5.1 PS1 new install on Sparc 9 VxVM4.0 MP1host having SFDB2

[yottacorp]

We are upgrading a Solaris 9 Sparc 64 bit using SFDB2 from VxVM 4.0 MP1 to 5.1SP1 using DMP.

From what I understand this is a new install not upgrade. EMC has remediated that VxVM is not at the expected level. We are moving from CX to VMAX.I will be editing the sd.conf and lpfc.conf accordingly.  It will be an array based migration FTS.

I was wondering can we just upgrade the VxVM from the CD or do we have to uninstall/install everything (all of SFDB2). If we do, then can you help me with these steps for expediency. Here are my steps:

1) vxvm config - vxprint -th (readable format) and vxprint -m (detailed attributes) save old attributes.

2) Unmount  all the VxFS mounted filesystems

3. Stop all volumes and deport db2dg.

3) vxdctl stop ( to stop vxconfigd )

3a.) mount CD with install pkgs; copy  VRTS* pkgs to /tmp/veritas_5.1install dir

4) pkgrm VRTSfsman VRTSvmman VRTSvxfs VRTSvxvm VRTSvlic           - old version

5) pkgadd VRTSvlic VRTSvxvm VRTSvxfs VRTSvmman VRTSfsman          - new version

6) Reboot the server

7) Do SF Veritas patching showrev -p | grep 114477-04 & (122300-10 for SF&SFDB2 only)

8) Final reboot.

9) mount filesystems

10) import db2dg

10a.) use vxupgrade to upgrade the filesystem disk layout version from version 4 or 5 to -> 6

11.) vxddladm listsupport all (libvxemc.so (EMC SYMM support) should be listed because it was embedded in install (confirm)

[Gaurav_S · Accepted solution]

Hi,

There are some major considerations you need to make

1. From release notes of 5.1SP1, lots of SFDB tools are not supported, see if this impacts your decision

https://sort.symantec.com/public/documents/sfha/5.1sp1/solaris/productguides/html/sf_notes/ch01s06s01.htm

Also run through below details for system requirements of SF 5.1 SP1

https://sort.symantec.com/public/documents/sfha/5.1sp1/solaris/productguides/html/sf_notes/ch01s07s04.htm

2. Yes you will need to delete old packages & add new packages because there is no direct upgrade method from 4.0 to 5.1SP1

3. I would recommend to run following to know exact dependencies, precheck will determine what are the possible areas where you may face issues

# installer -precheck

4. I would also run below to find the list of packages required to upgrade (the list you provided appears to be missing some packages including core packages like VRTScpi)

# installsf -recpkgs

# installsf -recpkgs -listpatches    (to know list of patches you need to install)

Refer below for details

https://sort.symantec.com/public/documents/sfha/5.1sp1/solaris/productguides/html/sf_install/ch14s02s02.htm

5. There was a major change in licensing mechanism between 4.0 (static keys) to possible keyless in 5.1. Make sure you check with Symantec partner for right licensing key (if you require a new key)

https://sort.symantec.com/public/documents/sfha/5.1sp1/solaris/productguides/html/sf_install/ch04.htm

6. The way you are upgrading filesystem version you also would need to upgrade the diskgroup version. Though older versions are supported however best to upgrade diskgroup version in order to use latest features of dg version

Upgrading a diskgroup

https://sort.symantec.com/public/documents/sfha/5.1sp1/solaris/productguides/html/vxvm_admin/ch06s17.htm

Hope this helps

G

[Marianne · Accepted solution]

I am late to this discussion, but herewith my 2c in addition to Gaurav's excellent advice.

While you are renewing storage, it is possibly a good idea to look at all hardware and software components in your environment and consider upgrade/replacement.

The fact that you are running Solaris 9, says to me that the SUN server is probably very old.
Carefully check all compatibility lists - SF, Oracle/Solaris OS, DB2, EMC, etc... 

If you can migrate to new hardware and current OS, you will be able to install new SF version, deport dg on old server and import on new server. 
If all is fine, you can upgrade dg.