Apply Updates to your Azure Stack HCI 23H2 cluster with the Solution Builder Extension (SBE)

Updating your DataON deployment for Azure Local (Azure Stack HCI)

For DataON 7000 and 6000 series Integrated Systems and server nodes, use the DataON Solution Builder Extension.

• Download the DataON Solution Builder Extension package
• Update your BIOS before installing the DataON SBE package

If you have any questions or issues during the update, please reach out to us at support@dataonstorage.com.

About the extension

The Solution Builder Extension (referred to as SBE in the Azure CLI) allows you to apply updates to your Azure Local (formerly Azure Stack HCI) cluster from DataON.

In addition to Microsoft Azure Local solution updates, DataON releases regular updates for your Azure Local hardware. These updates may include driver and firmware updates, hardware monitoring enhancements, and diagnostic tools.

Additionally, you can receive updates related to supplemental policies for Windows Defender Application Control (WDAC) and validation logic integrated into Azure Local pre-update health checks.

Starting with Azure Stack HCI, version 23H2, these types of updates are packaged into Solution Builder Extension or Solution Builder Extension packages.

Solution Builder Extension (SBE) package updates

Solution Builder Extension package updates are integrated into the solution update process for Azure Stack HCI and Azure Local, starting with version 23H2. You can install these updates as part of a combined (full solution) update with other Azure Local updates using orchestration within Azure Local.

For example, if a Solution Builder Extension update that matches your cluster’s hardware becomes available, it appears as an update option in the Azure portal or can be retrieved using the Get-SolutionUpdate PowerShell cmdlet. For more information, see About updates for Azure Stack HCI, version 23H2.

By installing such combined updates, you can keep your entire solution up to date with less impact and minimal effect on running workloads.

Advanced Solution Builder Extension capabilities

In addition to installing hardware updates, Solution Builder Extension may also provide optional advanced capabilities, as described in the following table. Refer to your hardware vendor’s Azure Local (Azure Stack HCI) documentation to determine if advanced Solution Builder Extension capabilities are implemented.

• Health service integration — The Solution Builder Extension package can extend Health Check validation performed by Azure Local before various lifecycle actions (deployment, update, add node, repair node, and others) occur. The validation checks help to ensure issues are resolved before performing any specific lifecycle actions.

• Customized deployment — The Solution Builder Extension package can implement customized steps that are executed automatically as part of the cluster deployment process.

• Customized solution update — The Solution Builder Extension package can implement customized steps that are performed both before and after the main portion of the solution update process. Even when it isn’t performing a Solution Builder Extension update, Solution Builder Extension packages that implement this capability always run these extra steps. For example, the execution of hardware vendor specific steps before or after Azure Local (Azure Stack HCI) Operating System updates, when no updates to the Solution Builder Extension are needed.