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ONTAP 7-Mode Transition

Comparison of copy-free transition and copy-based transition

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You can use the 7-Mode Transition Tool to migrate your data and configurations from 7-Mode to ONTAP by using either copy-based transition or copy-free transition. It is important to understand the differences between the two methods before transition.

Parameter Copy-free transition Copy-based transition

Unit of transition

HA pair

Group of volumes

Hardware requirement

Disk shelves are reused

New disks shelves and disks to host the transitioned volumes

Platform requirement

Supported only on mid-level and high-level platforms NetApp Interoperability Matrix Tool

Supported on all platforms

Transition duration

Overall, shorter transition duration (no data copy required)

Longer duration (initial baseline and update transfer time varies based on workload, network bandwidth, and data capacity being migrated)

Disruption to data access

In the range of hours

Important In most cases, the storage cutover time can be 3 through 8 hours. Cutover time includes the time taken by the tool to perform two automated operations—​the export and halt operation and the import operation—​as well as the time taken for manually cabling the disk shelves to the new controllers. The export and halt operation and the import operation together can take up to 2 hours. Cabling of the disk shelves can take from 1 hour through 6 hours.

This cutover time guidance does not include the time taken for the required preproduction testing and assumes an error-free transition without unexpected failures such as a disk failure.

In the range of minutes