Migrating from Kerio Control (Windows Edition) to the Appliance Editions (Software/Virtual/Hardware)

This article covers details regarding the Appliance Editions of Kerio Control, and provides guidance regarding the migration from the Windows Edition of Kerio Control to the various Appliance Editions.

As of version 8.0, Kerio Control will be available only as a Software, Virtual, or Hardware appliance. This means that customers running the Windows version are advised to migrate to one of the Appliance Editions. There is no cost to transfer the license to the Software or Virtual AppliancePre-configured Kerio Control virtual machine image for VMware or Hyper-V., and in most cases, you can continue using the same hardware. If you would like to migrate to one of the hardware box editions, the prorated value of your software license can be applied as a credit.

NOTE

The following answers should address some of the common questions regarding the migration:

What is the Kerio Control Appliance Edition?

The Kerio Control Software is packaged with a minimal (Linux based) operating system, which can be easily installed onto most computers. The Software ApplianceA special operating system designed to run on a computer. Edition can be installed via an installation disk that is created by burning an ISO image onto a CD or USB disk. The Virtual Appliance is a specially packaged version of the Software Appliance, which can be easily deployed on ESX/ESXi or Microsoft Hyper-V. The Hardware Appliance consists of two models, which ship with a pre-configured version of the Software Appliance.

Do I need to know Linux?

No, all management of Kerio Control Appliance Edition is done through the web interface. There is no interaction with the operating system.

How is the Appliance Edition different than the Windows Edition?

Many of the recently added features, such as IPv6Version 6 of the Internet Protocol. routing, VLANs, and IPsecInternet Protocol security - A network protocol used to encrypt and secure data sent over a network. support are implemented only in the Appliance Editions. Administrative tasks such as TCP/IPTransmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol - Communication protocols that connect computer hosts to the Internet. changes, Upgrades, or Reboots are all performed from the web administration. Otherwise, the administration is identical.

What are the benefits of the Appliance Edition?

  • Additional features (IPv6, VLANs, IPsec)
  • Easier administration and maintenance
  • Lower system requirements
  • Better performance

Can the Software Appliance be installed on the same hardware as my current Kerio Control Windows installation?

Yes, in most cases the software appliance can be installed onto the same hardware.

How long will the migration take?

The Software Appliance installation and configuration import should take only a few minutes. Additional prior steps must be performed, which involve exporting the Windows configuration, downloading the Kerio Control Software Appliance, and burning the ISO image onto an installation CD or USB drive.

How do I install the Software Appliance?

You can download the ISO from the Kerio website. You will need burning software to image the file onto a CD-ROM or USB drive. You can then boot a computer from the CD or USB, and the display will guide you through the installation. Similar to how you would install any other operating system.

For instructions, refer to Installing Kerio Control

Can I deploy the Virtual Appliance under Windows Server Hyper-V?

Yes, you may choose to continue using Windows and Kerio Control, however you will need to have a Windows Server with the Hyper-V role.

Can I deploy the Virtual Appliance under VMware ESXi?

Yes, you can deploy Kerio Control virtual appliance in VMware ESXi.

How do I transfer the license from my Windows installation to the Appliance Edition?

You can use the same server license on the Appliance Edition. During the installation of the software or virtual appliance, you will be asked to provide your server license. Otherwise, you can register the license any time from the web administration.

How do I transfer my configuration from the Windows installation?

This is done by exporting and importing your configuration through the web administration. Additional steps are provided in Transferring the configuration and license from the Windows version of Kerio Control to the Software or Virtual Appliance edition