Lotus cc:Mail DB6 to DB8 Upgrade Services

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Lotus cc:Mail DB6 to DB8 Upgrade Services

Overview

For most businesses, e-mail has evolved into a business-critical application that must be available 7x24. With year 2000 issues and the trend towards Internet standards-based messaging technologies, Lotus cc:Mail customers are looking for ways to move their messaging infrastructures to the next level.

GSS provides the most complete solution for a smooth transition from cc:Mail Database version 6 (DB6) to database version 8 (DB8). GSS leverages its Messaging Project Methodology and e-mail system auditing experience to build cc:Mail DB8 systems are not only successfully converted but that have a clean bill of health. GSS has the experience to handle administrator training and organizational communication issues to assure that every upgrade is not just a technical success but an organizational success as well.

The cc:Mail DB8 database provides 7x24 capability, online maintenance, improved security, and Year 2000 compliance. The cc:Mail R8 Advanced Messaging Server delivers a modular agent and MTA architecture for Internet standards-based messaging using protocols such as SMTP, POP3, IMAP4, LDAP, and HTTP. The R6 and R8 cc:Mail clients are Year 2000 compliant, and the 32-bit R8 client provides new capabilities such as Rich Text content and integration with MAPI e-mail services on the desktop.

GSS is the only messaging integrator that provides a complete, end-to-end solution for cc:Mail DB6 to DB8 upgrades. GSS provides upgrade preparation and planning, hands-on post office upgrades and tools, as well as training services. GSS manages administrator training and communication issues so that every DB6 to DB8 upgrade project is a success both technically and organizationally. GSS works with its clients throughout the upgrade process from requirements assessment and migration planning, to implementation, training, and technical support. 

Ten Steps to Success

GSS deals effectively with existing e-mail system issues and carefully assesses the impact of planned changes. GSS then follows through with upgrade planning, proactive communication, implementation, administrator training, and documentation. The GSS upgrade methodology includes ten components:

Auditing Existing E-mail Infrastructure
Client and Server Requirements Analysis
Impact Analysis and Capacity Planning
Upgrade Planning and Organizational Communications
End-User Communication and Training
Client Software Configuration and Distribution
Administrator Communication and Training
Upgrade Implementation Documentation
Operations Integration (post-upgrade production mode)

The GSS approach paves the way to both technical success and to the success of the customer's IT organization.

1. Auditing Existing E-Mail Infrastructure

In preparing for an upgrade, GSS helps its clients to correct ongoing e-mail system problems rather than migrating them to the new system. The first step is an e-mail system audit. Auditing helps to avoid a number of potential problems when upgrading the system. Common problems include database corruptions, directory synchronization (ADE) issues, and message routing delays. System cleanup and re-design is often needed to ensure a smooth upgrade.

2. Client and Server Requirements Analysis

Requirements analysis allows GSS to help its clients evaluate their needs for the features and functionality of the 7x24 DB8 post office, the R8 Advanced Messaging Server's Internet standards support, and the R6 and R8 cc:Mail client applications. The requirements analysis process determines client software and general system configuration and identifies the need for custom software components. Requirements analysis also defines service-level objectives for the upgraded system and helps to set baseline capacity requirements.

3. Impact Analysis and Capacity Planning

The Impact Analysis is fundamental both to upgrade planning and to capacity planning. GSS analyzes planned changes to the system in terms of hardware, software, and customer requirements, along with any needed changes in system design. Year 2000 factors, such as client software updates and replacement of older e-mail gateways are also considered.

The Impact Analysis process also catalogues and prioritizes capacity-related factors such as cc:Mail client software versions, expected increases in server storage requirements and network bandwidth utilization, and upgrades to older workstations and servers. Once the e-mail audit and Impact Analysis is complete, a bullet-proof upgrade plan can be created.

4. Upgrade Planning and Organizational Communications

GSS develops detailed upgrade plans for both the client and server side of the cc:Mail system. Once key decisions have been reached, planned changes, and the resulting benefits, should be proactively communicated throughout the customer organization.

The upgrade planning process includes the following general activities:

Coexistence Planning

A. Coexistence of cc:Mail Post Offices and Routers
B. cc:Mail clients and Mobile coexistence
C. Directory administration and ADE coexistence
D. Legacy links and gateways
E. Coexistence of VIM and VIM-based applications

Router and E-Mail Gateway Upgrade

A. .Relocation, replacement, or consolidation of cc:Mail Routers and gateways

Client Software Distribution

B. Development of client configurations and software distribution mechanisms
C. Customized, automated installation and upgrade of client software
D. Testing of configurations and distribution mechanisms
E. Validation of configuration with customer requirements

DB6 Post Office Diagnostics and Repair

A. Repair and reconfiguration of damaged or improperly configured DB6 POs
B. GSS Post Office Overhaul Procedure for cc:Mail DB6

Database Conversion

A. Conversion of DB6 POs using PCONVERT
B. Conversion of DB6 POs using Import/Export-based GSS GCONVERT utility

Automation and Operations Integration

A. Porting of and automation of administrative, monitoring, and maintenance B. procedures

The upgrade plan follows a specific order of operations which helps to avoid common pitfalls in upgrading from cc:Mail DB6 to DB8.

5. End-User Communication and Training

For any new client software deployment, GSS recommends a combination of informal public relations activities, cultivation product evangelists among the user population, and direct end-user training services. End users should be continuously informed of what changes will occur and of when changes will take place. Users should also be informed when training will be available. Proactive communication will set expectations and make IT customers aware of the benefits they are receiving.

6. Client Software Configuration and Distribution

GSS assists its clients in developing and testing custom client software configurations and client software distribution mechanisms. This assures that the software versions that will be deployed meet detailed customer requirements. Configuration management is also an important aspect of the client software configuration and deployment.

7. Administrator Communication and Training

GSS recommends that e-mail administrators be involved as early as possible when any change to a system will impact their daily work. Proactive communication is key to gaining the interest and support of administrative staff in a positive way. Administrator training covers the process of upgrading a cc:Mail post office from DB6 to DB8 including technical information that cc:Mail administrators should know before beginning the process. The following high-level topics are covered in GSS administrative training:

Lotus cc:Mail DB6

A. Review of DB6 cc:Mail post office structure

1. Review of DB6 Bulletin Boards and Mailing Lists

B. Summary of cc:Mail R5 administrative utilities

1. Review of DB6 maintenance and repair
2. GSS DB6 Post Office Overhaul Procedure

C. Review of cc:Mail message routing

1. Summary of ADE 2.0

D. DB6 client access methods
E. DB6 links and gateways

Introduction to cc:Mail DB8 and R8

A. DB8 post office structure

1. DB8 Bulletin Boards and Mailing Lists

B. R8 administrative utilities

1. DB8 post office maintenance and repair

C. DB8 client access methods
D. DB8 links and gateways

Upgrading from cc:Mail DB6 to DB8

A. DB6 to DB8 file comparison
B. Preparing a DB6 post office for upgrade
C. The post office conversion process (PCONVERT)

1. Using Import/Export to convert post offices

D. Upgrade Planning

Coexistence of DB6 and DB8 post offices

A. Running legacy links and gateways on DB8
B. Client/user coexistence
C. Directory administration and ADE coexistence
D. Coexistence of Routers
E. Coexistence of VIM and VIM-based application

8. Infrastructure Implementation

Once the cc:Mail client software has been deployed and the planning processes completed, physical implementation proceeds according to plan. GSS provides hands-on expertise, tools, and technical support throughout the infrastructure deployment process.

9. Documentation

GSS provides document deliverables at each of the ten steps in a cc:Mail DB6 to DB8 upgrade. GSS also documents configurations, provides operations manuals, and procedural documentation covering custom procedures for e-mail administrators.

10. Operations Integration (post-upgrade production mode)

After client software deployment and infrastructure implementation are completed, the upgraded cc:Mail system is at full production status. GSS reviews the operational aspects of the system to ensure that planned monitoring tools, management facilities, and operations procedures are sufficient to meet service-level objectives defined in the requirements analysis process.

Experience Superior Value

With GSS customers always know what they will receive, how much they should invest, and how long it will take to achieve their goals. Let GSS help you migrate quickly and smoothly to a superior e-mail infrastructure. Over the years GSS has proven its value by helping customers successfully meet the most demanding IT challenges. GSS has relationships with major vendors that involve training and certification of GSS staff, but the certification that GSS points out most frequently is customer loyalty. GSS is successful because GSS customers are successful.

About GSS

Global System Services Corporation (GSS) is the leading provider of consulting and professional services for large-scale and distributed infrastructure systems such as email and messaging, directory services, groupware, and wireless solutions. GSS customers include Fortune 500 companies, large services providers and telecom companies, government agencies, major messaging product vendors, and innovative technology startups.

GSS provides a complementary suite of services including strategic technology consultation and competitive vendor and product analysis, product and system architecture and design, system development deployment, customization, and testing, technical support, email migration, and other IT services. GSS has been directly responsible for some of the largest global systems and solutions and counts as customers many of the largest companies in the world.

From its offices in the Silicon Valley California, GSS delivers services and solutions to customers worldwide through a network of mobile consultants and qualified GSS Affiliates. With industry certified professionals on staff, GSS is a Qualified Lotus Business Partner, a Certified Microsoft Solution Provider (MCSP), a Principal Partner in the Sun Partner Advantage program and a member of the Sun Software Partner Council, as well as a member of key industry organizations.

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