Question: Head Swap Upgrade Path from AFF A400 / A700s / A700 to AFF A70 or Newer

[hojun]

Hello!

We are planning to perform controller head swap upgrades for NetApp AFF A400, AFF A700s, and AFF A700 systems in order to offer upgrade options to our customers.

Could you please let us know if there is an official compatibility matrix or documentation that shows whether these platforms can be upgraded to an AFF A70 or newer platform through a controller upgrade (head swap)?

If such documentation is available, I would appreciate it if you could share the relevant link.

I also have one additional question. If a controller head swap is performed while the existing disk shelves and drives continue to be used, will the warranty or support coverage for the existing shelves and disks be extended as part of the controller upgrade? If so, is there any official documentation describing this policy?

Thank you, and have a great day!

[andris · Accepted solution]

For controller replacement options, see:
https://docs.netapp.com/us-en/ontap-systems-upgrade/choose_controller_upgrade_procedure.html

For specifically ARL-based options, see:
https://docs.netapp.com/us-en/ontap-systems-upgrade/upgrade-arl/index.html

Yes, the system support contract has to be reconciled to accommodate the existing transferred storage hardware. All end-of-support dates remain applicable to the the existing storage hardware, as well (shelves, PSUs, fans, drives).  Reach out to your NetApp representative for more details.