Frequently Asked Questions about AutoVAULT

You can now run AutoVAULT3 in Test Mode if you do not want it to update your TSM server. Since AutoVAULT3 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 AutoVAULT3. 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

What version of TSM will AutoVAULT support?

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 Windows. It can be run on the TSM for Windows Server or from a remote Windows workstation or server. AutoVAULT has been tested with 2000 Pro, XP, 2000 Server, and 2003 Server. AutoVAULT will manage TSM servers running Windows, HP-UX, Solaris, Linux, or AIX. 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 is new in Version 3?

Click here to see newest features of version 3. top

What is new in Version 2?

Click here to see version 2 features. top

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. 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

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 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

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

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

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

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

How does AutoVAULT work with Storage Manager?

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 is not supported 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

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

Home | Features | Testimonials | Free Trial | Purchase | Support | News | Contact | FAQ

Phone: 1 (610) 926-2556 info@coderelief.com
All Servicemarks and Trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Copyright � 2008 Code Relief LLC