Options for upgrading a Domino server

A Domino upgrade provides a good opportunity to consider other changes to your Domino infrastructure, for example, hardware or operating system upgrades.

The following table describes options for upgrading a Domino server. Regardless of the upgrade option you choose, first obtain the latest installation files from the My HCLSoftware Portal and have them available.

Option Description When to use
Option 1
  • Installs new version over current version.
  • Does not uninstall current version.
  • Option that is typically used.
  • Your current version of Domino server is V9.0.1 or above.
  • The operating system on the server is compatible with the new Domino version.
  • The hardware meets the minimum requirements for the new Domino version.
  • Baseline monitoring indicates that the current Domino server is performing well.
  • You are keeping the existing directory structure on the Domino server.
  • The Domino server’s identity will remain the same.
Option 2
  • Installs new version over current version.
  • Uninstalls current version first.
  • Your current version of Domino is pre-V9.0.1.
  • The operating system on the server is compatible with the new Domino version.
  • The hardware meets the minimum requirements for the new Domino version.
  • Baseline monitoring indicates that the current Domino server is performing well.
  • You are keeping the existing directory structure on the Domino server.
  • The Domino server’s identity will remain the same.
Option 3
  • Installs the new Domino version on new hardware.
  • Keeps the current server identity.
  • Copies files from current server to the new hardware.
  • Requires the current server to be shut down during the upgrade process.
  • Requires less manual configuration of the new server than option 4.
  • Recommended option if you need to move to new hardware.
  • The hardware or operating system cannot be upgraded on the current server machine to support the new Domino version
  • It’s feasible to shut down the current server during the upgrade process. For example, there is a small amount of data to copy to the new machine which you can do during off-hours.
Option 4
  • Installs the new Domino version on new hardware.
  • Keeps the current server identity.
  • Replicates Domino files from the current server to the new server.
  • Keeps the current server running during the upgrade process.
  • Requires more manual configuration of the new server than Option 3.
  • The hardware or operating system cannot be upgraded on the current server machine to support the new Domino version
  • You need to keep the current server running during the upgrade process, for example, because there is a large amount of data you can’t quickly copy to the new server machine.
Option 5
  • Changes the current server identity.
  • Installs new Domino version on new hardware.
  • Replicates the Domino files from the current server to the new server.
  • Keeps the current server running during the upgrade process.
  • Allows you to migrate users gradually

This option can be useful if you want to:

  • Adopt a new server naming scheme.
  • Change the operating system and/or hardware.
  • Change install paths.
  • Fully test the compatibility of custom templates and applications with the new Domino version.
  • Consolidate servers or expand server capacity.