Future PostgreSQL instance upgrades

[rand0m.bullet]

Hello,

The PostgreSQL version shipped with the GA Build of VBR v12 is understandably out of date. With The PostgreSQL Global Development Group having released PostgreSQL 15.2 earlier in the month.

I'm curious to know whether updates/upgrades to PostgreSQL will be included with future updates of VBR 12 and whether a compatibility matrix will be maintained as KB.

I have requested this information be provided as a KB already but have not yet seen any articles on the topic be created.

Cheers

[HannesK]

Hello,
the compatibility will be described in the user guide system requirements (same as for SQL) in the "configuration database" section.

Best regards,
Hannes

[schewee]

I don't think you fully answered OPs question.

Will updates to PostgreSQL be included in future Veeam patches/updates? or do we need to monitor postgresql.org for new releases, verify they are on the system requirements page you linked, and patch PostgreSQL ourselves? Not a problem to do, just wanted to know.

[HannesK]

Hello,
Postgres is the same like SQL Express in that case... no updates from Veeam side for now.

One does not need to monitor the Postgres releases permanently, same as it was not necessary to do that with SQL Express. Of course you can update (if system requirements are met), but it's not a requirement from Veeam side.

Best regards,
Hannes

[Parnassus]

Hello,

"...but it's not a requirement from Veeam side"

It seems now it is.

The point is that, as of now (late June/early July 2023), the Veeam 12 System Requirements are stating that:

Local or remote installation of the following versions of PostgreSQL:

• PostgreSQL 14.x

• PostgreSQL 15.x (PostgreSQL 15.1 is included in the Veeam Backup & Replication setup, but we strongly recommend to download and install the latest PostgreSQL 15.x version)

and the Veeam 12 ISO, even the latest, still installs PostgreSQL 15.1.

On the other hand, the Veeam ONE reports this Alarm with regard to Veeam 12 and PostgreSQL:

Alarm Details

Description

Potential issues with Veeam Backup & Replication configuration database on PostgreSQL 15.1 and 15.2 pattern is found
Issue occurred at 12/06/2023 13:42:10 (UTC+2:00)

Knowledge

Veeam Backup & Replication users having their Veeam Backup & Replication configuration database located on PostgreSQL server running version 15.1 or 15.2 may face issues during configuration restore and database migration.
The issue occurs in Veeam Backup & Replication v12 RTM (build 12.0.0.1402), v12 GA (build 12.0.0.1420), Cumulative Patch P20230412 (build 12.0.0.1420 P20230412) and all the previous Cumulative Patches released for the version 12.

Cause

The issue is caused by a malfunction in the PostgreSQL library libxml2 used for processing XML files.

Resolution

To avoid future issues with configuration restore and database migration, upgrade the PostgreSQL server hosting Veeam Backup & Replication configuration database, to the version 15.3.
If you are about to contact Veeam Technical Support regarding this alarm, make sure to provide Veeam Intelligent Diagnostics signature UID. This will simplify the investigation process and can significantly decrease resolution time.

So it's not a matter of desiring to keep the PostgreSQL 15 version update (as example from provided 15.1 to latest 15.3) but it's really a matter of performing a recommended update because that is strongly suggested by Veeam itself (even without a particular Veeam KB pointing out that explicitly, apart the above references on Veeam 12 System Requirements and the Alarm by Veeam ONE).

Side question: will an update of Veeam 12 ever provide an updated version of PostgreSQL or shall we proceed with managing the updates to PostgreSQL independently by the updates to Veeam 12?

[HannesK]

Hello,
and welcome to the forums.

Yes, the user guide was updated recently because of the configuration restore issues. I'm currently checking the status of the KB article or whether something could be added to the user guide. Thanks for bringing it up!

We plan to deliver a newer Postgres version with 12a, yes.

Best regards,
Hannes

[tpayton]

A new KB has been published to document the Configuration Restore issue that may occur with PostgreSQL 15.1/15.2, (2200N: invalid XML content DETAIL: buffer full): https://www.veeam.com/kb4473

Additionally, the existing KB that documented the procedure for updating the SQL software used by Veeam Backup & Replication has been updated to provide a more complete explanation of how to upgrade both Microsoft SQL Server Express and PostgreSQL: https://www.veeam.com/kb4386.

[Parnassus]

That's great!

[dz_IT]

Hello,

A new version of PostgreSQL 16.0-1 has been available for some time now, there is no change on the Veeam website so far regarding support for the new version. How is the work progressing? Anyone have any information?

[Gostev]

Hello. Our target for new versions support is 90 days. Normally all newly released app and platform versions are tested as a part of the regression testing of the immediate release vehicle, and I'm sure PostgreSQL 16.0.1 will not be an exception. Thanks!

[dz_IT]

I'm glad it's moving forward, I'm eagerly following the thread expecting more information.

Whether at the link: https://helpcenter.veeam.com/docs/backu ... -text-link should there be an announcement about version 16 after the tests have passed?

[HannesK]

yes, that link or the 12.1 system requirements / release notes once it's released.

[Cia91]

Hello, i havn't found any new information, does the postgres SQL update is now included in the Veeam release?

What should i expect, if i keep veeam updated when a new release come out the postgres is automatically kept updated by the installer to the correct supported/expected version?

[Gostev]

Not yet. Likely from V13 on.

[mkaec]

My personal preference is to use Microsoft SQL Server. That version receives minor updates automatically via Windows Update. If Veeam is going to drop support for MS SQL and mandate PostgreSQL be used instead, then please take ownership of it - provide patches and manage the installation to whatever version you want. Don't saddle me with having to keep track of and manage a third party component that is replacing a component that had "set and forget" maintenance.

[Parnassus]

Hi! "That version receives minor updates automatically via Windows Update" I would not take that "automatically" for granted: it depends about how system's update advanced options (policies) are set, just to say that there are systems where updates for "other Microsoft products" (included Microsoft SQL Server) aren't updated at all given the setting is left to "Off" (default).

[mkaec]

We see the SQL Server updates come to WSUS and approve them. Yes, if you don't use WSUS then I recommend ticking that "other Microsoft products" option. Better yet, enable it via group policy.

[MarkII]

The question regarding the upgrade procedures for this is excellent. It would be helpful to have the Veeam B&R Upgrade pop-up a reminder of how to perform the update to PostgreSQL each time we install the current release at the very minimum.