SCOM 2025 was released last year, and now is the time to start planning your upgrade. But where do you begin? Upgrading can be a complicated process, and it is important to consider the different options to make the process as smooth as possible.
When upgrading, you can choose between an in-place upgrade or a side-by-side installation, and each approach leads to different outcomes. The right path for you depends on several factors.
This blog post will walk you through the key considerations to help you determine the best approach for your environment.
What to consider
Choosing between an in-place upgrade and a side-by-side installation starts with understanding your current environment and future needs.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What version of SCOM are you currently running?
If you're upgrading from SCOM 2022, an in-place upgrade could be a good option for you. But if you have an older version running, a side-by-side installation might be the easiest and most efficient option.
- Have you upgraded this environment before?
If your current setup has been upgraded multiple times, the various changes made across versions can make an in-place upgrade unnecessarily complicated. Starting fresh might save time and reduce potential complications in the long run.
- How healthy is your current environment?
Are you experiencing performance issues? A side-by-side installation offers a fresh start, with the option to make the changes you want.
- Does your monitoring needs align with your environment today?
Is your monitoring environment working the way you want it to? If so, an in-place upgrade could be a good fit. However, if you want to take the chance to make changes, a side-by-side installation offers an opportunity to realign with your monitoring strategy.
Monitoring needs change over time, and an upgrade gives you the chance to reassess and adjust as needed.
In-place upgrade vs. side-by-side installation: Pros and cons
Once you have assessed your environment today and what you are looking for in the future, it is time to start comparing your upgrade options.
Here is a quick breakdown of each approach:
In-place upgrade
Pros:
- Existing firewall rules and backups still work.
- Management Packs are already installed.
- Faster implementation compared to fresh installation
- Data Warehouse history remains.
- No need for agents to be multihomed.
Cons:
- The upgrade process is complex and carries a higher risk of errors.
- Both the preparations and the upgrade itself result in more downtime.
- Existing database errors will remain after the upgrade.
- Existing performance issues will remain after the upgrade.
Side-by-side installation
Pros:
- A fresh start with updated configurations.
- Supports the latest OS and SQL versions.
- The ability to test integrations before going live.
Cons:
- Requires more time to setup and configure.
- Data Warehouse history is lost.
- Firewall rules and backups must be reconfigured.
Planning your SCOM 2025 upgrade
Now that we have gone through some key things to consider, what does the upgrade process actually look like?
Here are some key steps to include:
- Assess your current setup: Identify any current issues, outdated configurations, and unsupported components.
- Choose between the paths: Choose an in-place upgrade if your current environment is healthy, and side-by-side installation if you need a fresh start.
- Prepare your infrastructure: Update OS and SQL versions, review firewall rules, and back up critical data.
Upgrade to SCOM 2025 with Opslogix
Upgrading your SCOM environment can be complicated, but you do not have to do it alone. At Opslogix, we have long experience of helping customers of all sizes and industries with best-practice upgrades. We know the common challenges many encounter and how to avoid them.
Let us help you make the upgrade process fast, effective and problem-free.
Reach out to us today to discuss your options.