If you are a current user of VMware, this is probably one of the many reminders you’ve received to upgrade to the latest version (v6.0) prior to September 19th, 2018. Users who miss the deadline will not be able to receive general support, should they need it. Users who upgrade to vSphere 6.5 or 6.7 receive not only the latest capabilities of vSphere, but also the latest vSAN release and its capabilities. For users completing the upgrade, VMware has extended general support to a full five years from date of release, with an end of support date set as November 15th, 2021.
The vSphere Upgrade Service is an excellent tool if you require assistance with your upgrade. It provides a comprehensive virtual infrastructure upgrade guide, along with recommendations for planning and testing the upgrade, the upgrade itself, validation guidance, as well as rollback procedures. If you’d like additional information or assistance, NSDS is available to help.
For those who are active on Support and Subscription Services, but cannot upgrade from vSphere 5.5 prior to September 19th, there is an option to purchase one-year increments of Extended Support for up to two years beyond the end of general support date. Technical guidance for vSphere 5.5 will remain available until September 19th, 2020, primarily through the self-help portal.
Depending on whether your individual needs/circumstances fall into the any of the following three categories, vSphere with Operations Management, vCloud Suite 5, or vSAN 5.5, additional action may need to be taken.
To help you plan your vSphere upgrade, VMware has made available a 3-part technical webcast series which includes detailed guidance on upgrading to vSphere 6.5 or 6.7. Get the details here.
You may also find the following links useful:
VMware vSphere Upgrade Center
VMware Lifecycle Product Matrix
VMware Professional Services
VMware Extended Support
vSAN Compatibility Guide
VMware Support
vSphere Upgrade Webcast Series
The upgrade to VMware can be daunting, and prone to many pitfalls when moving from the older versions. The process usually includes firmware upgrades to all of the hardware, storage system and companion software, such as backup and monitoring software, if deployed. There’s also the task of determining the correct version releases for production equipment and product interoperability. All of these factors and more make for a challenging project, and even with the best of preparations and planning, technology does not always cooperate. North Shore Data Services has the experience to work through these problems if they arise and have your upgrade completed using a tested best practice solution.
If you are using vSphere 5.5 or vCloud Suite 5, please contact NSDS to begin an upgrade plan by calling 978-988-0201, or by opening a ticket with our help desk at www.ns-data.com.
