API Connect

We have APIC V5(5.0.8.6) installed in cluster of three management servers running in VM in prod environment. We need to build a intermediate server of same version 5.0.8.6 to perform upgrade to 5.0.8.7 since minimum version should be 5.0.8.7 if we are migrating to V10.0.5.6(IBM suggested). Now we have problem creating new VM using 5.0.8.6 OVA file since ESXi v7 is not supporting v5.0.8.6 mgmt ova file downloaded from IBM Fix central. So VMware team is suggesting to take downtime to power off one of the VM's, remove the NIC card and take a clone in order to create new temporary VM for intermediate upgrade and power on the VM back. Any one know if there is any other alternative to build a temporary VM for performing intermediate upgrade from 5.0.8.6 to 5.0.8.7?

What's supported doesn't really matter given nothing about 5.0.8.6 is supported anymore. Your ability to raise support tickets expired long ago.

Try it with VMware 7 I suspect it will work fine.

I am fairly sure you will not be successful attempting to clone the apic appliances as the license is linked to the serial number. Personally I'd abandon those efforts are just install it on VMware 7.

You're not supported either way so frankly you just need to do whatever is most expedient to get to a supported product version ASAP.

Please try to keep the questions about apic v5 to a single thread if you can so we don't crowd out the forum with posts about historical antiques.