NE Upgrade Questions 4.5.6 --> 5.0.2

[dwill]

I am trying to determine the most painless way to perform the following:
We are upgrading to a new Mail Server, Lates version of Zimbra(NE) and also with the recent discussion regarding CentOS support, we will be moving to Ubuntu.
1. Ubuntu Site lists LTS 6.06.2 dl instead of 6.06.1 (listed in the support doc). Does this matter?
2. Our new machine is 64 bit capable, are their any caveats to using the 64 bit OS with 5.0.2 NE?
3. What I would like to do is install Ubuntu, then ZCS, on the new machine, then restore from a backup from the old machine. Something tells me this won't work. (our current Version is 4.5.6)

About 75% of our users are using POP, the others using Outlook Connecter & Mobile.

I'd appreciate any advice or input from others who have done similar. Zimbra version upgrades have been a breeze in the past, but switching to a new box and OS is making this one a little more challenging.

Thanks,
David

[uxbod]

Originally Posted by dwill

1. Ubuntu Site lists LTS 6.06.2 dl instead of 6.06.1 (listed in the support doc). Does this matter?

I do not believe that will be a problem for you

Originally Posted by dwill

2. Our new machine is 64 bit capable, are their any caveats to using the 64 bit OS with 5.0.2 NE?

According to the download page http://www.zimbra.com/products/downloads.html a 64 bit version for Ubuntu is not available

Originally Posted by dwill

3. What I would like to do is install Ubuntu, then ZCS, on the new machine, then restore from a backup from the old machine. Something tells me this won't work. (our current Version is 4.5.6)

I would install the same version, and then perform a upgrade.

[dwill]

Thanks Uxbod, A little clarification on ? 2.
Has anyone experienced issues running a 64-bit OS with 32-bit Zimbra?
- or - any issues with running a 64-bit OS period. We are currently running 32-bit version of CentOS

[uxbod]

In theory it should work, but I am not a fan of mixing 64/32 bit code. You could run a 64 bit Xen installation with a 32 bit Zimbra guest as I do. Going this route does offer a lot of flexibility and benefits.

How much memory do you have in your server ?

[dwill]

4 Gig - We use VMWare for some other servers, but mail gets it's own hardware I think we'll play it safe and do this: 32 Bit Ubuntu, install 4.5.6, restore from backup, upgrade to 5.0.2

[danielfarrelly]

Originally Posted by dwill

Thanks Uxbod, A little clarification on ? 2.
Has anyone experienced issues running a 64-bit OS with 32-bit Zimbra?
- or - any issues with running a 64-bit OS period. We are currently running 32-bit version of CentOS

yes. 64-bit ubuntu will not work with 32-bit zimbra... at least not without a lot of reconfiguring. much easier to use 32-bit ubuntu with 32-bit zimbra. there is a guide available that pretty much covers everything. works with or without the bind setup.

[danielfarrelly]

Originally Posted by dwill

3. What I would like to do is install Ubuntu, then ZCS, on the new machine, then restore from a backup from the old machine. Something tells me this won't work. (our current Version is 4.5.6)

Thanks,
David

don't think you can restore from v4 to v5

[dwill]

Originally Posted by danielfarrelly

don't think you can restore from v4 to v5

I knew that but thought I'd ask anyway - I'll combine the advice received and do the following:
Install 32-bit Ubuntu on new hardware
Install ZCS 4.5.6 (Same as existing version)
Restore data from old mail server to new
Upgrade to 5.0.2


Thanks for the help guys!

[uxbod]

Remember to let us know how you get on If all works fine please mark thread as SOLVED so that others can see and benefit from all the comments. Good luck

[dwill]

Originally Posted by uxbod

Remember to let us know how you get on If all works fine please mark thread as SOLVED so that others can see and benefit from all the comments. Good luck

Will do - I'll document well and post any gotcha's encountered. Most likely will take place this upcoming weekend. We use 3Ware SATA Raid controllers and I inadvertantly ordered PATA drives. Waiting for replacements...