A system and method for maintaining computer platform components in an optimal state. The method determines whether a platform includes an out-of-band processor, and if the platform includes an out-of-band processor, then the out-of-band processor is enabled to passively or proactively obtain firmware and/or option ROM (Read Only Memory) updates for add-in cards on the platform. Once the out-of-band processor has obtained the updates for the add-in cards on the platform, the out-of-band processor will place the updates in a platform mailbox and send an interrupt to the in-band processor indicating that firmware and/or option ROM updates are available in a platform mailbox. The in-band processor will launch the firmware and/or option ROM updates on the platform.