Upgrade AppMon from Version 6.5 to 7.1


Hello and welcome to another episode of Continuous Improvement, the podcast where we explore tips and strategies to enhance your professional journey. I’m your host, Victor, and today we will be discussing the process of upgrading Dynatrace AppMon from version 6.5 to 7.1.

Dynatrace AppMon is a powerful performance data gathering tool that many professionals rely on for troubleshooting applications. This version upgrade not only brings new features but also introduces a new user interface dashboard.

So, let’s dive in!

Before you begin the upgrade process, it’s crucial to consult the system requirements. Ensure that your hardware and operating system meet the necessary specifications. You can find the latest system requirements for AppMon in our blog post titled “System Requirements April 2018”.

Additionally, make sure you have a 64-bit client and sufficient disk space. If you’re using a legacy Java Virtual Machine (JVM), please note that our help desk may not be able to assist you with any potential issues.

Now, let’s get to the steps you need to follow for a successful upgrade.

Step one: Move the session storage location out of the installation directory. It’s highly recommended to back up both the session storage and configuration data before proceeding. For detailed instructions, refer to the component compatibility matrix available on our website.

Step two: Install the new AppMon 7.1 version. For Linux users, the installation command is “java -jar dynatrace-full-7.1.0.1803-linux-x86–64.jar”. This command will get you started on the upgrade journey.

Now, it’s time to deactivate and upgrade the licenses. This process ensures a smooth transition to the new version. Remember to click on the “Upgrade” button for the license and vouchers as well.

Step three: It’s time to shut down the old version 6.5 collector, server, and front-end server. This is an excellent opportunity to create backups, including those for the Performance Warehouse DB and Session Store. Don’t overlook this step to safeguard your data.

Moving on to step four: You will need to utilize the migration tool for a seamless upgrade experience. You can find the download link for the migration tool in our blog post. Once downloaded, execute the following command: “java -jar dynatrace-migration.jar -migration -sourceDTHome “<DT_HOME_OLD>” -targetArchiveDir “<ARCHIVE_DIR>”. Please note that on a Windows machine, you’ll require administrator rights for this step.

After executing the migration command, move the backup files to the new 7.1 installation using the command: “java -jar dynatrace-migration.jar -migration -sourceArchive “<ARCHIVE_DIR>/<MIGRATION_ARCHIVE>” -targetDTHome “<DT_HOME_NEW>”. In this command, <ARCHIVE_DIR/MIGRATION_ARCHIVE> represents the location of the .dtma file, and <DT_HOME_NEW> denotes the path for the new Dynatrace 7.1 installation.

Step five: Register and auto-start any additional collector instances you may have. This ensures a smooth transition to the upgraded version.

Finally, start the new components such as the collector and the front-end server. You can skip the client migration step in most cases and proceed to activating licenses for the new servers. Remember to double-check the settings on the server to ensure that both the Performance Warehouse and session storage have been migrated and connected.

As a final step, it’s always a good idea to restart and update the agent. This helps to ensure compatibility and optimal performance. Don’t forget to thoroughly test and validate that everything is working as expected.

And there you have it! The step-by-step guide to upgrading Dynatrace AppMon from version 6.5 to 7.1. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out. We’re here to help.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Continuous Improvement. I’m your host, Victor, signing off. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes coming your way!