Using a Development Server for upgrading multiple stores

[bobr2k]

Is this explained in more detail somewhere in the documentation?

Other options include Development Server Licenses, $195.00 per install

We have multiple stores/licenses to upgrade ... I'd like to be able to use a development server to upgrade one store. Test and when everything is ok, copy the files to the production server then use the same development server to upgrade the next store. Would this work reasonably well or would we likely run into all kinds of problems with licenses, etc.?

[AbleMods]

Bob, looks like you haven't had a response so I thought I'd drop my two-cents worth for you...

Your scenario is very do-able. There are four things I can think of that you would NOT want to download from the live sites to perform the offline upgrade:

1. database.config is specific to each install. Each site will have a different db connection string, but your local install will always use the same. You'll have to set up a new install locally to build a connection string and create a "holding" database copy. To bring down a live site, bring all their files EXCEPT their web.config ( and others listed below). Then bring down their db and restore it into the "holding" db copy you made earlier.

2. Generate a new payment encryption key in the local site before upgrading just in case. Then when you upload the upgraded site back to the live install, regenerate it again.

3. CommerceBuilder.lic is your license file. Make sure you don't download it and don't use your own on the local copy. Otherwise the AC7 HTTP handler will see the license and try to redirect you to the domain name licensed in the file.

4. SSL should be disabled by changing the "SSL Enabled" value in the ac_StoreSettings table.

That's all I can think of right now - hope it helps.

[bobr2k]

Thx Joe ... I was hoping for your ...

two-cents worth

[AbleMods]

1. ... files EXCEPT their web.config

CORRECTION: Should read "... files EXCEPT their database.config"

sorry 'bout that.