Article sections
| Summary: | A description of the upgrade paths to follow for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 |
| Article Type: | Information / Support |
| Related Product(s): | This article relates to the following products:
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Summary
It is important to understand the upgrade paths available in Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
Understanding the methods available is vital in making the upgrade process as smooth as possible.
Considerations
Here are some considerations on upgrading to Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013:
- You can only upgrade from CRM 2011. Upgrading from CRM 4.0 or CRM 3.0 is not supported. You must upgrade to CRM 2011 first.
- CRM 2011 must be on UR6 or UR14 or above. If any other update rollup is installed then you must either uninstall update rollups until you are on UR6 or install the necessary update rollups until you are on UR14 or above.
- Once CRM 2011 is upgraded, you cannot rollback. If required, you will need to reinstall CRM 2011 and restored the database from a backup.
- Outlook clients must be on UR12 or above.
- All software and hardware for server and client components must meet the minimum requirements
Migration Upgrade (Preferred)
The migration upgrade involves installing Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 on a new server that is seperate to your current CRM 2011 installation. This will mean that users can still access CRM 2011 up until the last minute.
Once you have installed Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 on the new server, you will be able to take a copy of the CRM 2011 organisation database and import it into Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013. At this stage, users can still access CRM 2011.
This gives you the opportunity to test Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 and fix any potential issues. It also enables a smooth and easy switch to the new system.
The biggest problem with the migration method is that additional hardware is required as Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013 must be on a different server and SQL instance than CRM 2011.
Advantages
Users can still use CRM 2011
Can test and fix issues before going live.
Options to rollback if needed with minimal disruption to end-users.
Disadvantage
Additional hardware is required.
In-Place Upgrade
The In-Place upgrade involves upgrading the existing installation of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2013.
It is the simplest approach however, it does not offer any roll back options. If things go wrong then you will need to install CRM 2011 again and import a backup of the CRM database.
Users are unable to use the system during the upgrade.
Advantages
Simplest form of upgrade.
Additional hardware not required.
Disadvantage
No rollback options available.
CRM is unavailable during upgrade.
Existing hardware must meet minimum requirements before upgrading.
CRM Online
With CRM Online, you will be given an upgrade date by Microsoft. It is possible to change this date if required.
Once you are upgraded to the latest version, you will need to upgrade the necessary components such as CRM for Office Outlook and Email Router.
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