VSM migration from 32 to 64 bit aggregates with 8.1 then revert to 8.0.2

[derose]

I am replacing a FAS6040A running 7.3.6 7-mode with a new FAS6240A.  The FAS6240A will become the produciton storage controller at the end of April.  Ideally, i'd like to use 8.1 7-mode on the new FAS6240A.  However, I may need to utilize 8.0.2/3 since 8.1 may not be GA in time for my cutover.  I want to use VSM to migrate directly to 8.1 and from 32 to 64 bit aggregates at the same time. 

My questions is: Can I do the migration with 8.1 in order to utilize VSM and then revert back to 8.0.2/3 afterward, retaining the 64 bit aggregates, of course?

[aborzenkov]

Are you replacing the filer head only or will FAS6240A be complete storage with shelves?

[derose]

The FAS6240A is a complete replacement including all new shelves.

[NetApp_SEAL]

Reversion sucks since you have to delete ALL snapshots for ALL volumes prior to reversion. This is a requirement to revert / downgrade.

I just went through a similar process two weeks ago to convert a 32-bit aggregate to 64-bit to utilize SRM 5.0. Wasn't the most fun I'd ever had...but it worked. I get to do it again in April (before 8.1 GA but alas, I'm using 3210's for this and cannot leave 8.1 on there even if I wanted to since they have FlashCache).

But I assume you want to upgrade the 6240 to 8.1, correct? And then just use the new VSM feature to replicate as your migration strategy? I would hope the aggregate(s) for the 6240 are already at 64-bits, however, even before any data is put on there and regardless of ONTAP 8.0.2 vs 8.1.

What's the current replication / off-site strategy for the 6040?