migration from N4000 to rp7440

[Rommel T. Misa_2]

Hi all,

I have at present an N4000 and am planning to replace this server with an rp7440. The N4000 is attached to an EMC Symmetrix 8830 array via SAN. We plan to use the same array for the new server. The N4000 will then be shut off after apps and DB are migrated to the rp7440. I have an Oracle 9i DB running on my current server and will migrate this db to the rp7440 using Oracle 9i also. What would be the best step for me to migrate my apps and DB? I am thinking of using EMC BCVs or tape restoration. Has anyone tried this type of migration.

Thanks.
Rommel

[Jov · Accepted solution]

Hi Rommel,

Are you upgrading your application and/or Oracle? Are you upgrading HP-UX for the rp7440 or doing any nPar/vPar?

If not, then in theory (i've done this on a different HP HW model) you could:
1) backup/export your LVM details,
2) Ignite-UX the server, and
3) other backup (of cause).
4) Shutdown the N4000
5) Attache EMC to RP7440
6) Ignite restore the new server,
7) import LVM,
8) restore filesystems.

If all the above goes well, things will work. you'll probably need to apply some HW patches for the RP7440.

Jov

[Torsten.]

Hi,

ignite may be a bad idea, because the N4000 (aka rp7400) is non-cell based and probably run with 11.00 (does it?).

The rp7440 is cell-based and needs at least 11.11.

I would could install the box, install the apps and import the data.

[Jov]

Yes, that is why I state if there is not upgrade required.


Jov

[Andrew Young_2]

Hi

Being cell based does not make any difference, however for the ignite to work compatible drivers must be installed in the kernel before hand.

The OS must be version 11i v1 (11.11) and at a recent patch level.

Having just gone this route in the last 12 months my recommendation would be to do a trial run installation of the OS from Ignite, if it works then you are lucky, but plan B would be to reinstall all the software. Plan for it.

My biggest concern with doing the Ignite though is that the HBA's would have different WWN's. Similarly if you have anything that is IP dependant could cause problems unless you want to move the server IP and hostname with the migration.

I would also recommend that as part of the Ignite process you resize all your partitions on vg00.

Good luck.

Andrew Y

[Jov]

Regarding the changes to the mapping of LUNs to LVM details, if after ignite and LVM Import fails to give an identical filesystem setup, then manual reconfiguration will be required.

Its a balance between a quick win vs a clean slate approach, and this will depend on the circumstances you're working under.

If time permits, I'd take a fresh install of OS+patch, Oracle+patch, and App+patch then export/import the DB content. This will create a clean system and bring everything to the latest (or n-1 version) patches. Also with the Oracle data dump and import will redo the db index, thus give the better Oracle performance. This is assuming the application is compatible with the new OS version.


Jov

[Rommel T. Misa_2]

Thanks for the reply guys. My current platform is HP-UX 11.11 running Oracle 9.2. We will not upgrade anything. Just the hardware.