BizTalk clone server - Approaches ?

Question

I have a QA server installed which has many BizTalk Apps avaialble in it.
I want a similar environment on brand new new server. Can we clone or reimage that environment ?
How fast is it doing that ? or what are possible approaches ? Please advise

---

Reason101

Answer 1

So, here's the deal with this...

The only way to clone a BizTalk Server VM is the copy and SysPres an unconfigured BizTalk Server.

But, keep in mind (from lots of experience) trying to clone a BizTalk Sever really doesn't get you anywhere in terms of time.  You will be much better off building a new server and reinstalling you apps.

If anyone suggests that it's easier/faster to clone/copy, well, they're wrong... ;)

Answer 2

You cannot clone a configured BizTalk computer.  It is not a supported operation. You can SysPrep an unconfigured Windows/BizTalk image. SYSPREP (http://plexuk.co.uk/?page_id=793) is a utility that prepares a system for the purpose of cloning/etc. So when you run SYSPREP, the utility overwrites certain systems settings such as System Name/IP/SID, etc. That is the only supported way to 'clone' Windows and the only way BizTalk will work as well. You should follow the article How to: BizTalk Server 2013 Sysprep Development Image

If you still wish to continue with unsupported cloning, it is worth noting that you will face issue with MSDTC post cloning, MSDTC on the clone will retain a reference to the original machine. In order to remove the reference you'll need to uninstall and reinstall MSDTC, while removing some registry keys in the process. Running 'msdtc -uninstall' and then 'msdtc -install' from the command prompt will fix the problem. Note: Running 'msdtc -uninstall' will result in the system losing all MS DTC configuration information.

---

Rachit Sikroria (Microsoft Azure MVP)

Answer 3

I will not suggest to go for a clone of a BizTalk configured server (BizTalk, SQL Instance and Applications with their settings) .

IMO better approach is to go for a VM, install BizTalk , Install SQL, Configure BizTalk and then Install all the applications. It will take less time you can make all this and running in just couple of hours if its BizTalk Single node installation. 

I will invest more time writing ,building and using  Automated deployment Frameworks to deploy BizTalk applications. 

there are many ways (BTDF/Powershell, MSBuild ) you can choose or make your own combination or go for a simple one MSI and Binding file and automate using powershell. 

Hope this helps.

---

Cheers,HTH

Naushad Alam http://alamnaushad.wordpress.com/

When you see answers and helpful posts, please click Vote As Helpful , Propose As Answer , and/or Mark As Answer