Upgrading from AVP or VMware based System Manager to Software-only environment by using the Solution Deployment Manager client

Last Updated : Jun 10, 2026 |

About this task

The procedure describes the steps to upgrade Appliance Virtualization Platform or VMware based System Manager Release 8.1.x or 10.1.x to System Manager Release 10.2.x on Software-only environment.

Before you begin

  • Install the Solution Deployment Manager client.

  • Add a location.

  • Add the ESXi, vCenter, or Appliance Virtualization Platform host from the Application Management page.

  • Select the System Manager virtual machine and click More Actions > Re-establish connection to establish the trust. For more information, see Re-establishing trust for Solution Deployment Manager elements.

  • Obtain the System Manager application for Software-only environment, the data migration utility file and the latest service or feature pack file. See Software details of System Manager

Procedure

  1. To start the Solution Deployment Manager client, click Start > All Programs > Avaya > Avaya SDM Client or the SDM icon (Icon to open the Solution Deployment Manager client dashboard) on the desktop.
  2. Click Application Management.
  3. In the lower pane, click Upgrade Management.
  4. On the Upgrade Management page, select the System Manager virtual machine.
  5. Click Upgrade.
  6. On Select Platform, select the Software Only check box.
  7. Click Continue.

    The Solution Deployment Manager client takes the backup and shuts down the virtual machine.

  8. Click the Refresh icon until the Upgrade Status changes to Upgrading (PAUSED)...RESUME state.
  9. Manually install and configure the RHEL OS with the same IP address of the old System Manager virtual machine.
  10. Once the RHEL system is configured and running, access the Solution Deployment Manager client GUI and go to Add Platform to add the newly added Software-only platform.
  11. On the Add Platform dialog box, configure the following options:

    • Platform Name: Type the name of the platform.

    • Platform FQDN or IP: Type the FQDN or IP address of the platform, that is, the RHEL system created for software-only.

    • User Name: Type the user name to access the platform.

    • Password: Type the password to access the platform.

    • Platform Type: Select platform type as OS for Software-only upgrade.

  12. Click Save.
  13. Click Upgrade Management > Upgrade Elements and, then click RESUME displayed under the Upgrade Status column.
  14. In the Provide admin and root Credentials section, do the following:
    1. In Admin User of OS, type the admin user name.
    2. In Admin Password of OS, type the admin user password.
    3. In Root User of OS, type the root user name.
    4. In Root Password of OS, type the root user password.
    5. Optional Click Test Connection.

      The system logs in to the platform by using the credentials to test the platform connectivity. If connectivity is established, the system displays the message: Test Connection Successful.

    6. Click OK.
  15. Click Next.
  16. To select the required application, on the ISO tab, click one of the following:

    • SW Library / Select from software library: Select the local library where the ISO image is available.

      If you are deploying the ISO image from the Solution Deployment Manager client, you can use the default software library that is set during the Solution Deployment Manager Client installation.

    • Browse: Select the ISO image from your local computer, and click Submit File.

    • URL: Click URL and provide the path to the ISO image.

    Select the required application, click Submit.

  17. Click the Data Migration tab and provide the data migration file depending on your setup.

    If the application ISO image supports the patch deployment, the system enables the Service or Feature Pack tab.

  18. To apply the latest patch file for the application, click Service or Feature Pack, and enter the appropriate parameters.
    1. Click URL, and provide the absolute path to the latest service or feature pack.
    2. Click SW Library / Select from software library, and select the latest service or feature pack.
    3. Click Browse, and select the latest service or feature pack.
  19. Click Next.
  20. In Flexi Footprint, select the footprint size for the application.
  21. In Test Your Operating System Compatibility Against Element Software Package, click Test Environment Compatibility.

    The installer checks if the platform has all the dependent RPMs, network, CPU, memory, and hard disk configuration as specified for the element. This process takes about 4-5 minutes. After the process starts, you cannot proceed further until the process is complete. If you get any error or warning, make the necessary changes before the next steps. After the check is completed successfully, the system displays a message Environment check is successful.

    Note:

    If the browser hangs, the system provides the option to end the script or wait. Always click Wait.

  22. Optional To view the installer compatibility results in a separate window, click View Output.

    The system displays the Environment Check Output window.

  23. Click Next.
  24. On the Configuration Parameters page, provide all the information required.

    For a Software-Only application upgrade, the Network Parameters tab is disabled.

  25. Click Upgrade.
  26. On the EULA Acceptance window, click Accept.

    After accepting EULA, the system displays Software only Installation Warning for software-only application upgrade.

  27. To continue with the upgrade, click Accept.

    The system displays the upgrade status in the Current Action Status column and the upgraded application on the Applications tab.

  28. To view details, click Status Details.