Migrate from CUCM Business Edition v6.1 to v8.5

[Ashley Georgeson]

Has anybody performed this migration before and care to share their experiences?

Helpful posts rated as always!

Many thanks, Ash.

[testeven]

Hi Ashley,

You can follow these steps:

1. Install 8.5.1 from Cisco installation media on new a MCS7828-I5 appliance if the current HW

does not support 8.5. You can refer to the HW platform list below:

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

You must use the same hostname and IP address as the existing production system.

2. Install 8.5.1 upgrade to Inactive partition of existing production CMBE 6.1 appliance. 

You can check the supported upgrade paths below:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/voice_ip_comm/cucm/compat/ccmcompmatr1.pdf

3. Boot existing appliance to upgraded partition.

4. Run a DRS Backup on the existing server.  Once completed, power off.

5. Connect the new appliance to the network and boot to blank v8.1.5.12900 installation.

6. DRS restore to the new appliance and reboot.

7. Install new 8.5.1 license files to the new appliance (for both CUCM and CUC).

You can send an email to licensing@cisco.com to request the licenses.

8. Reboot and verify all other services started, properly licensed, and functioning.

Regards,

Tere.

If you find this post helpful, please rate!

[Ashley Georgeson]

Hey, thanks Tere I'll try that this week.

This is a 'Big Bang' migration approach, I wondered if you also had any suggestions for a 'Parallel Run' migration?

e.g.

1. Build the new system using new IP addressing

2. Manual configuration of new system based on old system configuration. (or upgrade from v6.1 following backup and restore of old system to new server)

3. Create an ICT between old and new system to route calls.

4. Move users to new system e.g. by amending dhcp options.

5. Move gateways over to new system.

Kind regards, Ash.

[Aaron Harrison]

Hi Ash

In general, although a 'big bang' sounds bad, it's better than a piecemeal migration.

If all the usere are on the same system, you get a good level of functionality. If you split them onto two you limit a lot of features and have to be careful how you migrated users and in what groups you move them.

The best way is to (as you suggest) build a lab system, upgrade, and test whatever functionality is important to your business.

Then when you are happy, simply upgrade 'big bang'.

Aaron