault, the drive may not correctly process future write operations, leading to data loss/corruption.
FCMs running firmware 1_x and 2_x are not affected.
This issue was resolved by FCM-1760 in firmware version 3_1_4 released in December 2022.
Firmware version 3_1_4 is available on Fix Central in DriveMicrocode-221213 and later packages.
If you have an FCM in a failed state, that is running 3_1_2 or earlier firmware, it is crucial to contact IBM Support for guidance on how to safely proceed. FCMs running firmware 1_x and 2_x are not affected.
IMPORTANT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Firmware version 3_1_2 resolves a related issue to FCM handling of read-modify-write operations that can lead to a temporary loss of access to an array (FCM-1497).
It is therefore vitally important that all FCMs on firmware 3_x are upgraded to firmware version 3_1_2 or later as soon as possible. Version 3_1_4 is recommended.
For reference, the FCM part numbers that run firmware 3_x are listed below:
FlashSystem 5200 & 9500:
03JK076 4.8TB
03JK077 9.6TB
03JK078 19.2TB
03JK079 38.4TB
FlashSystem 7300:
03JK162 4.8TB
03JK163 9.6TB
03JK164 19.2TB
03JK165 38.4TB
Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information
