1) Clone your current system to a new box/virtual machine.

2) Dump the database to flat file.

3) Upgrade the new box.

4) Convert the database

5) Test

6) Swap the machines.

Backout is as simple as turning the new machine off. And you get a backup of your current system (as one poster has recently experienced, upgrading your production system is a bad way to test OTRS upgrades. )

From: otrs-bounces@otrs.org [mailto:otrs-bounces@otrs.org] On Behalf Of Steve Clark
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2012 4:20 PM
To: User questions and discussions about OTRS.org
Subject: [otrs] Best way to upgrade live system from 2.4.x to 3.0.x

Hello List,

I am concerned with the down time that appears to be involved when upgrading from
2.4.x to 3.0.x when following the procedures outlined in the UPGRADING document. Especially
if after the upgrade we find some showstopper and have to revert.

Anybody have any suggestions to mitigate the risks?

--
Stephen Clark
NetWolves
Director of Technology
Phone: 813-579-3200
Fax: 813-882-0209
Email: steve.clark@netwolves.com
http://www.netwolves.com