Upgrade to ArcMap 10.7.1 with Server still at 10.4

[JayHodny]

Howdy!  Two questions.....First, can we upgrade to ArcMap 10.7.1 directly from 10.6, or do we have to perform the upgrade in steps 10.6.1, 10.7 and then 10.7.1?  Second, if we upgrade ArcMap from version 10.6 to 10.7.1, are there any issues in connecting and accessing our enterprise sde databases on ArcGIS for Server version 10.4?  Currently, ArcMap 10.6 and Server 10.4 are getting along nicely, and we would like the same functionality at ArcMap 10.7.1.  We are experiencing compatibility issues with importing AutoCAD Civil 3D 2020 DWG files, which are saved in the AutoCAD 2018 format.  ArcMap 10.6 will import 2018 DWG format, but the layers are all blank.  We know ArcMap 10.6.1 will import and display the layers correctly in the 2018 DWG format, but we prefer to make the leap to ArcMap 10.7.1.  In the meantime we can save the DWG files at a lower version, but would rather avoid that step in our workflow.  A third question now comes to mind, how difficult is it to upgrade Server and the databases to 10.7.1 or do we upgrade Server to 10.6 for example?  We seem to recall hearing that versions 10.6.1 and beyond "look" forward rather than backward with the rise of ArcGIS for Enterprise.  We will be migrating to ArcGIS for Enterprise 10.x in the future, but have no firm timeline currently; hence, the questions on the best alternatives.  Many thanks in advance.  Regards, Jay 

[George_Thompson · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can upgrade directly from 10.6 --> 10.7.1. Here is the information on client and geodatabase compatibility: https://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/latest/manage-data/geodatabases/client-geodatabase-compatibilit...

You do not have to keep your geodatabase and ArcGIS clients at the same release, but it is recommended that you do so. Geodatabases and client software are designed to work together, and if you let one get too many releases away from the other, you risk encountering problems or unexpected behavior.

Be sure to note, that you will not be able to use any of the new functionality past the release of the enterprise geodatabase if you store the data in there.

Where are you going to store the CAD data once it is imported?

You may also want to review this documentation; Common questions about version compatibility - https://enterprise.arcgis.com/en/server/latest/get-started/windows/compatibility-of-arcgis-for-serve...

As for the ArcGIS Server and Enterprise geodatabase upgrade, I would recommend upgrading them also to match the version of ArcMap for best compatibility.

ArcGIS Server upgrade - https://enterprise.arcgis.com/en/server/latest/deploy/windows/upgrade-arcgis-server.htm

Enterprise Geodatabase upgrade (I just guessed SQL Server) - https://desktop.arcgis.com/en/arcmap/latest/manage-data/gdbs-in-sql-server/upgrade-geodatabase-sqlse...

Hope this helps.

Geodatabase‌ Enterprise GIS‌

[JayHodny]

Hi George, many thanks on the quick reply and the useful links, much appreciated.  Can you clarify your comment and question a bit more?  Thank you again. Sincerely, Jay

"Be sure to note, that you will not be able to use any of the new functionality past the release of the enterprise geodatabase if you store the data in there.

Where are you going to store the CAD data once it is imported?"

[George_Thompson]

If there is new functionality in the desktop client (i.e. ArcMap) you may not be able to store that data within the enterprise geodatabase. For example, if there is a new output format in a newer version of ArcMap and you want to store it in the EGDB may not be possible.

[JayHodny]

Thanks George.  Guessing the webadaptor will need to be upgraded as well?

[George_Thompson]

Yes, the WA would have to match the version of Server being used.

[JayHodny]

Hi George, thanks for all of your time and help. Sincerely, Jay

[George_Thompson]

You are welcome. I am a big proponent of keeping everything at the same version so you get the best compatibility and less likely to encounter "version differences" issues.