Preparation for upgrades to MobileFirst Server

Before you begin the actual upgrade to MobileFirst Server v6.3.0, you must complete several preparation tasks.

Upgrading to a new version of MobileFirst Server in a development environment is quick and easy because in most cases no critical data must be preserved inIBM MobileFirst Platform Foundation databases. In a production environment, however, more time and effort are required for the upgrade, to minimize production downtime and inconvenience to users of existing applications.

Complete the following preparation tasks before you begin upgrading to a new MobileFirst Server version. We can start any time before the upgrade, but you must complete these tasks before you move to the next major step, Start the MobileFirst Server v6.3.0 upgrade process.

• Gathering information for MobileFirst Server v6.3.0 upgrades
  To avoid having to stop the upgrade process to look up required information, gather it in advance and have it handy.

• Plan installation of the MobileFirst Administration Services and MobileFirst Operations Console
  Before you install the MobileFirst Administration Services and MobileFirst Operations Console, prepare the upgrade: review the topology, define the upgrade strategy, set up the administration database, configure security, and review the configuration of the application server.

• Identify the MobileFirst WAR file and prepare the Ant deployment script
  In this task, you identify the project.WAR file containing numerous resources and configuration settings for MobileFirst Server and prepare the Ant script used to deploy it.

• Review and note the Application Server configuration for Worklight Server and Application Center
  In this task, if it is required for the upgrade path, prepare for the undeployment and redeployment of applications to the application server to correct information that can potentially be modified or deleted by IBM Installation Manager.

• Verify environments of deployed apps
  Before you upgrade to MobileFirst Server v6.3.0, verify that all of the environments that are targeted in the MobileFirst applications are still supported.

• In-place upgrade or rolling upgrade to MobileFirst Server v6.3.0
  We can upgrade to a new version of the product in one of two ways: as an in-place upgrade or as a rolling upgrade. An in-place upgrade replaces the previous version while a rolling upgrade does not.

• Packaging change of WebSphere Application Server Liberty profile in IBM Worklight v6.x
  Important information about how WebSphere Application Server Liberty profile is delivered since IBM Worklight v6.0.0, and what is the impact on the upgrade of the production MobileFirst Server.

• Become familiar with IBM Installation Manager before you start
  Before you start the actual installation, verify that you have all the products to install and that you are familiar with IBM Installation Manager procedures.

Parent topic: Upgrading to MobileFirst Server v6.3.0 in a production environment