Upgrading ArcGIS Enterprise in Azure using Cloud Builder - Help

[TonyCollins]

Hi,

A while ago we deployed ArcGIS Enterprise 10.8 (Single Machine) to Azure using Cloud builder, which now needs to be upgraded. This was a real problematic experience  due to an issue where the installer would take longer than Azure would allow for scripts. Consequently we are rather nervous to perform this upgrade.. 

From Reading the documentation, it looks like we need to again use Cloud Builder to perform this upgrade as this is how it was originally installed.

Although we can snapshot the OS disk before running, I am concerned Cloud Builder might modify existing Azure resource making rollback on error impossible.

Does anyone have experience upgrading 10.8 using Cloud Builder than can offer some advice?  

Would it be safest to first go to 10.8.1, based on how close that is to 10.8 or is it more sensible to upgrade all the way up to 11 to really future proof? I have concerns that a lot may have evolved in that deployment and it may not be that straight forward and change resource in Azure too?

Could any one offer any advice? 
Thanks

[Scott_Tansley]

I can’t talk to cloud builder.  Generally a backup of the disk is all that is required in other cloud/IaaS environments.

please check the support lifecycle of 11.0.  It’s the short support version.  11.1 is out in March and will offer significantly longer support.  For a wait of 2 months you’ll get much better support.  I would not recommend 11.0 at this stage. 

[TonyCollins]

Thanks Scott, we have been burnt taking 10.8 which was the short support version so I don't want to make that mistake again.

Unfortunately I can't wait 2 months due to the end of support of 10.8 having crept up on us without realizing and also I am quite worried about too much changing so perhaps the only options are 10.8.1 or 10.9.1.

[Scott_Tansley]

10.9.1 will offer you the longest support available today.  The upgrade should be faster than 10.8.1 as well, due to improved installers.  Don’t consider 10.8.1 if you need support longevity.

[TonyCollins]

Thanks again Scott, that's helpful. I am only considering 10.8.1 due to the fear of breaking changes, but I would definitely prefer to go to that version.

[ReeseFacendini]

Going from v 10.8 to v10.9.1 will not break support for anything. Only jumping to v11.X has the potential to break items, and even then, the list is very specific about which items.

[TonyCollins]

Thanks for that, would you know if this upgrade just modifies the installation (AGS,Portal, etc) on the VM (single in my case) and does not alter/add  Azure components which would be hard to discover?

I think high level, I am hoping going from 10.8 to 10.9.1 using cloud builder to perform the upgrade (as I think this is recommended/the only way?) will leave portal with all it's config/certificates etc functioning as before.

[ReeseFacendini]

No Azure components should be modified during an upgrade.

It is possible to manually upgrade an Enterprise deployment deployed by Cloud builder. It's not possible to use Cloud builder to upgrade after a manual upgrade, nor is it supported to manually install Enterprise then try and use Cloud builder to upgrade that.

[TonyCollins]

Thank you,

So Esri recommended best practice for a deployment created by cloud builder is to upgrade using cloud builder? 

if so, I guess there is not much more I can do other than backup vm and snapshot os, then run the upgrade via cloud builder?

thanks again 

[Scott_Tansley]

A key benefit of the Cloud Builder is that it's aware of the original state and can be used to upgrade ArcGIS Enterprise.   The upgrade information is retained, so that it can be used for the next upgrade, etc. etc..  This is far more preferable than trying to do it manually, which is a bit of a specialist thing.  

So, using the Cloud Builder is the sensible option.  If for whatever reason it fails, then you can resort to upgrading manually.  However, if you chose to do it manually, then you cannot revert and use Cloud Builder after that.  

For now, backup the VM/OS and use cloud builder.  Have fun.