Not supported by SBC SWe Lite in this release.

This best practice document helps a user deploy and execute the Lync 2013 SBA on Windows Server 2012 R2.

Caution

Upgrading to Lync 2013 SBA on Windows Server 2012 R2 creates a down time. The following recommendations help reduce the down time:

  • Upgrade during a maintenance

  • Implement the Branch SBC as Gateway of the central pool

Required Information

Before you begin, ensure you have the following information:

  • Credentials to connect the Lync Control Panel.

  • A central pool that can host the user during migration.

  • Credentials to access the topology builder.

  • A SBC WebUI Credential.

  • An AD account that allows a machine to join the domain.

  • If you plan to change the ASM host-name, a certificate for the ASM.

Preparing the SBC and SBA

1. Upgrade the SBC and SbcComms

The firmware on the SBC as well as the firmware on the ASM (SbcComms) must be at version 5.0 or above. See Upgrading or Downgrading the SBC 1000/2000 for the upgrade procedure.

2. Confirm Windows Server 2012 R2 License

Confirm that your ASM is licensed for 'Windows Server 2012R2', which is a prerequisite to run Lync 2013 SBA.

To Confirm Windows Server License:

  1. Access the WebUI.

  2. Click the tab System.

  3. Click the tab Overview, then scroll into the ASM System Details panel.

  4. Confirm that 'Windows Server 2012R2' appears in Windows Factory License or Windows Applied Additional License fields.

Case 1: Your Windows factory license is 'Windows Server 2008R2'

You will need to purchase and install the Windows Server 2012 R2 operating system license. See Working with Licenses.

Check the device for a Lync 2013 SBA license label. If the label is attached, no further licenses are required to operate the Lync 2013 SBA. If the label is not attached, you will need to acquire a Lync 2013 SBA license. See Working with Licenses. If a license is acquired, see Attach License Label for attaching the label on the unit. 

 

If Factory License Is Windows Server 2008R2


Case 2: Your Windows factory license is 'Windows 2012R2'

Your license allows you to use the Windows Server 2012 R2 to execute the Lync 2013 SBA. No further OS license is required.

Check the device for a Lync 2013 SBA license label. If the label is attached, no further licenses are required to operate the Lync 2013 SBA. If the label is not attached, you will need to acquire a Lync 2013 SBA license. See Working with Licenses. If a license is acquired, see Attach License Label for attaching the label on the unit. 

If Factory License Is Windows 2012R2


3. Confirm Availability of the Lync 2013 SBA image

Confirm that your ASM already has the Lync 2013 SBA image available on the hard drive.

Note

Do not reinitialize the ASM, simply confirm the Lync 2013 SBA image is available on Windows Server 2012 R2.

To Confirm Lync 2013 SBA Availability:

  1. Access the WebUI.

  2. Click the tab Tasks.

  3. Under Application Solution Module, click Reinitialize.

  4. Confirm that one of the choices in the drop down menu is Lync 2013 SBA on WS2012R2.

     

Reinitialize

 

If Lync 2013 SBA is not listed on the drop down menu, follow the instructions on Updating the ASM Recovery Partition.

4. Backup the SBA certificate

If you plan to re-use the same host name for the SBA, follow the steps on Exporting SBC Edge Primary Certificates.

If you do not plan to re-use the same host name, proceed to the next section, Setting Up Upgrade.

Deploy your SBA

Complete the following procedures in order to deploy your SBA:

  1. Re-initializing the ASM
     
  2. Upgrading the SBC Communication Service Version
     
  3. Preparing for SBA Deployment - First Steps
Note

Deploy the SBA in the same manner as Lync 2013 SBA on Windows Server 2008 R2.