Prism Central is the centralized management platform for Nutanix services, including Nutanix Files. Before creating a new file server or upgrading an existing one, the Prism Central instance managing the cluster must be upgraded to a version that is compatible with the target Nutanix Files version. This is a mandatory prerequisite because Prism Central orchestrates the deployment and upgrade workflows. The management plane (Prism Central) must support the features and API calls of the new Files version to successfully perform the operation.

A. FSM: The File Server Module (FSM) is a component of the Files software package itself. It is upgraded during the Files upgrade process, not before it.

B. File Analytics: File Analytics is a separate, optional tool for monitoring and analysis. While it has its own compatibility requirements, it is not a prerequisite for creating or upgrading the core file server.

D. FSVM: The File Server VMs (FSVMs) constitute the file server cluster. The process of upgrading Files involves upgrading the software on the FSVMs. This happens as part of the upgrade, not as a prerequisite step.

1. Nutanix Files User Guide v4.4: In the "Upgrading Files" chapter

the "Prerequisites" section states

"Ensure that your cluster is running compatible versions of AOS and Prism Central. See the compatibility matrix in the Nutanix Files Release Notes." This confirms that Prism Central compatibility must be established before the upgrade.

2. Nutanix Files User Guide v4.4: In the "File Server Deployment" chapter

under the "Prerequisites" section

it lists

"A Prism Central instance registered to the Prism Element cluster." This establishes Prism Central as a foundational requirement for creating a file server.

3. Nutanix Software End of Life Page (Compatibility): The official Nutanix compatibility matrix (accessible via the support portal) details the interoperability between different software versions. For any given Nutanix Files version

it specifies the minimum required Prism Central version

reinforcing that PC must be at a compatible level before deploying or upgrading Files. For example

to run Files 4.4

Prism Central pc.2023.3 or later is required.