1. I'm trying to do this via migration on Prime, my stopping point is when its asking for an ISO. I don't know why an ISO image would be involved if its just a configuration transfer, I don't need to install 12.5, it already is.
Because that's NOT how it works, a PCD migration will perform the WHOLE install, it doesn't work just by extracting the data and then pushing it into an already installed CUCM. If you want to use PCD migration, you need the bootable for 12.5 and let PCD do the whole procedure. No way around that.
2. I've tried importing/exporting the config via bulk administration import/export. No matter how I try it on the new 12.5 server, it sits in pending forever. I've tried importing the entire TAR file or just specific CSV files. I've even left it overnight, still stuck. From what I've read this isn't the best idea anyway do to the version mismatches etc.
BAT, pretty much as DRS, only works on the EXACT same release from which it was taken (might work across SUs if no settings are added/removed/modified). There are plenty of new things on 12.5 your 8.6 file doesn't have, if you want to do that, you will have to get a 12.5 export to look at, and then manually adjust your 8.6 files to match. Even if this is an option, almost no one uses it due to the manual labor involved, and is only used when you are exporting/importing in the same release.
Either option works, but you need to use them properly so they do the job. Licenses would be a problem if you go past the 90 days limit for BAT as MACDs are locked after that time. PCD would do a fresh install and the counter would reset on it.
I suggest you sort out your smart account/virtual account problems before that, then licensing should be able to assist in migrating the licenses (assuming a valid support contract is there, or your SE/Partner would tell you what to buy)
HTH
java
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