CL 5.3 to CL 5.8

We just installed CL 5.8 on Windows Server 2003 SP2

We are currently running CL 5.3 on Windows Server 2003 SP1

I’m sure this has been discussed here before and I just can’t seem to find it, so sorry for the obvious and repeated question.   😳

Is there a recommended method for upgrading over so many versions?

I see 2 approaches:

1)  Copy files in the formats, Xlate, Tables, etc. folders from the 5.3 server to the 5.8 server. Begin testing and fix items as issues are discovered

2) Build each interface from scratch on the 5.8 server

We see that there are many new features in 5.8 and we are struggling with when to use a new feature and when to build it the way we would have on 5.3

Any hints or direction you can provide we would be most grateful.

Our plan is to be Live by end of June 2012 as we are doing this in conjunction with a major upgrade to our HIS.

Thank you

Joe Benigno