StarWind Software

Hello:

I am planning migration path for our StarWind Cluster for the new year. I want to move from StarWind v6 on Windows 2008 R2 to StarWind v8 on Windows 2012 R2. Obviously, StarWind v8 is not yet out; but I am hoping at least high level migration recommendations will be available.

I have a two-node cluster with 6 HA LUNs.

Am I correct in assuming the recommended upgrade path would be to update the OS first, then StarWind?

Is there guidance on how to migrate a HA cluster from Windows 2008 R2 to Windows 2012 R2? Preferably with no downtime.

Thank you for any consideration you can pay this matter.

Regards,

Joe M.

Hi!

Thank you for your interest in StarWind.

Well, you are correct -OS is first and then goes the StarWind part. I`m not 100% sure right now about the upgrade steps from the StarWind side that you`ll be better to take when you`ll start that migration right now, so I`ll ask you to send the corresponding request 1-2 weeks before you`ll be ready to start the process.

We are preparing the OS upgrade now.

~joe

OK, here are the steps for you:
1. Remove all the HA partners from the StarWind1 box through the Replication manager;
2. Install new OS on StarWind1 box;
3. Install StarWind on StarWind1 box;
4. Add partners to all the HA partners on StarWind1 box through the Replication manager;
5.Wait for the synchronization process to finish and connect to the new targets after;
6. Remove all the HA partners from the StarWind2 box through the Replication manager;
7. Install new OS on StarWind2 box;
8. Install StarWind on StarWind2 box;
9. Add partners to all the HA partners on StarWind2 box through the Replication manager;
10.Wait for the synchronization process to finish and connect to the new targets after.

I hope that helped.

And lets talk about StarWind upgrade after it`ll get released

Anatoly:

Thank you for the guidance. I have one follow up question.

It loosks like this process requires full synchronizations as opposed to differential. Is that the case?

That is to say should I plan on syncing the full 10TB of exported disks? Or just the few GB that change for the duration of the changeover?

~joe

Yes, you are correct, the FullSync will take place guaranteed, which is pretty obvious since the new image files are totally new and the delta is 100%