If you are considering upgrading to GIS 4.3, the first question that comes to mind is whether you should perform an upgrade of your existing installation or whether you should start a new installation (aka, install from scratch).  The answer to that question depends on several factors, in this article we provide some considerations for each approach.

Upgrading GIS

If you need to maintain the data that you already have then the upgrade is the way to go. Upgrading GIS would be the simplest method as well.  Sterling Commerce provides an easy way to migrate your old 4.1 or 4.2 version of GIS to the newer 4.3.  Please note that this option is available for single-node installation in an i-series environment.  On Window and Unix the upgrade can be performed in both single-node and clustered setups.

New Installation

However, if you have the resources and the knowledge to start from a new installation, this approach is also a very good idea.  The reasons you may want to migrate to a new installation are:

1. Fresh database with no old and corrupted data
2. Clean the hard drive of old logs and configuration files
3. Fresh look at your BPs and configuration that could result in performance improvements.

It is important to consider that starting a new installation will increase the complexity of the upgrade.  In order to migrate your system configuration you will need to feel comfortable with the process of exporting your settings and configuration, performing imports, modifying files based on new version requirements, and other tasks that are best kept on a check-list.

Database Upgrade

A separate but interesting option that is also worth considering is whether you should take this opportunity to upgrade your database. If your installation is using the old MS SQL 2000, the upgrade (or new install) allows to move into a brand new MS SQL 2005.  The benefits of MS SQL 2005 over 2000 are:

1. Enterprise scalability
2. Granular security
3. Business intelligence is included
4. Improved management studio bringing all functionality to a single interface

If you wish to move from one database brand to another using the GIS upgrade scripts, you’re out of luck. A fresh install is your only option.

For further information and notes on upgrade Gentran Integration Suite (GIS) to version 4.3 please check the official Sterling Commerce upgrade documentation for GIS 4.3 at http://www.sterlingcommerce.com/Documentation/GIS43/Upgrade.htm

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Gaizka Llona is a Senior Systems Integration Consultant and Project Manager at Edikon Consulting.

For more information go to www.edikon.com.