Updating Ignition from 7.8 to 8.1 PLUS moving to a new server

Ignition
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1

Hello, I am helping a customer with a system update, which involves moving the existing production server onto brand-new hardware, and also updating the software from 7.8 to 8.1 (Windows update will also occur as part of the process). I want to make sure to select the best sequence of events to minimize downtime and be as efficient as possible.

These are the options:

OPTION 1

  1. Take a gateway backup of existing server.
  2. Fresh Install of Ignition 8.1 on the new Virtual Machine.
  3. Restore gateway backup on new machine.
  4. De-activate license on old machine.
  5. Activate license on new machine.

OPTION 2

  1. Create a clone of the existing Ignition Virtual Machine.
  2. Update OS.
  3. Upgrade Ignition software following the recommended two-step approach (7.8 to 7.9, followed by 7.9 to 8.1). I will follow manuals.
  4. De-activate license on old machine.
  5. Activate license on new machine.

I would appreciate any comments on either approach or new ones if better option.
Thank you!

2

See this post for some gotchas