Upgrading to Veeam Data Platform 12.2: What You Need to Know

The latest release of Veeam Data Platform, version 12.2, is generally available, bringing many new features and enhancements that promise to elevate your data protection and management capabilities. Whether you’re a seasoned Veeam user or considering an upgrade, here’s a comprehensive look at what Veeam 12.2 offers and how to make the most of it.

Key Features and Enhancements

1. Expanded Platform Support:
   – Proxmox and MongoDB: Veeam 12.2 now supports Proxmox and MongoDB, broadening its compatibility and making it easier to protect data across diverse environments.
   – Enhanced Nutanix AHV Support: Improved integration with Nutanix AHV ensures more robust and seamless data protection.

2. Advanced Cybersecurity Capabilities:
   – Veeam continues to advance its cybersecurity features, providing end-to-end protection to safeguard your data against evolving threats.

3. Improved User Experience:
   – The latest version includes several user interface enhancements designed to streamline workflows and improve overall usability.

Upgrade Process

Upgrading to Veeam 12.2 is straightforward, but it’s essential to follow best practices to ensure a smooth transition:

1. Pre-Upgrade Checklist:
   – Backup Your Configuration: Before starting the upgrade, ensure you have a backup of your current Veeam configuration – Configuration Backup.
   – Review System Requirements: Verify that your infrastructure meets the system requirements for Veeam 12.2. The requirements can be found in the “Release Notes” document on the KB page for v12.2: KB4600: Release Information for Veeam Backup & Replication 12.2.

2. Performing the Upgrade:
– Download the Update: Obtain the Veeam 12.2 update from the official Veeam website or your Veeam account portal. The ISO file can also be accessed from the KB link posted above.
– Install the Update: Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update. The process typically involves stopping Veeam services, applying the update, and restarting them.

You can follow these steps for the upgrade –

Once you mount the ISO file and run the SETUP.EXE file, you are presented with the Upgrade screen; click Upgrade.

You will then select the component to upgrade—in my case, it was just Veeam Backup & Replication, but if I had Enterprise Manager installed, that would have been done first. You will then accept the license agreement as well.

After accepting the license agreement, the installer will show you which components will be upgraded and from/to which versions. After accepting that, you will be prompted to browse or sign in for your license file—if you are already using a license, the install will pick it up automatically for you.

After verifying the license, click Next. You are then shown the Service Account step and, after that, the Database to use/upgrade, including a warning about it being upgraded.

After you select Yes on the database upgrade the final screen to start the upgrade process is presented. You will click the Upgrade button to begin, and during the installation, you see tips on the latest enhancements, etc. Once completed, you get the same dialog as the first one, except you click Finish to end the upgrade process.

That completes the upgrade process.

3. Post-Upgrade Steps:
– Verify the Upgrade: To ensure the upgrade was successful, verify the version number and ensure all services are running correctly.
   – Test Your Backups: Perform test backups and restores to confirm everything functions as expected. I cannot stress this enough to ensure you test your backups after the upgrade to ensure everything works as expected and you can troubleshoot any potential problems.

Conclusion

The Veeam Data Platform 12.2 upgrade brings significant improvements and new capabilities to enhance your data protection strategy. By following the outlined steps and leveraging the new features, you can ensure a smooth upgrade process and take full advantage of what Veeam 12.2 offers.

Are you planning to upgrade soon, or do you have any specific questions about the new features? Let me know how I can assist you further!