Hello Adam,
Qualified means that the scenario has been fully tested in QA tests.
Compatible means that the scenario is supported but limited testing has been performed with it.
Regarding the experience of upgrading from 8.1rX to 8.3R4 that is a rather big jump what needs to be tested varies on the features you use:
- stuff like NC, SAM, HC will get upgraded on the endpoints, this means that you need to ensure Pulse Installer Service is installed, if your users do not have admin rights
- There may be technical changes as to how things work in 8.3rX as opposed as they used to work in 8.1, I would recommend studying not only the release notes of 8.3rX and the what's new guides, but taking a look at the code strain documents which came before it which is 8.2rX, as some behaviour changes may have been introduced in the strain which you intend to skip
- before upgrading make a list of features which are most critical and used in your environment, and examine potential changes to those with extra care
Hope this helps.
