OK here's the story:

I am currently running a BES 4.1.7.20 with about 70 users on it connecting to Exchange 2003. I have a new server in place I need to do a knife edge cutover to. I also need to upgrade to BES 5.0.

What would be the best order to do this in? Upgrade to BES 5.0 on current hardware and then do a knife edge cutover? Do a knife edge cutover to new hardware and then upgrade to BES 5.0? Advantage/disadvantages to either idea? Thanks for any input.

Setup new 5.0 server and then use the Enterprise Transporter to move the users from 4.1.7 to 5.0. Enterprise Trasnporter is part of the Resource Kit.

Problem is I don't have an extra SRP to keep both servers online at the same time.

Hi GradyHA,

You need to buy BES 5.0 license to go for newer version as usual.

Before following these steps ensure that the traffic from your new BES server over 3101 is blocked at firewall (Your new BES SHOULD NOT contact RIM servers until the Step 5 is complete).

1. Backup the Configuration Database from existing BES 4.1.7.20.

2. Restore the Configuration Database on New BES server.

3. Install BES 4.1.7.20 on new Hardware using restored configuration
database.

4. Perform inplace upgrade to BES 5.0 using the same SRP ID.

5. Remove SRP ID and switch off old BES server.

6. Release the traffic from new BES server over 3101 is at firewall.


Note: You can get Temporary SRP ID (No need to pay anything) from from RIM >>> Install BES 5.0 on new hardware >>> Migrate users using Enterprise transporter tool.


Cheers!!!

Thanks for the feedback. I've got a maintenance contract with RIM so fortunately the upgrade to 5.0 will be free. I have done a knife edge cutover before with version 4.x so i know the process of it. I have not done a knife edge cutover with version 5.0, so I don't know if it's easier or harder than 4.0 knife edge cutover. So I guess my real question is the knife edge cutover process any different on 5.0 as opposed to 4.0?

Or, am I looking at this the wrong way, should I just use the transporter tool instead? I recall briefly looking at the transporter tool a while ago and thought it would be more difficult than a knife edge cutover, but again, I just briefly researched it so perhaps I am wrong.

Thanks all.

Process is same.

Just ask for a migration kit from RIM. They will issue you a new SRP and timebomb the old one after 60 or so days. It is included with your support contract for free. Then you can use Enterprise transporter with both servers up and running at the same time.

What hooper said. Best option for lacking additional SRPs.

__________________
BCSA (4.1, 5.0) | BCSD (4.1, 5.0)

The views expressed by me on Port3101.org are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.

Using the transporter tool to move users from BES 4.0 to 5.0 as we speak. Working well, thanks for pushing me in the right direction all.