3.3 Overview of the upgrade process

3.3.1 Upgrading to AEM forms on JEE using Configuration Manager

Upgrading from previous versions to AEM forms on JEE involves installing AEM forms on JEE software that is subsequently configured using settings from the existing server. Configuration settings, user data, and job information are migrated to the AEM forms on JEE system.

Most of the tasks in the upgrade process are automated and performed (with some user input) by Configuration Manager. Configuration Manager is a tool used to configure, deploy, and validate AEM forms on JEE components for deployment to the application server. When run in upgrade mode, Configuration Manager also performs upgrade specific tasks such as updating configuration settings and data.

The GDS directory and database must be accessible to Configuration Manager during the upgrade process.

You can continue to use your existing database if it is a version that is compatible with AEM forms on JEE. If your current database version is no longer supported, back up the data and restore it to a compatible version.

If you are not changing major application server version and are performing an in-place upgrade, your existing application server must be running to deploy the new EAR files. For all other upgrades, the old application server does not need to run during the process. For more information on in-place or out-of-place upgrades, see 5.2 In-place or Out-of-place upgrades

3.3.1 Upgrading to AEM forms on JEE using Configuration Manager

Upgrading to AEM forms on JEE modules involves these tasks:

Installing AEM forms on JEE product files.
Running Configuration Manager to initiate the configuration, upgrading, and deployment process. The remaining steps (below) are included in this process.

Note: Clustered environments with relational databases are now supported for production use under a "gated" program. If you intend to use a relational database in a clustered environment, contact AEM Forms product team at forms_documents@adobe.com for approval. Also ensure that the mandatory patches are installed and configured.
Updating and deploying AEM forms on JEE EAR files to the application server.

Note: For an in-place upgrade, you must manually undeploy the existing LiveCycle EAR files from the application server.
Starting AEM forms on JEE on the application server, so that it is available to accept user requests. This is done automatically after the EAR files are deployed. However, you must start the server manually if it does not start automatically.
Initializing the AEM forms on JEE database so that AEM forms on JEE specific schema changes are incorporated in the database without affecting the existing data.

Note: This step is mandatory and must not be skipped during an upgrade. It does not affect existing data in any way.
Patching existing AEM forms on JEE components with new versions and deploying new AEM forms on JEE components, if any.
Migrating to the database, essential data, as well as all remaining data, such as audit records that are submitted or historical data that are associated with forms workflow.