We are using AWS’s EKS service to build a Pega 8.8 environment.
Since support for Pega 8.8 expires in October 2025, we are considering updating to infinity 24.2.
Is there any documentation available on how to upgrade from 8.8 to 24.2?
Also, could you please let me know if there are any precautions I should take when updating to the above version?
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Documentation for Upgrading from Pega 8.8 to Infinity 24.2
While there isn’t a single document specifically addressing the 8.8 to 24.2 upgrade path, you can refer to the following resources:
- Planning a Pega Platform software update: This provides general guidance on evaluating your system, reviewing requirements, and obtaining necessary database information before beginning the update process.
- Pega Platform changes with update impact: This document details known impacts when upgrading to newer versions, including specific considerations for Infinity 24.2.
- Platform '24.2 release notes: These notes provide detailed information about new features, enhancements, and known issues in the target version.
General Best Practices for Pega Platform Upgrades
Based on official Pega guidance, here are key best practices to follow:
- Review Release Notes: Thoroughly review the release notes for both your current version (8.8) and the target version (24.2) to understand new features, enhancements, and any deprecated functionalities.
- Create a Detailed Upgrade Plan: Develop a comprehensive plan including timelines, resources, responsibilities, and a checklist of required actions.
- Set Up a Testing Environment: Create a testing environment that mirrors your production environment to identify and resolve issues before going live.
- Backup Data: Ensure you have complete backups of your application and data before starting the upgrade.
- Assess Customizations: Identify any custom rules or configurations and understand how they may be impacted by the upgrade.
- Utilize Update Pipelines: Use update pipelines, either with Deployment Manager or a third-party automation server, to migrate update fixes consistently across environments.
- Monitor Performance: After upgrading, closely monitor application performance and be prepared to address any issues promptly.
Specific Precautions for Upgrading from Pega 8.8
When upgrading from Pega 8.8 specifically, consider these precautions:
- Support Expiration: As you noted, support for Pega 8.8 expires in October 2025. Upgrading before this date is advisable to ensure continued support.
- Evaluate System Requirements: Thoroughly review system requirements for Infinity 24.2 to ensure your infrastructure meets the necessary specifications.
- Check for Customizations: Use Pega Update Tools to identify rules you’ve customized in your application to understand the upgrade’s impact. As a best practice, avoid overwriting or customizing Pega rules.
- Near-Zero Downtime Considerations: While updates from Pega Platform 8.4.2 or later are enhanced for near-zero downtime, be aware that Pega cannot guarantee this when your version is out of the Extended Support period.
- Review Deprecated Features: Check for any deprecated or removed features that might impact your application functionality.
Key Features and Changes in Pega Infinity 24.2
Pega Infinity 24.2 introduces several notable features and changes:
- Improved File Repository Partitioning: Enhanced scalability and performance of file repository partitioning, which may require attention during the upgrade.
- UI Architecture Enhancements: New developments in UI architecture and design to help build applications with more robust interfaces.
- System Administration Improvements: Additional options for running activities in the background.
- Security Enhancements: Improved security features to protect against various risks.
Considerations for AWS EKS Deployments
For your AWS EKS deployment, consider these additional factors:
- Containerization Best Practices:
- Use specific, versioned container images rather than “latest” tags
- Follow Kubernetes best practices for deployment configuration
- Service Management:
- Properly configure and integrate externalized services like Kafka and Elasticsearch
- Follow recommended guidelines for service configuration
- Infrastructure Considerations:
- Ensure proper cluster configuration and sizing
- Leverage EKS-specific features for optimal performance
- Helm Chart Configuration:
- Review and update Helm chart values for your deployment
- Consult Pega’s official Helm charts documentation
Recommended Upgrade Approach
Based on the above considerations, I recommend the following approach:
- Assessment Phase:
- Review your current customizations and configurations
- Evaluate system requirements and infrastructure needs
- Identify potential impact areas based on release notes
- Planning Phase:
- Create a detailed upgrade plan with timelines
- Set up a testing environment that mirrors production
- Prepare rollback procedures in case of issues
- Testing Phase:
- Perform a trial upgrade in the test environment
- Test all critical functionality and integrations
- Address any issues identified during testing
- Implementation Phase:
- Schedule the upgrade during a low-traffic period
- Perform complete backups before starting
- Follow the upgrade plan meticulously
- Monitor the system closely during and after the upgrade
- Post-Upgrade Phase:
- Verify all functionality works as expected
- Monitor performance and address any issues
- Update documentation to reflect the new version
Documentation for Upgrading from Pega 8.8 to Infinity 24.2
- Planning a Pega Platform software update
This document provides general guidance on evaluating your system, reviewing requirements, and obtaining necessary database information before beginning the update process.
Official Documentation - Pega Platform changes with update impact
This document details known impacts when upgrading to newer versions, including specific considerations for Infinity 24.2.
Official Documentation - Platform '24.2 release notes
These notes provide detailed information about new features, enhancements, and known issues in the target version.
Official Documentation
General Best Practices for Pega Platform Upgrades
- Update Pega Infinity
This resource provides a comprehensive overview of update scenarios and related documentation for managing your update process effectively.
Official Documentation - Agile development best practices
This documentation includes best practices for continuous delivery and testing environments, which are crucial during upgrades.
Official Documentation - Release pipeline introduction
This resource discusses the implementation of a release pipeline, which is essential for managing updates and ensuring application quality.
Official Documentation - Measuring system performance
This documentation provides tools and techniques for evaluating application performance, which is vital during and after upgrades.
Official Documentation
Key Features and Changes in Pega Infinity 24.2
- Platform '24.2 release notes
This document outlines various enhancements including improved file repository partitioning, UI architecture improvements, and security features.
Official Documentation - What’s new in user experience '24.2
This document details the new developments in UI architecture and design, which help in building applications with a robust interface.
Official Documentation
Considerations for AWS EKS Deployments
- Containerized deployments FAQs
This documentation provides insights into deploying Pega Platform in Kubernetes, including deployment guidelines and best practices for using Helm charts.
Official Documentation - Meeting requirements and prerequisites
This section outlines the necessary requirements for deploying Pega, including load balancing and logging services, and provides information on the Helm charts available for configuration.
Official Documentation - Installing, patching, or updating Pega software in Kubernetes deployments
This documentation details the process of deploying Pega using Helm charts, including how to customize configurations for your environment.
Official Documentation
Recommended Upgrade Approach
- Stage One: Assessment and Planning
This documentation emphasizes the importance of assessing the current Pega deployment and identifying potential roadblocks.
Official Documentation - Crucial testing approaches
This resource provides insights into performance monitoring and testing strategies during the build phase.
Official Documentation - Application and system updates
This documentation discusses assessing the impact of updates, managing changes, and includes tools for monitoring the quality and performance of the application after updates.
Official Documentation