[sims] Migrating sims to new server

[rckngslnd]

Hi

 

I have looked through previous post but cannot find what i'm looking for. We are going to be moving to a new server 2008 with sql server 2008 64bit. Has anyone got a really good guide for installation, also i heard people talking about installing sim using an upto date iso, i looked on supportnet but could not find what i'm looking for.

 

Any info would be great

 

Richard

[matt40k]

Well we're waiting for the Spring 12 installable release at the moment, pretty much that would give you the new install, then you just backup\restore the databases and copy of the docstorage and the sims directories. Change the connect.ini and maybe the sims.ini on the workstations to point to the new server and your away.

 

My advise would be to contact your local authority if you get support via them. Each LA has a slightly different way of doing things - Suffolk certain paths are needed to send stuff via AnyComms so it's worth asking rather then it you doing a non-LA standard way, ok SIMS may work, but the bills might not get paid this month - and more importantly the staff might not get paid!! If your independent or whatever, then yer, do whatever.

[maestromasada]

get on a virtual machine your new server 2008 plus sql08 64-bit, so you can have a test enviroment to test the migration. Once you got the vm ready copy the mis folder and run the sims installation setup from the setups folder, then use dbattach to attach the .mdf database to the new system.

 

Trickin long way, but it worked for us. Using VM machines you can test again and again how the migration will behave as close to the real envirionment as possible. Just be sure you don't touch the production server until you know exactly, exactly what you are doing. Alternatively, contact you support dealer as Matt suggested.

 

Good luck!

[vikpaw]

There are many threads that cover it here, what exactly do you need or have you not been able to find? e.g. regarding a test install : http://www.edugeek.net/forums/mis-systems/86523-sims-server-install-guide.html#post762047

 

Go with a VM if possible.

Clean install windows + SQL then fully patch.

There are lists on here regarding which elements of SQL you need to install.

Heed when SQL tells you to open up the right ports on server firewall.

Ask for the installable ISO from support / Capita / SupportNet, or use the old one, KB110102 - and then use the latest Spring Upgrade iso to bring it up to date.

restore data.

configure.

backup.

test.

 

[CyberNerd]

I also need to get this done (over summer). What is the recommended space requirements, esp for document store?

[vikpaw]

For doc store It depends how much you use it.

Mine is close to 7GB now over last 3/4 years but it has probably double in the last year.

it's just a folder on a drive / share so you could move it of required. I would probably allow 20GB if you're starting out.

system partition needs at lead 80gb these days.

Data a couple of hundred at the least. I store my data (sims share, doc store and backups) in one drive. The more backups you want to keep handy the more space you'll need, even if you're using Matt's TidyBackups.

[GREED]

There are many threads that cover it here, what exactly do you need or have you not been able to find? e.g. regarding a test install : http://www.edugeek.net/forums/mis-systems/86523-sims-server-install-guide.html#post762047

 

Go with a VM if possible.

Clean install windows + SQL then fully patch.

There are lists on here regarding which elements of SQL you need to install.

Heed when SQL tells you to open up the right ports on server firewall.

Ask for the installable ISO from support / Capita / SupportNet, or use the old one, KB110102 - and then use the latest Spring Upgrade iso to bring it up to date.

restore data.

configure.

backup.

test.

 

 

Vik, just interested to know if this document is born out of the one I sent you many many MANY moons ago?

[matt40k]

We normally say 40gb for OS, 100gb+ for data, a page file drive (upto twice the size of ram) and ideally a drive for backups

 

Graham I thought you were going to say how easy it is to move to another MIS

[CyberNerd]

Thanks both. When you say it's just a share - could I store on a different server? I'd like to de-dupe our shared drives so it would be good to add this one to the mix.

[vikpaw]

@GREED - not so much anymore, the process is a little simplified now. Fundamentally, advocating a VM, using a clean install rather than the exisiting setups folder which tends to be messy. Restoring the backup, rather than detach/reattach and having to mess with logins or anything.

Nonetheless, your document would still work.

[GREED]

@GREED - not so much anymore, the process is a little simplified now. Fundamentally, advocating a VM, using a clean install rather than the exisiting setups folder which tends to be messy. Restoring the backup, rather than detach/reattach and having to mess with logins or anything.

Nonetheless, your document would still work.

 

This was more a nostalgia thing! But interesting to know how things progress

[GREED]

Graham I thought you were going to say how easy it is to move to another MIS

 

Simply put, it is! For the customers. For most suppliers it is seamless from the data perspective