[Dovecot] Best way to migrate versions and machines

[Donny Brooks]

On 2/21/2011 1:59 PM, Ed W wrote:
>
>> Sounds similar to what I was thinking. I was just not sure if there 
>> was some unforeseen gotchas that others had dealt with before. The 
>> move to a new version is usually not that bad but I knew moving 
>> machines with versions could be hazardous. I may end up upgrading the 
>> local copy to 2.0.9 before the move so they will be similar.
>
> Perhaps, but did you not like my suggestion that you could have 
> basically both versions live at the same time?
>
> To recap, rsync (etc) some data across to the new server which has 
> been upgraded to dovecot2.  Set proxy to forward some test users to 
> the new server.  Test it thoroughly, copy over a few more accounts, 
> repeat testing, etc
>
> This keeps both old and new servers running at all times and the 
> "proxy" feature allows you to push users across even one by one (or do 
> a bulk move).
>
> Remember, apart from the slight gremlin that the dovecot index files 
> get made non v1 compatible by the v2 server, the data can be copied 
> back/forward between servers and most MUAs will likely not notice the 
> difference between your v1.2 and v2 installation... Don't get 
> over-fixated on the server version, focus on not ending up without a 
> working server during the process
>
> Good luck
>
> Ed W
That makes better sense. I did not realize you meant to leave both live 
during the process. Thanks for clarifying that.