This article demonstrates standalone 1-Box end to end installations of IBM FileNet P8 5.2.1 on Windows 2012 on MSSQL 2014 Database and deployed on WebSphere Application Server 8.5.5. Make sure you check compatibility matrix and be ready with your required installer files. It would be better if you ran all installer 'Run-As Administrator'.
1. Prepare Windows Operating System:
Install Windows 2012 Server Release 2, install and configure windows Active Directory Domain Services, create windows domain, better if you assign static IP Address. Create required users for this installations.
2. Install WebSphere Application Server:
Install IBM Installations Manager, WebSphere Application Server and configure. Create required users.
3. Database Installations and Configuration:
Install & Configure MSSQL Server Database 2014. Set up your database(s), create users, assign required authorization.
4. Installations and Configuration of IBM FileNet P8, Deployment of CPE
Install & Configure IBM FileNet P8 5.2.1, Run IBM FileNet Configuration Manager for Content Platform Engine and complete configurations.
5. Run and Configure ACCE and Create First Object Store
Run and Configure ACCE and Create First Object Store
Can we directly upgrade IBM FileNet P8 from Version 5.2.x to 5.5.x?
Step-by-Step Upgrade Strategy
1. Assess Current Version
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If you're on 5.2.0.x, you must first upgrade to 5.2.1.x
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IBM does not support direct upgrades from 5.2.0 to 5.5.x
2. Target Versions
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Upgrade from 5.2.1.x to 5.5.0 or 5.5.1 (as an intermediate)
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Then upgrade to 5.5.6 or later, which are Long-Term Support (LTS) releases
⚙️ Major Changes in 5.5.x You Need to Prepare For
| Change | Description |
|---|
| 🔧 Java EE App Servers | Must upgrade WebSphere/Liberty to supported levels |
| 📦 JDK | Requires Java 8+ or Java 11 depending on 5.5.x version |
| 🗃 Database | Upgrade DB to supported versions (e.g., Oracle 19c, DB2 11.x) |
| 🚫 Discontinued Components | FileNet Workplace is removed (replaced by ICN) |
| 📁 GCD & Object Stores | Must upgrade both – GCD and each Object Store individually |
| 🌐 ICN | Often upgraded alongside to match 5.5.x version APIs |
🧪 Important Notes
✅ Summary
| From Version | Direct Upgrade to 5.5.x? | Required Steps |
|---|
| 5.2.0.x | ❌ Not supported | Upgrade to 5.2.1 first |
| 5.2.1.x | ⚠️ Not directly to 5.5.6+ | Go to 5.5.0/5.5.1, then 5.5.6 |
| 5.5.0/5.5.1 | ✅ | Can upgrade to latest 5.5.x |
