User Story

As a Platform Administrator, I want the OpenShift installer to prevent me from installing or upgrading on vSphere 7.x so that I can avoid running in an unsupported state.

Description

Implement Step 2 of the vSphere 7.x deprecation strategy by converting deprecation warnings into fatal errors that block installations and upgrades on vSphere 7.x environments.

Acceptance Criteria

Installation Blocking Implementation

• [ ] Convert vSphere 7.x warning checks into fatal error checks in openshift-installer
• [ ] Block new IPI installations on vSphere 7.x environments
• [ ] Block UPI installations through installer validation tools
• [ ] Provide clear error messages explaining the blocking
• [ ] Ensure no bypass mechanisms or workarounds exist

Upgrade Blocking Implementation

• [ ] Implement upgrade pre-flight checks for vSphere version
• [ ] Block cluster upgrades when running on vSphere 7.x
• [ ] Integrate checks into cluster upgrade validation process
• [ ] Ensure Machine Config Operator respects vSphere version requirements
• [ ] Block both z-stream and y-stream upgrades on vSphere 7.x

Error Message Requirements

• [ ] Clear error message stating vSphere 7.x is no longer supported
• [ ] Message explains that infrastructure upgrade is required
• [ ] Provides guidance on upgrading to vSphere 8.x or higher
• [ ] Includes references to official upgrade documentation
• [ ] Maintains helpful and professional tone

Code Cleanup

• [ ] Remove conditional code specific to vSphere 7.x workarounds
• [ ] Clean up tests that only apply to vSphere 7.x
• [ ] Remove vSphere 7.x specific compatibility shims
• [ ] Update minimum version requirements in code
• [ ] Simplify codebase by removing legacy support

Support Matrix Updates

• [ ] Update OCP support matrix to reflect vSphere 8.x minimum
• [ ] Coordinate with product management on support policy changes
• [ ] Update installer validation logic to match support matrix
• [ ] Ensure consistency across all customer-facing support documentation
• [ ] Update automated support qualification checks

Definition of Done

• vSphere 7.x installations and upgrades successfully blocked
• Clear error messages guide customers to required actions
• Legacy vSphere 7.x code removed where appropriate
• Support matrix accurately reflects new minimum requirements