Dell Repository Manager

Dell Repository Manager (DRM) is an application that allows IT Administrators to easily manage system updates. Dell Repository Manager provides a searchable interface used to create custom software
collections known as bundles and repositories of Dell Update Packages (DUPs).

These bundles and repositories allow for the deployment of multiple firmware updates at once. 

A Dell Update Package (DUP) is a self-contained executable in a standard package format that updates a software element on a Dell server such as the BIOS, a device driver, firmware, and other similar software updates.

Additionally, Dell Repository Manager makes it easier to locate specific updates for a particular platform, which saves time.

Welcome to Dell Repository Manager

Repository Manager can compare differences between two repositories at both the bundle and component level. It allows you to create deployment tools using your custom repository. Repository Manager is available for Dell Data Center (Server, Storage, Networking) and Dell Enterprise client products. The Data Center version can create and manage repositories for Dell PowerEdge servers, select EquaLogic, PowerVault & Compellent storage as well as select PowerConnect and Force10 networking switches.  The Dell Client version manages updates for Dell Latitude, Precision Workstation and OptiPlex client systems.

Dell Repository Manager integrates with Dell systems management products such as Dell OpenManage Essentials console and the Dell Management Plug-in for VMware vCenter. Dell Repository Manager automates creation of custom repositories by reading inventory information from these consoles and creating of a set of updates that is newer than what is currently installed.  

Dell Repository Manager v1.6 Key Features

1. Configuring FileStore Settings: In Dell Repository Manager (DRM) 1.6, the FileStore  feature helps to save disc space on the system drive (by default DRM creates the FileStore folder under C:\Users\<user name>\AppData\Local\RepositoryManager\FileStore).

This feature allows you to move the FileStore folder from the default drive to another location in the same drive, another drive, or another system on the network.

  Moving FileStore from original location

2. Search Dell’s support site: This feature lets you search for updates that are available on support.dell.com, filter them, and then download selected files or export them to either a new repository or to an existing repository.  Searches can be done by either Brand/Model or by Service Tag.

Searching support.dell.com for updates

3.Schedule Automatic Search:This feature lets you schedule a search for updates on a schedule that you determine.  It is as easy as select the product to search for, decide where to store new updates that are found and to schedule the time of the search. Scheduling can be done as frequently as desired.

Scheduling an Automatic Search

4.Jobs Queue: this new feature alows a user to kick off long-running jobs in the background, thus freeing up Repository Manager for a user to work on other tasks.

Dell Repository Manager Resources

• Download Repository Manager ver 1.6
• Dell Repository Manager Forum
• Repository Manager for Clients
• Product Documentation

Dell Repository Manager Step-by-Step Tutorials, Whitepapers, Best Practices

• Using Repository Manager to search support.dell.com
• Using Repository Manager 1.5 with Dell Management Plug-in for VMware vCenter

• Using Dell Repository Manager 1.5 to Update Your Local Repository

• Using Dell Repository Manager 1.5 with Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager

• Dell Repository Manager 1.5 Tutorial - A Simple and Efficient Way to Manage the Update Files
• Locating Updates in Dell Repository Manager Product Overview
• Using Dell Repository Manager to Update Your Local Repository
• Using Dell™ Repository Manager with Dell™ OpenManage™ Essentials and Dell™ Management Plug-in for VMware vCenter
• Using the Dell Management Plug-in for VMware vCenter with Dell Repository Manager

• Using Dell Repository Manager with Microsoft SCCM (System Center Configuration Manager)
• PowerEdge Server Deployment and Update Tools FAQ
• Using Dell Repository Manager to Find Newer Updates from the Dell Online Repository
• Using Dell Repository Manager to Create a Deployment Media (Bootable ISO) to Perform Systems Updates
• Using the Dell Management Plug-in for VMware vCenter with Dell Repository Manager

• Using Dell Repository manager to effectively manage your repositories

• Implementing a Database in Dell Repository Manager and its Advantages

• Scheduled Automatic Search using Dell Repository Manager

• Dell Repository Manager Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Dell Repository Manager Documentation Manuals
• Repository Manager Blog Posts
• Dell Repository Manager 1.5 Download (FTP)
• Download Dell Repository Manager - v1.4.113 (as of March 06, 2012)
• Product Documentation (past versions)
  
  

Video Demonstrations

Configuring FileStore Settings - 1.6
(Please visit the site to view this video)

Dell Repository Manager 1.5 Overview
(Please visit the site to view this video)

Creating Bootable ISO - step by step guide to create a Bootable ISO using Dell Repository Manager
(Please visit the site to view this video)

Adding a DUP - Step by step process of adding a DUP from support.dell.com into a repository that has been created using Dell Repository Manager.
(Please visit the site to view this video)

Comparing Repositories for Updates -Step by step demonstration of comparing an existing repository with what is currently available from Dell.
(Please visit the site to view this video)

Using Dell Repository Manager to create a customized Server Update Utility that has just the systems and updates you want to deploy.
(Please visit the site to view this video)

Using the Search Dell Support Site feature to find updates for Dell EqualLogic devices.
(Please visit the site to view this video)

Using the Search Dell Support Site Feature to find updates for older Dell PowerEdge Servers.
(Please visit the site to view this video)

Finding Dell PowerEdge update that are newer then what is in the catalog
(Please visit the site to view this video)

Finding PowerEdge C Updates - Using the Search Dell Support Site feature to find updates for Dell PowerEdge C Servers.
(Please visit the site to view this video)

Using the Search Dell Support Site feature to find updates for Dell PowerConnect devices.
(Please visit the site to view this video)

Using the Search Dell Support Site feature to find update for Dell PowerVault devices.
(Please visit the site to view this video)

Using the Schedule Automatic Search feature to automate finding new updates.
(Please visit the site to view this video)

Creating a Scripted Deployment Pack - Using Dell Repository Manager to create a tool to push updates using scripts.
(Please visit the site to view this video)

Overview of using Repository Manager’s Search Dell Support Site feature.
(Please visit the site to view this video)

Setting up Dell Repository Manager to run behind a Proxy Server
(Please visit the site to view this video)

Using Dell Repository Manager with Dell Management Plug in for VMware vCenter
(Please visit the site to view this video)

Using Dell Repository Manager 1.5 with Dell OpenManage Essentials
(Please visit the site to view this video)

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Video Demonstrations using prior versions of Repository Manager (1.4 and earlier)

Dell Repository Manager Overview Demonstration ( full transcript )

by Peter Tsai
(Please visit the site to view this video)

USB Updates Using Dell Repository Manager with Lifecycle Controller
by Peter Tsai
(Please visit the site to view this video)

To learn more about USB updates using Repository Manager and LifeCycle Controller, please visit:
http://www.delltechcenter.com/page/Updates+using+USB+with+Lifecycle+Controller

Dell Repository Manager Integration with OpenManage Essentials
by Peter Tsai

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Updating the Repository in Dell Repository Manager

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Adding a DUP to Repository Manager v2

By Rey Garza

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Creating a Bootable ISO

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Setting the Proxy Server

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Dell Repository Manager - Build Custom SUU (Server Update Utility)

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Dell Repository Manager - Deploy Scripted Updates

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Using Dell Repository Manager to Apply Updates on VMware ESX 4

(Please visit the site to view this video)

Automated Hardware Updates using Dell Repository Manager and the Remote File Share Feature of the M1000e Blade Chassis
by Scott Hanson - Details on the customization used in this demo.

(Please visit the site to view this video)