Migrating to Another Server
This article describes how to migrate Jamf Pro to a new host server. The operating system of the new host server does not need to be the same as the existing host server. For example, an installation of Jamf Pro running on a macOS 10.13 server can be migrated to an Ubuntu 18.04 LTS server.
- To perform a migration, you must be able to point the existing internal and external DNS entries to the new host server. You can do this by changing the DNS entries or using the same IP address on the new host server.Warning:
If you cannot change the DNS entries or use the same IP address, the Jamf Pro URL will be different, requiring you to re-enroll all mobile devices and computers. This could require physically configuring every enrolled device. If you cannot use the DNS strategy described here, contact Jamf Support for assistance.
The migration process may vary depending on your source and target environments, including any customizations you may have made. You may need to perform additional steps not covered in this article. In addition, Jamf Pro must be migrated properly to avoid MDM communication issues. If you need assistance, contact Jamf Support.
Migration Methods
- Method 1: Migrate to the new host server when all software is up to date
No software upgrades are necessary.
Nothing is changed on the existing host server.
Falling back to the existing host server is easy if problems occur.
Compatibility issues are unlikely when installing the latest software on a newer operating system.
- Method 2: Migrate to the new host server, then upgrade software
Nothing is changed on the existing host server.
Falling back to the existing host server is easy if problems occur.
Compatibility issues may occur when installing older software on a newer operating system.
- Method 3: Upgrade software, then migrate to the new host server
Changes are made on the existing host server.
Falling back may require significant tie and effort, including restoring the entire existing hose server from a full host server backup.
Compatibility issues may occur when installing older software on a newer operating system.
Older software is installed on the new host server before new software is installed.
General Requirements
Administrator access to the existing host server
Jamf Pro Server tools, or the legacy Jamf Pro Database Utility, on the existing host server
- Administrator access to the new host server. The new host server must meet the Jamf Pro Installer requirements. For installer requirements, see the Jamf Pro installation and configuration guide for your platform:
Jamf Pro Server Tools on the new host server
The latest Jamf Pro Installer for the operating system of the new host server
- (Optional) The ability to change DNS entries so that the current URL pointing to the existing Jamf Pro server can be modified to point to the new Jamf Pro serverWarning:
If you cannot change the DNS entries or use the same IP address, the Jamf Pro URL will be different, requiring you to re-enroll all mobile devices and computers. This could require physically configuring every enrolled device. If you cannot use the DNS strategy described here, contact Jamf Support for assistance.
Method 1: Migration only–no upgrades necessary
When all software on the existing server is up to date, you can perform a migration requiring no software upgrades.
Method 2: Migrate to new server, then upgrade software
If you have decided to migrate first and then upgrade the software, ensure the older software versions are (temporarily) compatible with the new server.
The Jamf Pro Installer for the operating system of the new server which matches the version of Jamf Pro installed on the existing server
MySQL and Java installers for the operating system of the new server which match the software versions installed on the existing server
Method 3: Upgrade software, then migrate to the new server
If you have decided to upgrade the software to the latest versions first and then migrate to the new server, ensure the newer software versions are (temporarily) compatible with the existing server.
Ensure that you have the latest version of Jamf Pro Installer for the operating system of the existing server.
Copying the Certificate Keystore File to the New Server
You can copy the certificate keystore file used for SSL communication from the existing server to the new server.