Frequently Asked Questions about AutoVAULT

AutoVAULT communicates with the Storage Manager server to vault copy storage pool volumes, primary storage pool volumes, Storage Manager database backup volumes, and backup set volumes based on your selections. Each media type can be assigned the same or different vault locations. Any volumes in the managed pools that are either full or filling when AutoVAULT runs, are checked out of the library to be sent to your vault location. You can restrict the vaulting of primary pool media to those FULL or unreferenced for a specific number of days. Similarly, any database backup volumes or backup set volumes in the library at the time that AutoVAULT runs are checked out of the library to be sent offsite. Note that backupset media has limited support for a TSM Library Client. Once empty, volumes ready to return from offsite storage are updated and reported in the list of volumes to return onsite.

Offsite storage of data: Backup media should be moved to a secure remote site as frequently as is practical. Arranging to have a courier arrive daily to transport the media offsite is not overkill. This kind of service can be surprisingly inexpensive. AutoVAULT will assist you in accurately identifying all of the volumes to be taken offsite after the regularly scheduled database and storage pool backups are completed.

Disaster Recovery: The Disaster Recovery Scripts are created every time you run AutoVAULT. AutoVAULT recovery scripts are created in the AutoVAULT TSM instance directory in /avrecover/latest/*.*. If you are using DRM, IBM prepare recovery scripts are created in the AutoVAULT TSM instance directory in /ibmrecover/latest/*.*. We encourage you to take all the files in both directories offsite daily with your Storage Manager database backup and other media. Options and instructions on how to take them offsite are included. Included with the Disaster Recovery Scripts are instructions to restore your Storage Manager Server, located in file README.TXT. These instructions will guide even a less experienced technician through a successful recovery in case your head TSM technician is unavailable in a disaster. top

Can I manage more than one TSM server with AutoVAULT?

Yes, you can use AutoVAULT with up to 1000 number of TSM servers. You will need to purchase a license key for each TSM server instance. top

System Requirments

What version of TSM will AutoVAULT support?

AutoVAULT 3.3.7 will manage TSM 7.x, TSM 6.2 or newer and TSM 5.x.

Going back in time...AutoVAULT 3.3.3 - 3.3.5 will manage a TSM v5.1 -5.5 and TSM v6.2 or newer server (x32 and x64). AutoVAULT 3.3.1 and 3.3.2 will manage a TSM v5.1 -5.5 and TSM v6.1.2 server. AutoVAULT 3.3.0 and AutoVAULT 3.2.x will manage a TSM v5.1 -5.5 server. AutoVAULT 3.1.x will manage a TSM v5.1 -5.4 server. AutoVAULT 2.x will support TSM v3.7-5.3 server. top

What platform does AutoVAULT run on?

AutoVAULT runs on a Windows 32 bit or 64 bit (v3.3.3 or higher) platform . It can be run on the TSM for Windows Server (x32 or x64) or from a remote Windows workstation or server. AutoVAULT has been tested with 2000 Pro, XP, 2000/2003/2008 Server, XP, Vista, Windows 7 and 8. VMware is also supported. top

What TSM server platforms will AutoVAULT support?

AutoVAULT will manage TSM servers running Windows, HP-UX, Solaris, Linux, or AIX. top

AutoVAULT System Requirements

Click here to view system requirements. top

What tape libraries will AutoVAULT support?

AutoVAULT interfaces with tape libraries using TSM commands. Therefore, AutoVAULT supports the same tape libraries that TSM supports with the same restrictions. Note that AutoVAULT ejects media individually, one tape per MOVE or CHECKOUT command. Your tape library must be configured to allow for ejects of individual media. top

Installation and Configuration

How do I install and configure AutoVAULT?

The AutoVAULT installation and configuration instructions can be found in the manual (which you can access here) and are also automatically downloaded with the 45 day trial version. You can also find installation instructional videos here. top

What do you need to install to be able to allow AutoVAULT to communicate with TSM?

You will need to install the TSM administrative command line client and the TSM ODBC driver (if you are using TSM 5 only) on the Windows PC. The administrative client is bundled with the TSM backup/archive client, but requires a custom install to select it. The TSM ODBC driver is a separate install. The latest clients for both are available from this link. top

How can I automate running AutoVAULT each day?

Once AutoVAULT has been installed and configured, it should be scheduled to run using whatever mechanism you are comfortable with using. This might be manually by an operator or you might choose a method that is somewhat more automated. AutoVAULT can be scheduled using any scheduling method. We recommend running AutoVAULT as a scheduled command from the Storage Manager Central Scheduler. By doing this, the operation of AutoVAULT is accessible through the same interface you already use to schedule your database and onsite storage pool backups. Click here for more information. top

Remote TSM Server access via FTP fails

Problem: You are configuring AutoVAULT to access a remote TSM for Windows server using FTP. On the AutoVAULT "Remote TSM Server" configuration window, you are not sure what values to enter.

Solution: Your Windows IIS FTP Server must be configured with either the default FTP path or a virtual directory path pointing to your TSM server's DSMSERV_CONFIG location that contains file "dsmserv.opt". The default location is "c:progra~1TivoliTSMserver1" for the first TSM Server instance. The location for the second TSM server instance on Windows would be "c:progra~1TivoliTSMserver2". AutoVAULT requires FTP access directly to this directory.
If you are not using FTP on your TSM server, activiate it and create an FTP site using the IIS Manager wizard. Select "c:progra~1TivoliTSMserver1" (or other directory as appropriate) as the home directory of the FTP site and allow read/write access. In AutoVAULT, leave field "FTP Server Virtual Directory Path" blank since you are not using a Virtual Directory. The default value for DSMSERV_DIR is "c:progra~1TivoliTSMserver" and the value for DSMSERV_CONFIG is "c:progra~1TivoliTSMserver1".
If your TSM server is already using the default FTP location for an existing FTP site, then you can create a virtual directory path to provide a second FTP location. From Windows IIS Manager, right click the existing FTP Site and select "New" and "Virtual Directory". Follow the wizard to create an alias such at "TSM", a home directory path such as "c:progra~1TivoliTSMserver1", and set permissions to allow read and write. You will see the virtual directory in IIS Manager listed under your existing FTP site as a second FTP location. In AutoVAULT, enter "TSM" in field "FTP Server Virtual Directory Path" to match the alias name you created for the Virtual Directory. The default value for DSMSERV_DIR is "c:progra~1TivoliTSMserver" and the value for DSMSERV_CONFIG is "c:progra~1TivoliTSMserver1". top

How to vault different groups of media on different days of the week

Questions: Customer has been vaulting successfully with Autovault once a week, now wants to vault twice a week. They want the first run to be all copy pool & DBS tapes, the second to be only the copy pool tapes that are FULL & DBS tapes. They know they can do this by manually updating vault.opt, no problem, or running the autovault config to change the vault.opt.

But they would like to set this up on a schedule. What's the best way to do that?

Answer: AutoVAULT does accept a parameter, but it is used to run multiple TSM servers in series and is discussed on page 42 of the manual. It does not allow you to change the options file as you would like but you can accomplish this by editing the AVRUN*.BAT execution file for the specific TSM instance. You would add a step to xcopy the appropriate option file over vault.opt.

Steps to set this up:
- copy �vault.opt� to �vault_wd.opt� and �vault_we.opt� (note that wd = weekday and we = weekend)
- Change the copies of the option file as desired for the weekday and weekend criteria
- Copy the AV execution file �AVRUN.BAT� to �AVRUN_WD.BAT� and �AVRUN_WE.BAT�
- Edit both execution scripts adding an xcopy of the appropriate option file over �vault.opt�

        Sample AVRUN_WE.BAT
        xcopy "c:\program files\autovault\vault_we.opt" "c:\program files\autovault\vault.opt" /y "c:\program files\autovault\autovault.exe" server=#1

- Schedule commands �AVRUN_WD.BAT� and �AVRUN_WE.BAT" in TSM to run on the appropriate days

If your AV is managing multiple TSM server instances, just update these steps for the appropriate AVRUN command file such as AVRUN002.BAT and subdirectory. Note that this approach makes the GUI options file editors in AV a bit confusing since they only change �vault.opt".

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How to run AutoVAULT in test or demo mode

You can run AutoVAULT in Test Mode if you do not want it to update your TSM server. Since AutoVAULT will not actually change the status of your media when running in Test Mode, some of the report output will not be correct for multiple executions. But you will get a real feel for how easy it is to automate your vaulting, reporting, and disaster recovery with AutoVAULT.
To turn on test mode:

During Configuration, on the "Server Definition" configuration panel,

Check the box next to:  Run in READONLY, TEST, mode with no TSM updates

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Problem Resolution

Copypool volumes are skipped or excluded

Problem: Copypool volumes are skipped or excluded. Other media is successfully checked out, but all media from one or more copy pools are missing.

Resolution: If you are using DRM commands, then you may have restricted the copypools that DRM will vault. Run TSM command "Q DRMSTATUS" and note the value of "Copy Storage Pools". The default value is null which will include all copy pools. If you have changed the value, enter (set drmcopystgpool "") using double quotes for null which will include all copy pools. Use the following options if you want to limit your copy pool selection.
Set DRMCOPYstgpool <copy_pool_name>

Parameters

copy_pool_name (Required)
   Specifies the copy storage pool names. Separate multiple names with
   commas and no intervening spaces. You can use wildcard characters.
   The specified names replace any previous setting. If you enter a null
   string(""), all current names are removed, and all copy storage pools
   are eligible for processing. top

AutoVAULT is running too long.

Problem: AutoVAULT is running slowly and taking too long. Slow perforrmance.

Solution: If you are running a version before AutoVAULT v.3.3.5.7 please upgrade to the latest version by downloading the DEMO from the web site (it is a full version with your license key). http://www.coderelief.com/demoform.htm AutoVAULT's latest version has performance improvements for media check-out with SQL commands rewritten to minimize calls to DRMEDIA and MEDIA tables. If upgrading does not fix your performance problem, please contact support for additional instructions. top

Server crashed while running AutoVAULT

Problem: My server crashed while AutoVAULT was running. What should I do to restart it?

Answer: If you are running AutoVAULT version 3.2 or higher, it will checkpoint restart and recover from where your server crashed. Execute AutoVAULT again. You may see some duplicate tapes listed on your reports, but AutoVAULT will not miss any media that was vaulted prior to the failure. top

STK Library using ACSLS only ejects one tape at a time.

If you are using a STK Library with ACSLS, set the CAP mode to Auto. AutoVAULT ejects one tape per TSM MOVE or CHECKOUT command. top

Return Media screen is missing tape data.

Problem: The Return Media or Return Offsite Volumes screen is missing tape media that you know is offsite.

Solution: This is a known problem with AutoVAULT version 3.3.3. Upgrade to version 3.3.4 or newer to correct the problem. If you are running a different version of AutoVAULT, report the problem to technical support. top

TSM v5.5.5 Bug causing AutoVAULT issue

Problem: TSM v5.5.5 has a bug that causes problems in AutoVAULT. See APAR IC71586: http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg1IC71586

Solution: If you plan to use v5.5.5, please download the TSM v5.5.5.2 patch, which has been tested with AutoVAULT and corrects the SQL errors. http://ftp.software.ibm.com/storage/tivoli-storage-management/patches/

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AutoVAULT Demo and Running AutoVAULT in Test Mode

How can I run AutoVAULT in Test or Demo Mode?

You can now run AutoVAULT in Test Mode if you do not want it to update your TSM server. Since AutoVAULT will not actually change the status of your media when running in Test Mode, some of the report output will not be correct for multiple executions. But you will get a real feel for how easy it is to automate your vaulting, reporting, and disaster recovery with AutoVAULT. To turn on test mode:

During Configuration, on the "Server Definition" configuration panel,

Check the box next to:  Run in READONLY, TEST, mode with no TSM updates top

My AutoVAULT 45 day demo has expired. How can I reactivate it?

Please contact your reseller or Code Relief directly to purchase a license key to re-activate your license. If you are not ready to make a purchase decision because you didn�t get a good chance to test AutoVAULT during your 45 days, please email info@coderelief.com for a demo key extension. top

Upgrades

What is new in Version 3?

Click here to see newest features of version 3. top

What came in Version 2?

Click here to see version 2 features. top

Are there any considerations when upgrading from V2 to V3?

AutoVAULT can be upgraded from V2 to V3 with only minor changes. As with any AutoVALUT upgrade, you should run the configuration wizard for your TSM server instance. The wizard will safely make any necessary changes to your configuration settings.

- If you define more than one TSM server instance to AutoVAULT, then you MUST pass a parameter to the AutoVAULT executable (autovault.exe). If you execute manually, this parameter is supplied for you. If you execute AutoVAULT from a TSM or command script, then this will cause you an error. You should use the provided command file to execute your TSM server instance. Refer to section �Running or Scheduling AutoVAULT� in this manual for details.

- If you are using the QwikScan interface to pass files to external software, you will need to add the new return media file. Tapes brought onsite prematurely for an emergency onsite restore will be included in an interface filename beginning with �tapeon_restore�.

- If you decide to change between vaulting methods, you may see vaulting media on the first pull report. The two vaulting methods track media in different ways and the first execution with the new method will �catch up� and may vault some of your TSM database backup volumes again. top

Pricing

What does AutoVAULT cost?

AutoVAULT costs $3995.00 US per TSM server. This includes the first year of basic maintenance. Additional years of basic maintenance can be purchased for $600 per TSM server. There is a discount if you purchase multiple years of maintenance at one time.

AVTSML3 AutoVAULT for TSM with 1 Year Basic Maint. $3995.00 per TSM server in US dollars

AVTSBS1 1 Year Basic Maintenance $600.00

AVTSBS2 2 Years Basic Maintenance $1140.00 (5% discount)

AVTSBS3 3 Years Basic Maintenance $1620.00 (10% discount) top

How can I request a formal quote?

Please email info@coderelief.com and let us know what your quote should include. For example, 3 licenses of AutoVAULT with 2 additional years of basic maintenance for each license. Please also include name, company name, shipping and billing addresses in the email. top

Do you have academic pricing?

Yes, please email info@coderelief.com and request pricing. top

Still Need Help?

I have a pricing or maintenance question, how can I get answers?

Please email info@coderelief.com with any pricing or maintenance questions. top

I have a tech support question, how can I get help?

The fastest way is to send email with lots of details to support@coderelief.com. Include the TSM server and client version you are running, the AutoVAULT version, the operating system and version you are running, plus a very detailed description of the question or problem. top

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