a storage controller and method are provided . the storage controller includes control sections including storage sections into which data transmitted from a host unit is cached , one of the control sections being a main control section which controls firmware update in the control sections . the main control section includes an instruction updater sending an update instruction to a sub control section in the control sections in which firmware is to be updated , and an area instructor requesting the sub control section to transmit area information , the sub control section including an area information obtainer obtaining , according to the instruction from the area instructor and an area information transmitter transmitting to the area instructor ; and an area setter setting the location of the cache area in the storage section on the basis of the instruction .