Upgrade 5.5u2 to 6u1 with clean install on new server

[VArjan]

I am doing some research to upgrade vCenter 5.5 update 2 to the latest vCenter 6 update 1.
I see a lot of “how to’s” for upgrading 5.5 to 6.0. But I would like to have a brand new server with Server 2012 R2.

My current setup:
- Windows Server 2008 R2 with vCenter 5.5 update 2, SSO, Update Manager, etc
- Windows Server 2008 R2 with SQL Server 2008 R2, hosts all VMware databases

I would like to go to a new Windows Server 2012 R2 for vCenter and al its components. For now I want to leave the SQL server as it is.

I am also running Horizon View 6.0.1 and App Volumes 2.9.

it seems that View 6.0.1 is not certified to run with vCenter 6u1. So I need to upgrade this first?

I also got vShield 5.1, will this work with vCenter 6u1?

Back to the main question, is it possible to do an upgrade and migration at once?
Or do I first have to upgrade to vCenter 6u1 and then preform a migration to the new Server 2012 R2 machine?

[rcporto]

Due the number of VMware products that you use, you will need to do a staged upgrade, one product and component at time, see this KB article for correct sequence: VMware KB: Update sequence for vSphere 6.0 and its compatible VMware products

[VArjan]

Thanks!

I am aware you need to consider the order of upgrading.

I am still not sure what to do with vShield endpoint 5.1, I don't think there is a new version. Will it work with vSphere 6.0 u1?

And can I upgrade using a new server?

[MattiasN81]

vSheild Endpoint 5.5.4 is supported with vCenter server 6.0 U1 and ESXi 6.0 U1

The best way to look if a solution in supported is in VMware Product Interoperability Matrixes

[VArjan]

Thanks, this is what I found as well, vShield 5.5.4.1 seems to be the best way to go forward.

Does anyone have any idea's about upgrading to a new server with Win Server 2012 R2?

Can I just shutdown the old server and preform a new vCenter installation using the old SQL Database?

Will it upgrade the database?

[m17m]

Hey Arjan,

have you already done the upgrade to a other machine and could share your know how, please ?

thanks!

[VArjan]

So far I have only upgraded the vShield to 5.5.4.1.

The next step will be Horizon View, before I can go to vSphere 6.

So I am still interested in how to upgrade and move to a new server.

Maybe for Horizon View as well. Would be nice to go to move to Win 2012.

Do you have any idea's?