Upgrading from 7.1.3a to 8.6.1(virtualized)

[vipersl65]

I looked at the compatibility matrix and a direct upgrade is supported.  Now, my 7.1.3a is running on a dedicated physical server.  I want to upgrade it to a 8.6.1 running on vmware.  I have my own copy of Hypervisor ESXi 4.1 (the one you downloaded free from vmware).

Now, my plan is to backup my 7.1.3a using DRS, install Hypervisor ESXi in that same server which will wipe out everything in that server.  After ESXi is installed, this is where it is a bit muddy for me....

1)Do I install a clean copy of 8.6.1 and restore the backup I made on my 7.1.3a?

2)install 71.3a in my server now running Hypervisor ESXi and then restore my backup and then upgrade it to 8.6.1?

thanks

[skilambi]

UCS servers cannot run anything below 8, so the second option won’t apply. You would install 8.X and restore the backup.

See this link

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/voice_ip_comm/cucm/virtual/servers.html#wp42985

Thanks

Srini

[vipersl65]

it is not a UCS box.  It is a 7825-I4 with 250gb HD and 4gb RAM

[nathan.a.reeves]

For a migration from physical to virtual you'd be looking to do something along the lines of:

1. Upgrade your physical box to 8.6.1.
2. Complete a backup using DRS.
3. Install a copy of 8.6.1 into VMware
4. Restore your DRS Backup onto the VM.

Note that for TAC support there's a number of conditions on running CUCM in VM.  You'll want to start reading the following: http://docwiki.cisco.com/wiki/Unified_Communications_VMWare_Requirements.

A couple of points I'm getting from your original posting:

- TAC require a service contract covering VMware ESXi (eg not the free ESXi).

- The Hardware VMware ESXi runs on has to be on the supported list.  This was originally only Cisco UCS Servers but the list has opened up a bit more. 

Definately start here:http://docwiki.cisco.com/wiki/Unified_Communications_Virtualization to make sure what you're planning will be supported by TAC.

Cheers

[skilambi]

You cannot use a 7825 in virtual mode, it is not supported even with spec based model. You have to go with UCS or ensure the hardware meets the spec based model on the doc wiki site

Srini

[vipersl65]

According to this doc , it is.  Do you have a doc that says it is not supported running in virtual mode?

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/voicesw/ps6790/ps5748/ps378/prod_brochure0900aecd8062a4f9.html

[skilambi]

I have seen this link many times. This link only tells you that CUCM 8.X is supported on MCS server not that it is supported in virtual mode. This docwiki site is the reference site for UC on UCS/Spec based Model. Since this isn't a TRC config, it would fall under spec model. Spec Model only allows 5600/7500 processors. This server doesn't run it hence it isn't supported. It can work but TAC won't support it

http://docwiki.cisco.com/wiki/Implementing_Virtualization_Deployments#Configuring_Hardware_Platformshttp://docwiki.cisco.com/wiki/Unified_Communications_in_a_Virtualized_Environment

http://docwiki.cisco.com/wiki/Specification-Based_Hardware_Support

Hope that clears it up

Srini

[vipersl65]

UPDATE:  I was able to succesfully install CUCM 8.6.1 on a 7825-I4 running ESXi 4.1

One thing I noticed though.  When I tried installing it directly without VMware(which by the way installed succesfully as well), the first screen that shows is asking me whether I want to install CUCM or Unity Connection.

Same DVD but this time with VMware, I noticed that it dient asked me or showed me that option.  The first screen is the Media Check and then the CUCM installation.  Thoughts?

Now, question is, using that same DVD, how do install Unity Connection?

thanks