NIOS 9.05 Upgrade Recommendations

[#1]

We normally do not upgrade to the latest code version however there are some desired features in 9.05 that interest me.  I've read the release notes dated 10/08/2024 and did not see any issues that would be show stoppers for us.

Back in the beginning of August, I asked our SE about 9.0.4 and, at the time, he said it was not recommended and that the 'safe harbor' version was 9.0.3 CHF2.  I subsequently asked 'How can I see which version is considered the safe harbor version at any given point?' to which I did not get a response.  We're currently running 8.6.4 CHF1 and need to upgrade before December so not in a huge hurry.

First, where can I find the recommended or "safe harbor" NIOS version at any given time?

Beyond that, if anyone has upgraded to 9.05 in a medium to large organization, please share your experiences whether good and bad.

Thanks.

[#2]

As far as I am aware, Infoblox doesn't publicly publish the current safe harbor version. You SA can find it out though.

Currently most orgs I know are going 9.0.3 CHF2. However, you are in the category of users who would consider 9.0.5 (it has a secific feature you need). Do you have a test environment you can upgrade first to test your systems with?

[#3]

Hi and thanks for responding.  We do have a lab but it's it does not represent all of the security features we have in production and nothing uses it.  Therefore, about all I can realistically prove is that the upgrade itself was successful.  It seems there must not be many organizations that have upgraded to 9.05 based on the lack of responses.  Would you agree?

[#4]

I don't have visibility into the install base. Remember, 9.0.5 has only been available for 6 weeks. Not many enterprises upgrade to new software within six weeks fo release unless there is a pressing need. I suggest reaching out to your Solutions Architect again for the latest data as you can discuss your specific Grid with them.

[#5]

Let's just say our account team hasn't always provided timely help which is why I decided to see what others were doing here.  Based on your response and a lack of anyone else's, I'm not going with 9.0.5.  However, 9.0.3 CHF2 is not available anymore.

9.0.3.3 CHF-3 was posted 17 days ago and  9.0.4.1 CHF-1 was posted over two months ago.  While the 9.0.3 base is obviously much older, would you consider 9.0.4?

I haven't looked at the latest release notes but thought I'd ask to see what you or anyone else  would do as I have to decide in the next few days.  I'll send an email to my SA as well.

[#6]

I'm nudging people towards 9.0.3 with CHF3 as that has some good fixes. Unless there is something you need in 9.0.4, I'd suggest 9.0.3 CHF3 for sure.

As always, read the release notes carefully.

[#7]

Hi,

I am in the same boat as you, can't wait to hear that NIOS 9.0.5 is a "safe harbor" so I can upgrade from NIOS 8.6.4.

NIOS 9.0.5, release note listed very vital issues that is fixed in this release, where NIOS 9.0.3 don't include. I think it is worth the waiting than being sorry.

[#8]

Hi AlinA,

I would agree however I understand that 8.6.4 is end of support on 12/31 of this year so I have to go to 9.0.3.3.

[#9]

8.6 goes EOS on 30 April 2025

[#10]

Hmm, did that change or am I getting it confused with another vendor?

[#11]

Possibly another vendor. 8.6 was supposed to go EOS on 31 Oct 2024 but it got pushed back to 30 April 2025

[#12]

Ah, I'll bet I was initially planning the Infoblox upgrade for the October date but then got it mixed up with the RPZ EOY changes or maybe F5 where we had to upgrade by EOY.  I'm glad it was extended at this point.  Thanks!

[#13]

Ah yes. Threat Feed revamp is on 31 Dec.

Make sure the feed configuration is updated before then to continue to be covered

[#14]

I'm new to Infoblox, were on 8.6.4, can I upgrade right to 9.0.5? if not where do you find the release information for this verison and upgrade path information?

[#15]

You can find the release notes by going to Download Center, Select version 9.0.5 and then Documents.  There are links for the release notes there.  Below is the link for 9.0.5.

https://dloads.infoblox.com//tech_lib/NIOS_9.0.5_Release_Notes_RevF.pdf?auth=1731004467

[#16]

The release of 9.0.4.1 CHF 1, fixed most of the major issues with 9.0.4. I would say if you decide to jump from 8.6.x, first upgrade to 8.6.4 with its fixes before jumping to 9.0.3.x or 9.0.4.x. backup your reporting db as well before upgrading.