Open File Manager

Question

Hi,

I am having two Windows 2003 Ent. Ed servers in cluster and being used as file servers. They don't have any other application running except shared folders for different users.

I have installed Networker 7.3.2 server and I am having the open file manager license. I have also installed the OFM in the cluster nodes. When I checked the OFM doc I have seen that OFM can integrate with VSS.

Please advise whether I need to integrate VSS and OFM in this setup or only OFM will serve the purpose.
Also in the OFM doc, it tells about the configuration to be done on the server side and doesn't tell about Networker and its setting. Can anybody help with the relevent document relating both OFM and Networker ?

Thanks,
Shreejesh.

ble1 · Answer

OFM is not related to NetWorker so that's why nothing can be found in docs. I'm not aware of any white paper discussing these two together. In past I remember VSS from NW side and OFM on same client did cause nothing but trouble so you had to have only one (which makes sense). Now, if VSS and OFM can live together you must first check if this is VSS API used by OFM or by some other application like NW. If OFM then make sure to force VSS not to be used by NW.

shreejesh · Answer

'Open File Manager is a utility that helps the backup software capture files that are open, even if they are changing during the backup, without locking users out of the applications or forcing them to log off the network.' (From St. Bernard OFM Help Topics)How can this be achieved through NW ?

ble1 · Answer

With NW only you would use that by utilizing VSS.

With OFM you would use NetWorker as it is and no configuration changes would be required. When NW access the open data it would be closed from its perspective as OFM would make sure that any access to open file is served.

Of course, if you are after open files like databases in such case you should use NetWorker modules and options like VSS and OFM would not be required.

dpinink_silva · Answer

Integrate VSS and OFM is not a good idea. Altough OFM installs a OFM VSS Provider, the first thing support will tell you when you have a problem, is to disable it

For file servers, let OFM do it's work alone.

shreejesh · Answer

I have installed the OFM in the File servers. When I updated the open file manger license in the Newtorker Registrations, it is showing Volume Shadowcopy Service License. The procedure I followed is as follows:
1. Downloaded the OFM 9.4 from the Powerlink.
2. Installed the same in File servers. When it came to the serial no screen, I gave the serial no (with all hyphens mentioned) in the license paper from EMC. Still the product was showing trial version, going to expire on 27 Jan 2007.
3. Then I updated the serial no in licensing.emc.com. I got one enabler code and one auth code. When I updated the enabler code in Networker Server, it was showing Volume Shadowcopy Service Licence.

Please help me.

Thanks,
Shreejesh

amediratta · Answer

If I am correct, you mentioned in one of your posts earlier that you purchased Volume Shadow Copy licenses.

You cannot put OFM license in Networker. OFM license is a Serial No. to be entered in OFM console. When you are installing the OFM module, it asks for the Serial no. or takes one by default which works for 30 days.

You have a VSS license only.

shreejesh · Answer

But on the Paper License which I received from it is showing Open File Manager Client Server Windows, Netware.
Also when I updated the same in the OFM installed in the file servers it is showing trial version.

ble1 · Answer

It looks as you wish to use OFM and have licenses for VSS. If so and if you were clear during purchase phase contact sales again and tell them about mistake.

dpinink_silva · Answer

An ordinary Nw license should look like:

xxxxxx-xxxxxx-xxxxxx

An OFM license looks like:

xx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx

I really believe that they sent to you the wrong licenses. Or maybe the request was not clear about what did you want to use. Best thing is to contact you EMC sales rep and talk about this.

NetWorker

Open File Manager

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