Recommendations for maintaining multi-server installs with different Zimbra versions

[greenrenault]

Hi all,

I am looking for recommendations for maintaining multi-server installs with different Zimbra versions. Basically, "yes this is possible for minor version diffs only" or a "no, this will cause everything to die horribly".

If we have 7 servers and need to upgrade all to the latest Zimbra release, this will take 2 to 3 days and so there will be a period where the 4.56 and 4.57 servers will need to be inter-operable.

Any recommendations or comments?

Thanks!

[gmsmith]

My understanding and I could be wrong, is that you will want to upgrade all servers in a multi-server install at the same time or you will run into troubles.

[phoenix]

Originally Posted by gmsmith

My understanding and I could be wrong, is that you will want to upgrade all servers in a multi-server install at the same time or you will run into troubles.

Your understanding is correct, that's the recommendation.

[mmorse]

And the order of upgrade should be LDAP servers, Mailstores, then MTAs.

I wouldn't recommend it, but sometimes you might (note the very tiny 'might') be able to get away with older versions on the MTAs - but just don't waste your time trying/risking different versions between LDAPs & the mailstores. Expecially with 219 bug fixes in 4.5.7 & all the tomcat & ldap changes made. If it fails then your talking more downtime to restore backups etc.

Are you doing operating system updates at this time as well? - 3 days seems like a bit much for 7 servers.

See the 'Multi-Server Environment Upgrade Steps' at the bottom of the release notes for directions: /pdf/Zimbra NE Release Notes.pdf

[LMStone]

Originally Posted by greenrenault

Hi all,

I am looking for recommendations for maintaining multi-server installs with different Zimbra versions. Basically, "yes this is possible for minor version diffs only" or a "no, this will cause everything to die horribly".

If we have 7 servers and need to upgrade all to the latest Zimbra release, this will take 2 to 3 days and so there will be a period where the 4.56 and 4.57 servers will need to be inter-operable.

Any recommendations or comments?

Thanks!

Totally off topic...

As a gearhead, that's a Renault 12, right?

FWIW, it's looking brown in this hemisphere, not green.

Hope that helps,
Mark
(Former Renault 5 G2 rally car owner)

[mmorse]

At first I was like wtf are we talking about cars? -then it hit me: his avatar & the reference to his name

[LMStone]

Originally Posted by mmorse

At first I was like wtf are we talking about cars? -then it hit me: his avatar & the reference to his name

Yup... 1 + 1 = What color?

;-)

[greenrenault]

For the curious, I owned a Renault 12TL for 4 years whilst going through University. It ran on the smell of a wet rag, went like the clappers and was very reliable. Had it serviced annually

Bought for $500, sold for $500. Best buy.

It was Avocado Green and the ugliest thing on the road. But great value.

So this is my way of giving back to the memory to great engineeering, functionality and ugly design.

I loved my Renault