Best practise to upgrade CUCM 8.6 to 11.5 on new hardware and software

[Kennedy.A]

Can anyone advise the Best Practice to upgrade CUCM Hardware / Software

Current Hardware : UCS220 M3

New Hardware : BE6K

Current CUCM Version : 8.6

new CUCM version : 11.5

High Level Plan (if possible!):

Step1: Full Backup of current UCS220 server (I take it that is possible along with a data)

Step2: Installation of 8.6 software on new UCS BE6K

Step3: Restore Backup on New CUCM 8.6 on UCS BE6K Server

Step4: Upgrade new UCS BE6K Server to 11.5 (or does this need a step upgrade.  I already have the new licence keys from 8.6 to 11.5)

Anyone got any thoughts on best way to do this - It would be much appreciated??

Thanks

[Jaime Valencia]

You can do a PCD migration  given you meet the requirements. You'll migrate to 11.5 directly. 

Your plan is also valid.

The upgrade guide, release notes, and ReadMe from the ISO image will provide all the info you need to plan the upgrade for your plan. 

[Nathan Gageby]

The method you described is how we normally perform such an upgrade.  Make sure you understand the target version .ova requirements and that you verify the data.  Consider how many servers you want to take along with you on the upgrade and how many you can start over on after the target version is reached.  PCD is an option but requires more help from TAC if something goes wrong.