Upgrade-UX

Upgrade-UX (upgrade-ux) is an Open Source framework for patching and upgrading Unix/Linux operating systems in a consistent, repeatable, and auditable way. In regulated industries and enterprise environments, simply running yum update is often prohibited — procedures must be controlled, documented, and produce evidence before and after each change. Upgrade-UX provides exactly that structure.

It is written entirely in Korn Shell, which is available on all major Unix platforms (Linux, HP-UX, Solaris, AIX). Each operating system has its own isolated directory tree within the framework, so platform-specific logic never interferes with other platforms. Anyone familiar with Relax-and-Recover (ReaR) will recognise the internal structure — Upgrade-UX is modelled on the same modular architecture.

Currently, HP-UX and Linux (RHEL-based) workflow trees are fully populated.

Features

Simple to use from the command line
Preview mode — dry-run an upgrade and see what would happen without making changes
Upgrade mode — execute the actual patching/upgrade with full logging
Customisable via local.conf configuration file
OS-independent: each platform lives in its own directory subtree
Easily extensible with your own pre/post scripts
Detailed log file for every run
Evidence files generated automatically for each preview or upgrade run
Man page included
User documentation included
Supports installing patch bundles from previous years using the YEAR variable
ServiceGuard cluster-aware
Configurable bail-out conditions for critical checks
Can trigger remote alarms, syslog events, or monitoring notifications
Built-in basic system health check
Paid support and consultancy available from IT3 Consultants (purchase order required)

Links

Questions, ideas, or feedback? Contact the development team at gratien.dhaese@it3.be.