Which statement is true regarding firmware update packages in vSphere Lifecycle Manager?

The correct statement is that a hardware support manager must be registered as a vCenter Server extension. In the context of vSphere Lifecycle Manager, the hardware support manager plays a crucial role in managing the compatibility and updates for the physical hardware being utilized in a vSphere environment. By being registered as an extension within the vCenter Server, it allows for seamless integration and operation, ensuring that firmware and driver updates are appropriately handled according to the specific hardware in use.

In the context of the other options, the firmware and drivers add-on representing a third-party vendor is not a necessary condition; it may contain vendor-specific drivers but is not limited to them. The notion that firmware and drivers add-ons can be used on clusters managed with baselines is misleading because firmware updates should ideally be handled through Lifecycle Manager for consistency and compliance. Lastly, the ability of these add-ons to add or remove components from the ESXi base image is constrained, as typically, firmware updates adjust existing components rather than modifying the foundational base image directly. This solidifies the idea that a hardware support manager is essential for effectively managing firmware updates in vSphere environments.