Unity 4.2.1 upgrade to Unity 8.0.3

[CHRIS KALETH]

Scenario:

We are currently running Unity 4.2.1 (single server) and want to upgrade to Unity 8.0.3 on new hardware (Cisco MCS 7835-I)  I want to build the server with a new IP address but from what I have read the instructions only show how to build using the same IP? 

I ordered the Software from Cisco PUT and unsure the 1^st disc I’m suppose to use to build the server.  I have the Prereq DVD and the Unity ASR Installation DVD.  The instructions say to use the Cisco Unity Platform Configuration disc but I don’t see this one?

After I get the server built what is the recommended migration path to the new server?  Which data store DVD do I use? Should I do a Dirt from the current server to the new server?  I read the Dirt has to be done from the same Unity version (i.e can’t do a dirt from 4.2 to 8.03). 

Any other help tips are appreciated!

[Scott Hills]

Hello,

A lot of customer are using Cobras to do a migration. This allows you to take a backup of 4.2.1 server and restore on the new 8.0.3 server.

You can read and watch training videos on the tool and decide if this works for you:

http://ciscounitytools.com/Applications/General/COBRAS/COBRAS.html

Having the new server on a different IP address shouldn't be an issue.

Thanks,

Scott

[Scott Hills]

Cobras is also suggested some in the reconfiguration upgrade guide:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/partner/docs/voice_ip_comm/unity/8x/upgrade/guide/8xcurug020.html#wp1451570

Thanks,

Scott

[David Hailey]

I'd always go with COBRAS as it saves you time compared to DiRT and you retain quite a bit of data.  Here is a presentation on COBRAS - it is geared towards Unity Connection; however, it still gives quite a bit of info regarding COBRAS as well as a number of screen shots that illustrate basic usage.

http://www.netcraftsmen.net/user-group/c-mug-archive/824-cisco-unity-connection-migration.html

Hailey

Please rate helpful posts!

[Michael Dietrich]

I am doing same upgrade:   Unity 4.21  >   8.03.....on same server, voicemail only

Need to re-image OS to 2003 and install Exchange to 2003 and SQL

What happens to the 4.2.1 Unity Licenses for Mailboxes and

Unity Features?  Do I need to copy these licenses before re-imaging the server, and then re-apply them after I install Unity 8.03 ?

The only new license I have is the 8.0 upgrade license

Here is my upgrade path...please let me know if you see any issues:

Current Unity Server v4.21     Win2000  Exch 2000

1) Perform COBRAS backup of Unity 4.2.1

2) Copy current licenses off the 4.2.1 ?

3) Re-image server - install OS (2003), SQL, Exchange 2003, then Unity 8.0

4) re-apply old licenses, and new 8.0 upgrade license

5) test functionality with "test" subscriber

6) start COBRAS import  using COBRAS 4.2.1 subscriber data from step 1

I want to make sure I do not have issues with licenses !

Thank you for the assistance.

[JonJarrett]

Scott,

I am going to be upgrading Cisco Unity, for a customer who is running Unity on an exchange server, from version 4.2(1) to version 8.0(3). Per my customer, they are using RPC instead SMTP/VPIM. They currenly have Microsoft Exchange 2003 sp2. Will this upgrade completely wipe out the old version of Unity and load the new version (i/e upgrading CUCM from 4.X to 7.X) or will just load the latest/updated drivers on the Unity Server (i/e - upgrading CUCM 7.X up to 8.X)? Also, since they are not running SMTP/VPIM, how will this upgrade effect RPC?