26. A computer-implemented method for managing a firmware repository, comprising: inputting a firmware repository location and user credentials; verifying that the firmware repository location is a valid location and the user credentials provide a valid management permission; if the location is a valid location and the user credentials provide a valid management permission, conducting a computer-implemented management function on an Extensible Markup Language (XML) firmware description file stored on computer readable media at the firmware repository location, the firmware description file including a field defining a device firmware file location at which a device firmware file is located, a device supported by the device firmware file, a version matrix comprising a matrix of version numbers of each component firmware for a plurality of components of the device and interdependencies among the plurality of components, and wherein the device firmware file is distinct from the XML description file.
26. A computer-implemented method for managing a firmware repository, comprising: inputting a firmware repository location and user credentials; verifying that the firmware repository location is a valid location and the user credentials provide a valid management permission; if the location is a valid location and the user credentials provide a valid management permission, conducting a computer-implemented management function on an Extensible Markup Language (XML) firmware description file stored on computer readable media at the firmware repository location, the firmware description file including a field defining a device firmware file location at which a device firmware file is located, a device supported by the device firmware file, a version matrix comprising a matrix of version numbers of each component firmware for a plurality of components of the device and interdependencies among the plurality of components, and wherein the device firmware file is distinct from the XML description file. 28. The method of claim 26 , wherein said conducting said computer-implemented management function comprises initiating a given function selected from a set of functions, and carrying out the function using inputs provided by a user through a user interface, and the set of functions includes the following functions: creation of the repository; creation of a mirror image of the repository; updating the repository with new firmware; removal of firmware from the repository; modification of an existing property of a firmware in the repository; deletion of the repository; and purging firmware from the repository.