Best Practices to Upgrade/Migrate OS with Nagios XI

Reasons for Migrating to a Different OS

There may be various reasons why you need to migrate from one Linux version or platform to another. These may include the current platform and version reaching EOL, the need to overcome certain security and functionality issues, upgrading components to major versions (PHP 7.x -> 8.x), internal standards, and so on. This article contains information and links to allow you to plan and perform migrations from one OS version to another.

Importance of Backups and Testing

Since Nagios XI is a flexible product and all systems and environments are different we strongly recommend making a backup and testing all migration steps on your Test server before making any changes in production. If you don’t have a test server setup already please see our notes below on how to set one up.    

Setting Up a Test Server

First, our software does not support an in-place OS upgrade. This will cause problems with dependencies and will result in a number of issues including XI components failing to function correctly. The reason is that when you initially install XI, the installation scripts identify the OS and other components (PHP version, etc) and adjust the scripts and code accordingly. If you upgrade in place, XI will still try to use what it learned during its initial installation and may break due to upgraded OS components.

The recommendations below are based on CentOS 7 upgrades to CentOS Stream 9 or RHEL 8/9. However, they do apply to any Linux distribution where Nagios Commercial software is supported. Including inter-distribution upgrades and migrations such as CentOS 7 to Ubuntu 22.04 TLS or Ubuntu 18.04 TLS to Debian 11.

Recommendations for OS Migrations

We recommend setting up a new Linux system and image with CentOS Stream 9 or RHEL 8/9 (if you decide to stay with CentOS/RHEL) as a new server. Then install the same version of XI that you are running on the current production system. Once installed, you should be able to replicate your configuration through the backup and restore process (document below) by backing up your current XI configuration and restoring it to the new system.

Migrating Between Distributions

Depending upon the version of XI you currently have installed you may need to “step” into the migration and upgrade your version of XI as you go. For example, if you are running XI version 5.7.5 on CentOS 7, you will need to set up a RHEL 8 server with XI version 5.7.5. Then backup your XI from the CentOS 7 machine and restore to the RHEL 8 machine.

You can chose to stay with the RHEL 8 machine, or you can continue migrating to CentOS Stream/RHEL 9. You can use the compatibility matrix in the documents below for assistance. Make sure you perform the upgrades on a test and trial instance so that you do not disrupt your production environment. Contact your Customer Success Manager (csm@nagios.com) for a temporary trial key and increase in allowed activations.

Finalizing the Migration

Once everything is working as expected on your new and test system, you can re-IP this machine IP and replace your existing production system. To ensure your license is updated properly, reach back out to your Customer Success Manager to activate your new IP and retire your old production IP.

Supporting Documentation

Please find below some of the relevant documents that will assist you through the process:

• Nagios XI License Information
• Manual Installation of Nagios XI 2024
• Backing Up And Restoring Nagios XI
• XI Upgrade Instructions

Please note: Nagios will be able to assist you with problems and functionality directly related to the Nagios software itself.  Since there are many variables within our customers’ environments, Nagios will not be able offer implementation (including upgrades) or design solutions, other than the documents and steps we have supplied above.

Support and Additional Assistance

If you do need assistance with your OS, design or implementation of your migration, we have a network of global partners who offer their services to assist with your effort.  Please contact your Customer Success Manager (csm@nagios.com) and they will be able to assist you with finding a partner aligned with your needs.

Additional information about Nagios Log Server can be found here:
Nagios Library XI