Endpoint Protection

I'm looking for the best way to set up a new server and upgrade to SEP 14 MP1. Currently, we have SEPM 12.1 on Server 2008 R2 using SQL 2012 remotely. I am setting up a new server for SEPM which will be 2012 R2 and will be SEP 14 MP1, but will continue to use the same remote db. This needs to be more of a gradual change instead of moving all clients at once. Looking for seamless solution and to retain all historical data, policies, groups, etc. Should I go ahead and upgrade our current SEPM to 14.1 and install 14.1 on the new server? Then redirect the clients to the new server. Or install our current 12.1 version on the new server, point the clients to it, and then do the upgrade. Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Thanks. 

Similar thread here with good responses by SMLatCST and Torb.

https://www.symantec.com/connect/tr/forums/merging-companies#comment-11810061

I guess folks have their preference in terms of either replication or run DR. The recommendation is to go DR, but you'd need to get the current SEPM to the latest version of the new SEPM before you can do DR.

Thanks for the info. So as you state, I just need to get them on the same version before proceeding with the DR method, correct? 

Sorry I didnt state in my original post, but the new server will have a different hostname and different ip address. Thanks. 

Yes.

I havent installed version 14 on the new server yet. Would it make sense to install our current version on the new server, migrate clients, then do the upgrade? Thanks again.

You'd either go with the same version on the new SEPM or upgrade your current SEPM to match the new one - it's really up to you.

Just make sure you follow procedure if the hostname/IP will be different on the new SEPM:

http://www.symantec.com/docs/TECH171767

Hi Brian, so do I configure the new server using the recovery file or custom option or do I select both? I wasn't sure about that. Seems like most articles state to select the "Custom" configuration option, however, I do have an issue. When using the Custom option, it's asking for the Sem5 user password and I don't know it. Is this stored in the recovery file? Thanks for your time.