Been using a 2-node FAS2552 for quite some time for basic NFS/CIFS exports. It's running in 7-mode 8.2.2 at the moment.
Snapvault custom schedueles are being used for retention (creating snapshots) and some OSSV jobs running as integrated part of that.
Nothing fancy but I do have some SSD cache disks and 2x fully loaded 2240 behind it.
I need advice on whether it would be possible to upgrade to Ontap9? Will I loose any features? If I have a service contract am I entitled to do so without further expenses?
It is my understanding that the entire system must be rebuilt.
My primary goal is to gain advantage of the redesigned deduplication and probably a handful of other improved features.
It's primary use is as part of a Disaster Recovery site.
This non-critical role makes it possible for me to scratch the whole thing and resync the data afterwards. Meanwhile I can use other resources to retain RTO in my DR.
Been reading a lot about the differences between 7-mode and Cluster Ontap mode and still I am unsure if 7-mode actually holds anything that Cluster/Ontap9 can't provide?
Also what would be the quickest way to reinstall the system? Must be rather simple as no Copy Based or Copy Free transition is needed.