When using the LCM Dark Site procedure in Prism Element or Prism Central, which Nutanix software component should be checked and upgraded first?

The Life Cycle Manager (LCM) Framework is the core component that orchestrates the inventory and update processes for all other software and firmware on the Nutanix cluster. When performing an upgrade at a dark site (a site without internet connectivity), it is imperative to first update the LCM Framework itself. This ensures that LCM has the latest dependency information, compatibility matrix, and procedural logic to correctly identify and apply all subsequent updates to other components like NCC, AOS, or firmware. An outdated framework might not recognize newer software bundles or could mismanage the upgrade sequence.

A. MSP: The Microservices Platform (MSP) is a component that is updated by LCM, but the LCM Framework must be updated first to manage the MSP upgrade process correctly.
B. Foundation: Foundation is a tool used for initial node imaging and cluster creation. It is not a component that is upgraded through the standard LCM workflow on a running cluster.
C. NCC: While running a Nutanix Cluster Check (NCC) health check is a critical prerequisite before starting any upgrade, the NCC software itself is a component that LCM upgrades after the LCM Framework is up-to-date.

1. Nutanix Life Cycle Manager Dark Site Guide (v2.6): In the section "Upgrading Software at a Dark Site (Prism Element)," the procedure explicitly states: "If an update for the LCM Framework is available, LCM shows that first. Always update the LCM Framework before you update any other component." (Page 11)

2. Nutanix University, Nutanix Enterprise Cloud Administration (ECA) v6.5 Courseware: The module on "Cluster Maintenance and Management" describes the LCM process. It emphasizes that for LCM to function correctly and be aware of all possible upgrades and their dependencies, the LCM framework itself must be the first component to be updated. This is a foundational step in the LCM workflow.