Newbie question: we have OSX 10.6 with JSS 8.73 would you upgrade in place or move to a new server?

[CSHGreenwich]

We presently have 8.73 running on OSX 10.6.. We obviously need to upgrade and sooner than we had planned based on the latest advisory. Being somewhat new to this , it is difficult to decide the best path for upgrade.
So far it seems that we cannot rely on the appropriate MAC hardware to be available.
Our Mac Pro is powerful but out of warranty.
How difficult is it to migrate from JSS 8.73 on MAC OSX 10.6 to a VM in a windows environment?
what is involved in the reenrollment process and impact to the database?

[donmontalvo]

You'll get different answers from different folks. ;)

We usually prefer to leave the existing JSS alone.

Build new JSS, then disable all policies on old JSS and create 1 policy that installs QuickAdd for new JSS.

We take whatever the datacenter wants to give us, whether it's Windows or Linux.

JSS runs on either, so we take whichever they prefer, and run with it.

[CSHGreenwich]

Our user authenticate to AD.. The student MACS are BYOD and unbound. How do we get the inventory and user information.. Do we just migrate the my sequel or will the users need to sign in again?

[donmontalvo]

Hopefully your plan included bringing over the JSS database. :)

[CSHGreenwich]

Yes.
So if we just run the quick add package that will repoint the machines and the database will contain all of the original information?

[donmontalvo · Accepted solution]

If the latest JSS backup is imported into the new JSS, the QuickAdd will tell the Macs to connect to the new server, and as long as everything is in order, it should be business as usual.

I'd draft up your plan and run through it with your JAMF buddy, to make sure all the bases are covered. :)

[RobertHammen]

Just Macs or iOS devices?If just Macs, you may not have to re-enroll..

[CSHGreenwich]

Just MACS

[Aaron]

FWIW, I've heard of various "Windows only" related issues. If possible, maybe try to go with a Linux distro?