VCS Control/Expressway migration to VM

[petark]

Hello,

I know there are several topics on this subject, but I couldn't find the answer to my questions.

So, what would be the recommended way to migrate VCSc and VCSe appliances(running X8.2.2) to VM?

1. Deploying X8.2.2 VM, migrating the option keys and settings and than upgrading the VM to the latest version(X8.10.4)?

or

2. Upgrading the appliances to X8.10.4 first(even though not officially supported), and then migrating to the latest version of VCS VM?

Thanks,

Petar

[Patrick Sparkman]

You need to purchase the VCS hardware appliance to VM migration, this will allow you to migrate the licenses to the new server.
R-VMVCS-C-M-K9 - For HW Migration to E-Delivery Virtual VCS Control Only
R-VMVCS-E-M-K9 - For HW Migration to E-Delivery Virtual VCS Expressway Only
Depending on what version hardware appliance you're running, it might not support the most recent release, some only support up to a certain version. I'd recommend you deploy the same version VM as your existing hardware, then upgrade to the most recent release once the migration is complete.

[petark]

Licensing part should not be a problem, the customer is covered under ELA.

Since they running Gen1 appliances, looks like we'll have to deploying X8.2.2 VM and then upgrade to the most recent release once the migration is complete, as suggested.

I assume there shouldn't be any issues with upgrading directly from X8.2.2 to X8.10.4?

Another thing, is there a requirement, if running a cluster of 2 VCSc, to also have a cluster of VCSe, or can we have a standalone VCSe?

Thanks,

Petar

[Patrick Sparkman]

Another part of purchasing the migration is to obtain SmartNet for the new virtual VCS you want to migrate, I don't know what is or isn't covered under ELA, but your Cisco Account Team should be able to tell you.

VCS Gen 1 appliance is supported up to X8.6.1, though you can install later versions, but features introduced after X8.6.1 will be unsupported.

There shouldn't be no issues by performing a direct upgrade to the latest release, unless the release notes specify otherwise.

It's recommended to deploy equal number of peers in Expressway-C and -E clusters, and to deploy the same OVA sizes or appliances throughout the cluster.

[petark]

You are talking about Expressway-C and -E, but we are running VCS-C and VCS-E, does the same thing apply?

[Patrick Sparkman]

I was reading a powerpoint about the Expressway while I was replying. Regardless, the VCS and Expressway products are the same software, only difference is some small features and how their licensed.