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Opalis Robot User Manual

1. Log Log name Application v Cancel Help Triggered when a particular message is sentto the Windows NT Event Log by an application driver or the operating system Log name is the Windows NT Event Log to monitor Application Security or System You can define the filter Criteria with at least one of the following e EventID is D of the message e Source is the application that sends the message to the Event Log e Description contains string sent with the message that contains information specific to the event that occurred see below e Type Type of the message Error Warning Information Success Audit Failure Audit To trigger the Monitor Windows NT Event Log event on a particular message fill in the Event ID is field The message and event ID are available in the Event Detail screen of the Event Viewer Event Detail Date m1799 EventID 571 Time 255717 PM Source MNETLOGON User NA Type Information Computer SERWER Category None Description The partial synchronization request from the server ALPHA completed successtully 1 changes s has have been returned to the caller To look for this particular message enter 5711 in the EventID is field rather than The partial synchronization request from the server ALPHA completed successfully 1 changes s has have been returned to the caller To trigger the event on a specific part of the message enter a string in the D
2. Cancel Help Figure 4 Concept Page 11 Step 3 Create a task to backup the drive c Right click in the folder where you want to insert the task or select New in the Edit menu This opens the New Object dialog see Figure 3 Step 4 Select Opalis Robot Task and click New Awindow similar to Figure 5 now appears Step 5 Name the task Backup seems appropriate and select the type of task you want Program execution in this case Program is NTBackup exe and Parameters is cN Select Interactive in the Execution mode list You may leave the other fields empty Event T ask properties Exec Security Activity Options Mode Program execution C Command execution Program C WINNT systenGANTBACKUPEXE Optional parameter s Je Working directory Options Execution mode Interactive 7 Terminate after po Execution Figure 5 Step 6 Create a link between the event and the task Don t forget this last step Backup time Backup Click on the square at the right of the origin event or task Backup time When the square at the left of the destination task is highlighted release the mouse button i e drop That s it Step 7 Refresh the Opalis Robot configuration see Figure 6 To do so use the Apply Changes icon in the toolbar a Figure 6 That s all folks Congratulations Opalis Robot will backup yo
3. e when the option is set to Single execution only one instance of a given task can run at any time and if more than one instance ofa given task is started newer tasks are simply not executed i e they terminate without executing any work This choice may conflict with the use of dynamic data Events Event T ask properties Name No p M Inactive Type Monitor Windows NT service Service Activity Options After When event is triggered none y Message recipient Trigger option Take account of initial situatiore C Take account of next change cant tee In the After block you can set the event to send a message when it occurs The message can be sent to the Windows NT Event Log to the screen Popup message or to the Opalis Robot client The two latter options require a destination Input a computer or a user name Popup or a computer name OpalisRobot message If E you input he message will be sentto all computers ofthe domain For many events the Trigger option lets you decide how the event must act when the Service starts If the Take account of existing situation option is selected the event will be triggered if the monitored part of the system is in the tested state Otherwise the event will wait until the next state change to trigger Common Parameters Page 28 TASK OBJECTS Program Execution Task Task properties x Nam
4. Create report Compare Notes Trigger Object Service strings Started This object will execute the Apply Changes function on a local or remote Opalis Robot Service Apply Changes x Name No p T Inactive Properties Activity Options Apply Changes Computer name y E Cancel Help Any changes made active inactive settings for example to one or more objects will be saved once Apply Changes is performed Use the button to browse the network for systems running the Opalis Robot Service or just enter the computer name in the Computer name field Hints and Tips Applying changes to an Opalis Robot Service on a remote computer requires a Client License on the remote computer Refer to the chapter Opalis Robot Licensing Structure Apply Change Page 62 Create Report New Object xi Internet App Monitoring Paging Performance Monitor Statistics Zip General vance Advanced File Management as rn E ag a Link Adder Build task TextFile Task Enableor Apply Changes Disable le Trigger Object 5 With the Create report Task extensive reports in various text formats can be created Reports can be made for single or multiple objects folders or entire Opalis Robot configurations Name No fp T Inactive Properties Advanced Output Activity Options Objects Computer name y gt ES Cancel Help Use
5. No fp Type Counter Test y T Inactive Counter Test Advance d Activity Options Trigger M Trigger only when the threshold is passed The Trigger only when the threshold is passed option s behawor is as followed Selected Default if the counter s rule state is changed the Event is triggered Example imagine a counter with a value of 9 and the threshold rule if more than or equals 10 If the counter s value changes to 10 the Event is triggered If the counter s value then changes to 11 the Event is not triggered the threshold is not passed has not gone under 10 If the counter s value changes back to 9 nothing will happen it does not meet the threshold rule s requirements If the counter s value changes back to 10 or more the Event is triggered Not selected if the counter meets the rule s requirements the Event is triggered Example imagine a counter with a value of 9 and the threshold rule if more than or equals 10 If the counters value changes to 10 the Event is triggered If the counter s value then changes to 11 the Event is triggered again If the counter s value changes back to 9 nothing will happen it does not meet the threshold rule s requirements If the counter s value changes back to 10 or more the Event is triggered Statistical Test The other Monitor Counter Event type Statistical Test can be used to perform a statistical test on the value of all the counters belo
6. Trigger this task and switch to the Log view The log entry detail double click the log entry for this task will look similar to this Output File O Program Files Opalis 0 palisF Return Value 2 Parameters Volume in drive E has no label Volume Serial Number is 787 C 403F Directory of cr File Mot Found Note that the Return Value is 2 which means the file does not exist Create the file testtxt or rename an existing file and trigger the task again The log entry detail will show you LAL a 1 IS E M A I ISS Pons SL Loi Return value O Parameters Volume in drive C has no label Volume Serial Number ig 8 C 403F Directory of oc 041 39 04 55p 2 675 test tet 1 File s 2 675 bytes 243 975 680 bytes free Now the Return Value is 0 which means the file exists Opalis Robot can make decisions based on these return values by evaluating the links originating from a task Create two Send Message tasks which send a message to your computer or user name One task should have a message such as file found the other should have a message such as file not found Link the Program Execution task to both Send Message tasks oT A file found L Ba sp a cal direst a file not found Double click the link between the Program Execution task and the Send Message task which sends the file found message The Link properties window will open Link
7. button to display the list of installed Services and select the Service name required not supported on Windows 98 or Windows 95 Parameters passed to the program are sent to the Service when it starts Unlike the Windows NT Service manager the parameters are retained after execution of the task If the action is not performed during the Time allowed then the task is considered as failed Hints and Tips Ifa Service cannot start within 2 minutes default value Opalis Robot considers the Service not started Ifa Service has many dependencies it needs to start other Services before it can be started the Time allowed should be incremented Of course the same rule applies to stopping a Service as well Starting or stopping a Service requires Administrative privileges Make sure the Opalis Robot Service runs under an Administrative account Action on Windows NT Service Task Page 35 RAS Action Task Task properties Ed Name Noll Type Ras action y T Inactive RAS Connect Activity Options Type Connection Disconnection M Connection Phonebook Entry Name P Mif connection busy or failed Number of retries hi Interval between retries jo Cancel Help Establishes or releases a connection with a remote site using the Remote Access Service This Service must have been configured beforehand Connect to the Phonebook entry name as it appears in the Remote Access Serv
8. to evil and tk1 Duplicate object names are allowed but not recommended Object names are not case sensitive i e Test and test are the same Activity tab Event T ask properties Name Backup No 101000 Type Program execution M Inactive Exec Security Activity Options Occurs C Every day On days of template RA Gaston On days defined by Range Occurs first date time 10 15 97 06 27pm Occurs last date time 10 15 37 y 06 27pm Cancel Help The Activity tab lets you assign an activity template to a task or event This template can be one of the existing global templates the ones listed in the Activity Templates tab of the Service Options dialog or a custom one that will be attached to the current eventor task If you need to apply the same activity template to several objects itis better to create a global template For more details about activity templates read the Activity Templates section A firstand last date time can be set The object will never run before the first date time and never after the last date time Tasks Event T ask properties Name Backup No Type Program execution TF Inactive Exec Security Activity Options After If task succeed Send a message to the Event Log y Cn none Message recipient essage to the Event Loc Send a mess Send a popup m Send a messag e to the Ev
9. or print file s network problem insufficient rights or share not available Please note that return values are not taken into account when a task falls Hints and Tips Every task executed by the Opalis Robot Service is executed under the user account under which the Opalis Robot Service runs The File management task is no exception if a File management task keeps failing with Access Denied messages check if the user account used by the Opalis Robot Service has sufficient rights on the destination You should always use UNC format when specifying a shared drive or folder Mapped drives cannot be guaranteed to be available to the Opalis Robot Service File Management Task Page 32 Send E mail Task ae Sends e mail using Name Nol i i sea e SMTP any SMTP compliant mail server UNIX based Lotus cc Mail Novell GroupWise Microsoft Exchange etc en o MAP I Micros oft Mail 2 ConsoleBunner E mail Connect Activity Options Server Server type SMTP y e Exchange Microsoft Exchange servers Recipients Attachment To l l e The message can be text that you type in the Message textbox limited to 256 E characters or a text file Message Subiect Use the File name option to specify a plain text file The benefit of having a text Message text file as message text is that the message can be formatted File name ha Cancel Hep S
10. Name I Nol Type Monitor Disk Space y T Inactive Disk Space Activity Options Drive Drive fe Test Free space is less y than 25 E gt Test every so seconds Cancel Help Triggers the event when the disk space test meets the entered criteria When the eventis triggered once itis not triggered until the free space returns to a value that does not meet the criteria For example if the tested value is 25 of free disk space e Diskis 60 full nothing happens e Diskis 74 full nothing happens e Diskis 80 full the event is triggered e Disk is 85 full nothing happens because the level has not gone under the threshold e Diskis 60 full nothing happens e Disk is 85 full the eventis triggered because the level has gone under then over the threshold Hints and Tips The Monitor Disk Space event can be replaced by a Monitor Performance Counter event This event provides access to all Windows NT performance counters including Free Space For more information on the Monitor Performance Counter event refer to the Advanced Topics chapter The Monitor Disk Space event has two trigger options Select Options tab from the object properties Event properties x Name Nofi Type Monitor Disk Space z Inactive Disk Space Activity Options After When event is triggered HUNING Message recipient Trigger option e Take account of i
11. Nof Type Send e mail y T Inactive E mail Connect Activity Options Server Server type SMTP y Recipients Attachment To i admin myco a Fa M Eslifatachmentis missina Consolegunner Send mode Service Message Subject server message Message text C File name A coa e Instead of typing a message in the Message text field insert a dynamic data code by clicking the right mouse button Task properties Ea Name Nol Type Send e mail y Inactive E mail Connect Activity Options Serve Send mode TE Service Server type Consolesonner Recipients Attachment To r admin myco E Ej M Fail if attachment is missina Message Subject server message e Message text C File name 1 ndg Sut Gai Cancel Help The Insert code window will open Select the event you ve just created This will produce a list with available dynamic data Monitor Windows NT Event Log Event Page 47 Insert code Ea Computer name Origin user account Message that triggered the event Message event ID Message source name Trigger date in short format Trigger date in long format Active Objects Computer name Origin user account Message that triggered the event Message event ID Message source name Trigger date in short format Trigger date in long for
12. through the LAN the Internet or dial up connection through RAS In the Source section select the file list name one that you have already created In the Destination section enter the folder name and select whether you want to allow incoming transfers If allowed incoming transfers can be restricted to specific hours and days of the week If an incoming password is set this password will be required to setup the RDV Transfer task on the remote computer that will send files to the local computer In the Transfer Mode section select the RDV protocol mode or Direct Connection option Note If you choose the RDV protocol you need to configure the protocol settings in the service options prior to use the RDV Transfer task To configure these options go to Options Service click the Add ons tab and select Advanced File Management in the list Press the Configure button and input the settings in the tabs The RDVID is a unique string that identifies computers exchanging files through the RDV protocol The primary and secondary RDV servers can also be entered in this tab only the primary server is mandatory Please note that this task does not allow transfers to or from Opalis RendezVous To use the RDV protocol the destination computer must also have the Opalis Robot v3 6 service running with a unique serial number and product key The RDVID is the Opalis Robot serial number During the evaluation process unique
13. which tries to start the offending Service If this fails the offending Service could not be restarted the Restart Windows NT objectis triggered This object is a System restart task Here s the link properties for the link between Start Service and Restart Windows NT if Start Service pe yau D en Fl Occurs waue jo HER fo And Mone Then Restart Windows NT It reads If Start Service fails then Restart Windows NT Be sure to change the completes default value to fails otherwise the Windows NT system will restart every time the Service starts The process could be extended even further by adding task to notify the Administrator using on screen pop up messages e mail or even a make a phone call and ask for a confirmation before restarting the Windows NT system the last option requires the Opalis Robot Call Add on Call Admin Confirmation Restart Windows MT Hints and Tips If a Monitor Windows NT Service event is linked to an Action on Windows NT Service task it is recommended to enter a small delay in the link As Opalis Robot relies on Windows NT notifications it will get a notification the moment a Service is stopping If Opalis Robot then tries to restart the same Service it could produce an error because the Service might not be stopped at that moment To add a delay simply open a link s properties by double clicking the link Inactive ial Timeout
14. y T Inactive nable Object s Disable Object reset counter O De test Cancel Help Use the button to browse the network for systems running the Opalis Robot Service or just enter the computer name in the Computer name field Use the button to connect to the selected computer it will display all available objects including the hierarchy folder structure Use your mouse to select any of the checkboxes left of the object names Click OK when finished Upon execution of this Task all selected objects on the specified computer will be setto Active The other type Disable Object s sets objects Events or Tasks to Inactive on a local or remote Opalis Robot Service Use the button to browse the network for systems running the Opalis Robot Service or just enter the computer name in the Computer name field Use the button to connect to the selected computer it will display all available objects including the hierarchy folder structure Use your mouse to select any of the checkboxes left of the object names Click OK when finished Upon execution of this Task all selected objects on the specified computer will be set to Inactive Enable or Disable Page 61 Apply Change New Object xi Internet App Monitoring Paging Performance Monitor Statistics Zip General Advanced Advanced Eijeshbemeseme afa hed Link Adder File Task Enable ol Disable Y
15. License Three client licenses are included by default Additional client licenses are required if more than 3 entities applications or users need to trigger Opalis Robot objects remotely this includes coping or moving files to remote computers A Client License is a paper license and consists of a serial number and product key They are entered through the Opalis Robot user interface under Options Service Licensing Tab Note if you are using the Advanced File Management features and require Opalis Robot to copy move files to more than 3 computers you need to purchase additional client licenses If you are using the Internet Transfer option both the local and destination computers require a server license Please call Opalis for more information or to purchase licenses Service Options Eg General Add ons Licensing Activity Templates Closed Days License Build Add on 3 60 Internet Application Add on 3 60 Pager 3 60 x Serial number o Product Key License Type JE valuation Edition so Ifno serial number is entered the product will run in evaluation mode for 30 days License Structure Page 8 COMPONENTS Concept Tasks Tasks are the actions OpalisRobot performs Typically Opalis Robot will execute tasks in response to events to be introduced shortly You can run any program or system command from Opalis Robot Opalis Robot also offers numerous other built in tasks e file and direct
16. OEM options available please email to info opalis com Types Page 100 TROUBLESHOOTING Common Questions If OpalisRobot Fails to Start Please check the following points e Check recent error messages on the Windows NT Event Viewer See Messages e The server is running Windows NT version 3 5 or later e Contact us See Technical Support If OpalisRobot Runs in Evaluation Mode instead of Retail To be sure that the Opalis Robot license information is properly enter e Inthe Client connect to the server in administrator mode Select Options Service Licensing click on the Opalis Robot line and input the serial number and key If the key is correct there is no message when you click OK If the key is incorrect you get an error message e Restart the Service If You Cannot Connect to a Server Please check the following points e lf you re using Windows 95 check that Microsoft Remote Registry Services is installed on the system It is available on Windows 95 CD ROM folder Admin Nettools Remotereg e lf you re using Windows 98 check that Microsoft Remote Registry Services is installed on the system It is available on Windows 98 CD ROM folder tools reskit netadmin rem otereg You have sufficient rights to connect see the e Security section e Contact us See Technical Services lf a Task Does Not Start or Fails Please check the following points e OpalisRobot Services can be configured to e
17. RDV IDs can be requested by sending an e mail to info opalis com Page 83 Compress The Compress object compresses files from a selected file list It uses a PkZip poro o gt h OO compatible algorithm so you ll be able to view and extract files generated with this task using tools like PKZip or WinZip T Inactive Properties Activity Options Compress flee The Compress object is ideal for archiving files minimizing size for file transfer and adds ia 5 more security to replicated files o archive y O Compression level None X IP Write the archive name to this list Cancel Help Compress Page 84 Test if File Exists The Test If File Exists task simply checks whether a file exists If the file does not pro A en exist it fails If the file exists it completes successfully Modify the link properties to gj carr select which condition you want to test Test if file exists Activity Options m Test that this file exists File name PO E ad Cancel Help Test if File Exists Page 85 Delete File List Entries The Delete File List Entries task deletes entries files or folders from the selected file list It does not delete the list from the memory just the files or folders contained in Name fo o 0 i a je that list Type Delete File List Entries Tl Inactive Transfer properties Logging Activity Options From
18. Task To create modify tasks and events you use the Edit Eveni Task dialog box Figure 18 Event Task properties Name No p Type Program execution T Inactive Exec Activity Options Mote w task event name Program execution Command execution Execution NA NA Program fl Optional parameter s Working folder task event type configuration tabs Cancel Help Figure 18 The screen is divided into three parts in the Name field you enter the name of the task event Duplicate object names are allowed but not recommended The Type drop down list allows you to select a type of event task All the available types are listed in the Events and Tasks chapter with appropriate explanations Choose the Type of the event or task at creation time Please note that you cannot change it when modifying an object Tabs The last part of the screen is the configuration tabs They will adapt dynamically to the object type The directory explains how to configure those parameters The Properties tab holds the most common configuration option for the task event The other tabs hold specific or advanced options These options default to a safe value If you are not sure of the meaning of these options itis safer to leave the default settings You can see the internal number in the Properties tab of the object or in the title bar of the Edit Event Task
19. Type Monitor Process y Inactive Process Activity Options After When event is triggered Ida Trigger option Take account of initial situation C Take account of next change Cancel Help Trigger option e Take account of initial situation the Process state is compared to the Trigger when option the moment the event becomes active after an apply changes or when the Opalis Robot Service starts If they match the event is triggered e Take account of next change the Process state is compared to the Trigger when option the moment the event becomes active after an apply changes or when the Opalis Robot Service starts The event will not trigger until the Process state changes atleast once and matches the Trigger when option To monitor multiple instances of identical programs or commands they the executables should be copied and renamed so Opalis Robot can monitor them based on their name Monitor Process Event Page 50 Monitor Computer Event Event properties x Name Nol Type Monitor Computer y T Inactive Computer Activity Options Trigger when Computer is started Computer is stopped Computer name Test interval Test computer every secs 30 Test using Windows Network TCP IP Ping Computer Cancel Help Triggers the event when a computeris reachable or not The eventis triggered
20. Uncompress Activity Options Folder Archive name z C Mask or file name 0 Filter s Destination folder m Greate folders if does not exist If destination file exists Overwrite C Fail C Unique name Folder e Archive name Enter the path and name of the Zip archive The button will bring up a file browser e Mask or file name Use this field to enter a mask and are supported or file name e 6 Filter s Use the filter option to setup more complex filter rules e Destination folder Enter the path where the Zip archive s should be extracted The button will bring up a file browser e Create folders if does not exist Select this option if you want the Zip Add on to create sub folders in the folder specified in Destination folder lf destination file exists e QOvernite This option will overwrite existing files when Decompressing the Zip archive e Fail This option will skip files that already existin the Destination folder e Unique name This option will give a unique name to a file if the file name already exists in the Destination folder Zip Task Page 90 Test archive With this function Zip archives can be tested The Test archive function provides information about compression type level and possible errors All information will be entered in the Opalis Robot log Task properties Testarchive H Enter
21. and font size can be selected e aline wrapping value can be set after the specified number of characters a new line is created for the remaining characters of the line About filters e Filters can include wildcards the or character but not folder names e Order of filters is important the filters are evaluated from the top to the bottom As soon as a matching filter is encountered the file is taken or not depending on the nclude Exclude value When the file already exists in the destination directory Opalis Robot can e overwrite it and the old file is deleted e create a new file with a different file name Opalis Robot appends date time at the end of the file to create new unique filenames e fail Destination file date can be modified to the transfer date or keep its origin date default You can add a global filter based on file age expressed in days Because OpalisRobot appends date time at the end of filename to create new unique filenames the file system on the target machine must support long filenames This task has following return values File s successfully copied moved Y completed Number of file s successfully copied moved deleted renamed deleted renamed or printed or printed e a value greater than 0 No file s to copy move delete rename y completed 0 or print Unable to copy move delete rename x failed The task will fail if destination folder is not accessible i e
22. be found in the folder where Opalis Robot was installed a shortcut in the Windows taskbar is provided as well This utility returns 1 if execution was successful or O if an error occurred WinEvt3 can run in automatic mode it takes its parameters from the command line or in interactive mode where you type the event in a dialog box WinEvt3 also allows you to pass a parameter maximum length of 255 to an Interactive event Please note that you cannot trigger more than 333 events interactively with the evaluation version of Opalis Robot After triggering 333 events you must restart the Service to enable remote activation again Security To create a Windows NT Access to remote activation of events by WinEvt3 is reserved to users ofthe Opalis Robot group use the User Users Windows NT group if the latter exists on the server Manager program from Administrative Tools or If the group does not exist any network user can trigger events with WinEvt3 Therefore we click on the User recommend that you define the OpalisRobot Users group See the Security section Manager button of the toolbar When a user that does not belong to the Opalis Robot Users group triggers an event he receives an Access denied message Using WinEvt3 in Interactive Mode Type the OpalisRob ot Server and the Event name and click on the OK button Alternatively you can select the Event name in the list of events Note The list
23. can be done only on the computer that is performing the shutdown Wait Wait is a command line utility that simply waits a given time It can be found in the folder where Opalis Robot was installed Syntax of the wait utility is Wait lt number of seconds to wait gt Example Wait 30 will wait for 30 seconds The wait utility can be used to delay execution of commands within batch files GenEvi3 Page 57 ADVANCED OBJECTS Link Adder To combine more than two events or tasks you can use a Link Adder object The Link Adder can be found under Advanced in the New Object window New Object Ea Internet App Monitoring Paging Performance Monitor Statistics Zip General vance Advanced File Management A mm a af a Build task TextFile Task Enableor Apply Changes Disable le Below are two example uses of Link Adders o Backup A ee PS a E ae Trigger time ES A batch program ES Last task is Another batch program The resulting task Last task will be started when the three tasks Backup A batch program and Another batch program will be completed Trigger time A Backup a a a A batch program ra Last task H nun a Yat User request Another batch program The resulting task Last task will be started when Backup completes and one of Abatch program or Another batch program also completes This example shows
24. contains only Interactive events configured on the Opalis Robot server You can use the optional Parameter field to transfer an additional parameter that will be transferred to other tasks as a replacement code Using WinEvt3 in Automatic Mode All information for activation is passed from the command line When using WinEvt3 in Automatic Mode any object can be triggered any event or task based on their name WinEvt3 executes the activation and returns 1 if the execution was successful or 0 if an error occurred Syntax of WinEvt3 command line is e WINEVT3 Runs WinEvt3 in interactive mode e WINEVT3 S server_ name Runs WinEvt3 in interactive mode with server_name in the OpalisRobot Server field e WINEVT3 S server_name E event_name Runs WinEvt3 in automatic mode to activate event event_name On Server server name e WINEVT3 S server_name E event_name P parameter Runs WinEvt3 in automatic mode to activate event event_name on server server_name with parameter as the event parameter Note the order of the qualifiers must be respected and no spaces should be added between tokens Hints and Tips Triggering Opalis Robot objects on a remote computer running the Opalis Robot Service requires a Client License on the remote computer Refer to the chapter Opalis Robot Licensing Structure WinEvt3 Page 56 GenEvt3 GenEvt3 is a command line remote activation utility It lets you remotely trigger events or tasks from a Win
25. dialog in modification mode This number is used in replacement codes i e when you want to share data between tasks See Using Replacement Codes in Tasks File names for files located on network drives must be expressed into UNC notation Dialog Boxes Page 22 UNC is short for Universal The UNC notation is independent of drive names and used for files located on network drives Naming Convention UNC file names are in the following format computer_name share_nameldirectory file name When you input a password you must confirm it in the field at the right Edit Link Simple Links You need to create the To create a link proceed as described in the Five Minute Guide chapter task s and or the event s To modify the options of a link simply double click on it This brings up the Edit Link dialog before creating the link Properties jf Backup aap Completes le Yall T Inactive Timeout secs Wait before triggering task secs fo coca 10 If list e When the origin object of a link is an event the only choice is that the event occurred e When the origin object of a link is a task the flist can contains two different set of items e Ifthe task returns a numeric value when it completes the list has the following items Completes select this item if you want to launch the resulting task when the origin task completes successfully Fails select this item if you want t
26. e The log status will output the log status running completed or failed e The log detail will output the detailed log information e The start date will output the date amp time on which the object was triggered e The end date will output the date amp time on which the object execution completed Create Report Page 63 The Output tab is used to specify the output file name and format Name l No fp T Inactive Properties Advanced Output Activity Options r Destination Report file name N If the report file already exists Overwrite O Fail Append Create a file with a unique name m File format Format csv Delimited y emiten I Insert a line with column titles Cancel Help Use the to bring up a file browser or enter the path and name in the Report file name field If the report file already exists options e Overwrite will replace an existing output file e Append will append the new output file to an existing output file e Fail will not create a new output file if one with the same name exists e Create a file with a unique name will create a new output file with a unique name using following format name YearMonthDayHourMinuteSecondMillisecond extension where name amp extension are the same as entered in Report file name File format options CSV Delimited the report will be stored as plain text with all values separated by
27. in the toolbar the Windows NT system e the most recently connected servers in the Service menu where the OpalisRobot Service is running The Server Viewwindow displays the configuration of the server you are connected to Please note that you can connect to several servers atthe same time each with its own server view The Server Viewwindow can be opened in user low privileges or administrator full privileges mode See the security section in the Advanced chapter for more details Server View The Server View is divided into three parts Figure 15 e onthe left the Folder Tree e inthe center the graph view of objects e onthe right the Properties panel amp OpalisRobot 3 Service Edit Object Options Window Help 74 OF 90 IJa 09 The Folder Tree is used to manage folders When you click on a folder the graph view displays the objects contained in PP n this folder if any Using the right click popup menu or Objects menu you can create or rename folders Using Drag n Drop you can move folders to another location You can hide or show this panel using the popup menu The graph view of objects is used to manage objects contained in the selected folder You can move objects within or outside of the folder using Drag n Drop You can add or delete objects and folders using menus or shortcuts essages Figure 15 The Properties panel displays a summary of the selected object configuration You can h
28. itis by the run time value of the given data You can use dynamic data codes in all character fields of the configuration of tasks If there are several instances of the same code say several new files the given task will be launched once for each instance of the data Ifa task uses several dynamic data codes from different events or tasks and if any one particular piece of information is missing the task is not launched Viewing the result of the Process files automatically Wizard is a good way to learn how to use dynamic data Dynamic data Page 92 String Manipulation Functions OpalisRobot s string manipulation functions can be used to extract parts of a dynamic data code You can use these functions in all character fields Instr Instr function and arguments are replaced by the position of the first occurrence of one string within another Syntax Instr string1 string2 String expression being searched String2 String expression sought If string2 is not found the function and arguments are replaced by 0 If string2 is found within string1 the function and arguments are replaced by the position at which match is found Right Right function and arguments are replaced by a specified number of characters from the right side of a string Syntax Right string length String String expression from which the rightmost characters are returned If string is empty the function and arguments are replaced by an empty s
29. list named y Delete same named files from the destination directory only Destination folder c B Output FF Write the list of completed files A Write the list of failed files to 2 Cancel Hep Delete File List Entries Page 86 INTERNET APPLICATION MONITORING TAB Monitor Test Internet Application Objects The Monitor Internet Application and the Test Internet Application objects work General Advanced Advanced File Management Internet App Monitoring Paging Performance Monitoring Statistics Zip the same way The only difference is that the Monitor Object has an additional Sa Ih Frequency field that allows you to select how frequently the test will be done o aos The other difference is that the Test object features a Custom application type oS cra that lets you test any Internet application even if it s not included in the Application task event predefined tests When you create a Monitor Internet Application event or a Test Internet Application task you first select the type of application you wish to test There is cnt Heb 5 predefined Internet applications you can monitor using the add on Internet Connectivity x Name No p T Inactive Properties Activity Options Web HTTP y i sz e Connection Server name or address T Port number if not default Connection timeout Jj Frequency fi 0 se
30. managing file lists transferring files or manipulating files Each object offers scheduling logging and the ability to trigger another object based on the return value or completion status of the object The add on includes 7 tasks e File List Management create load save merge compare file lists e File Transfer copy or move the files contained in a list e Delete File List delete files or folders contained in a list e Folder Management create or delete folders e Internet Transfer transfer files contained in a list using the RDV protocol e Compress compress files from a list into a zip archive file e Testif File Exists checks if a file exists Advanced File Management Objects Page 79 File List Management In order to use the file transfer tasks provided with the add on itis important to understand what a file list is and how it works Afile listis a named list of files Name No fp Type Create File List y T Inactive Create File List ee a Note A file list does not contain the actual files i e the data but their name and path as well as information like their size timestamp attributes a security checksum Create File Lis Load File List Create List Save File List List Propg Compare Lists Merge File Lists Ms File lists are memory objects existing during the context of a specific Opalis Robot job Poco When the job a sequence of tasks linked together ends the file
31. properties Properties If ditest gt Completes y oe Completes Value Fails Completes or fails And None Returns h Returns more than Value Returns less than Returns a value between Then file found Does not return Options P Inactive P dimeout secs o Wait before triggering task secs o cora ue Select Returns from the drop down list Value fo Way o And ion HA Occurs y vale fo Mary o Then file found M Program Execution Task Page 30 The Link properties window now reads If dirtest returns 0 then file found Modify the link between the Program Execution task and the Send Message task which sends the file not found message This time select Returns and change the value from 0 default to 2 Retu mso EG SS file found O O A dirtest Returm 2 s file not found Apply changes If the Program Execution task is triggered and the file is available you Il geta message file found If not a message file notfound will display To automate this process we could add a Date Time event which is triggered every 5 seconds Type Date Time Date Time Activity Options Periodicity C At 12 00am C Every o hours i minute alas fo minute i At time siices within theh Every 5 seconds If we link the Date Time event to the program execution task we have automated this process no 11 a _
32. restarts the Opalis Robot Service This command can be used to validate changes in Service Options This function is not available on Windows 98 and 95 Print Prints the content of the currently selected object lt opens a dialog box where you can choose the printer number of copies print to a file change the printing font and choose precisely the object or list of objects you want to print Exit terminates the Opalis Robot Client Please note that any connected Opalis Robot Service if started continues to operate To stop the Service use the Start Stop command or the Windows NT Control Panel Edit Menu Cut Ctrl g Copy Ctrl C este Str Fy Delete Select All Ctrl Purge lez Cut copies the selected object s to the clipboard and removes them from the current configuration Copy copies the selected object s to the clipboard without removing them from the current configuration Paste copies the object s stored in the clipboard to the current configuration Delete removes the selected object s from the current configuration Select Allselects all objects and folder of the currently selected folder Purge log erases all entries of the log currently displayed Menus Page 19 Objects Menu New Ctrl N New Folder Shift Ctrl N Modify v Active Trigger Ctrl T Show Properties v Show Folder Tree New brings up the New Object dialog box used to create new objects New Folder creates a new fold
33. text entry field Again you can insert Dynamic Data instead of typing a string The matches the following pattern and does not match the following pattern operators accept and as wildcards The Case sensitive test option can be enabled to make each string comparison case sensitive By default the Compare strings object returns 1 if true and 0 if false This may be customized by using the Task return value option Compare Strings Page 65 Notes Object New Object Xx Internet App Monitoring Paging Performance Monitor Statistics Zip General Advanced Advanced File Management Link Adder Build task TextFile Task Enableor Apply Changes isable A abc Create report Compare Notes Trigger Object Service strings Started The Notes objectis neither a Task nor an Event lt acts as a convenient way to add notes comments remarks etc to Opalis Robot automated solutions The Notes objects has no configuration other than a text entry field The text that has been entered becomes visible when e modifying the notes object e enabling the Properties panel Notes Object Page 66 Trigger Object New Object xi Internet App Monitoring Paging Performance Monitor Statistics Zip General vance Advanced File Management as rn E ag a Link Adder Build task TextFile Task Enableor Apply Changes otes Trigger Object Started The Trigger Object T
34. the button to browse the network for systems running the Opalis Robot Service or just enter the computer name in the Computer name field Use the button to connect to the selected computer it will display all available objects including the hierarchy folder structure Use your mouse to select any of the checkboxes left of the object names The report will be generated for the selected objects only The Advanced tab is used to select the time frame for which the report needs to be created and which types of information to include in the report Name No fp T Inactive Properties Advanced Output Activity Options Report tasks e Executed during 0 day s 0 hours the last 10 minute s 0 second s C Evecuted between 2 24 99 m Insert in this report IV The name of the object s I The log detail IV The number of the objects T The start date IV The log status TT The end date Cancel Help Report tasks options e Executed during the last here a period in days hours minutes or even seconds can be set e Executed between here you can seta period between calendar dates and 24 hour time periods Insert in this report options e The name ofthe object s will output the name of the object as it appears in the Opalis Robot Client Interface e The number of the object s will output the object number as it appears in Object properties top right hand corner
35. the same but some functions are not available on Windows 98 and 95 because they are part of the advanced Windows NT API such as restarting the Service remotely System Requirements Page 6 Installation When inserting the Opalis CD ROM an HTML menu should be presented From here the software can be installed Opalis products are installed by executing the self extracting ZIP files The default installation path is C Program Files Opalis Opalis Robot Refer to the README TXT on the CD ROM for more information on files and their locations You must have administrative rights on the computer on which you are installing Opalis Robot If you run the setup program from a Windows 98 or 95 computer you can only install the Client program From a Windows NT system you have three choices e Clientand Service e Client only e Remote Installation choose this option to install the Opalis Robot Service on another Windows NT computer it will also work locally if you wish to install just the Service You must have administrative rights on the remote computer Note the installation does not require a reboot you can start to work with Opalis Robot immediately after the installation Account Used for the Service The installation program allows customization of the account used by the Opalis Robot Services It is possible to ignore this feature and run the Services under the local system account context However you must modify this account t
36. time dF Second batch Drag the cursor from the square at the right of the other origin object to the square in the middle of the simple link you just created Link Options Timeout the system must receive the two objects in at most Time outseconds Example Alink is waiting for event1 and eveni2 to trigger task1 with a time out of 30 seconds event pa Fi Se Copy of task Fd task fog event event The order in which events occur is not important The configuration on the left has the same behavior as the one on the right The link properties 7imeout option allows you to specify the time out in seconds When the system receives an event e g event2 it starts waiting for the other event in this case event If event2 occurs again it is ignored If event1 is not triggered within 30 seconds the system will wait again for the two events to occur In other words the two events will have to occur within a new 30 seconds period so that the task can be launched Options FP Inactive V Timeout secs 30 F Wait before triggering task secs o Links enable you to express any conditions between events and tasks You can combine links to go beyond the simple If eventi And event2 Then task1 sequence Multiple Link Creation Page 14 OpalisRobot is a Service The Opalis Robot automation engine runs as a Windows NT 2000 Service Services
37. to a server This process takes place when the Opalis Robot Client detects new or upgraded Add ons Checking the status of installed and required program extensions is done when the Connecting after you pressed the Connect button in the Connect To dialog window Is displayed right Checking Add on wWizard dll If you do not want this auto installation to be done check the Disable Add on auto installation option If you do so please note that you will not be able to use the Client side functionality offered by Add ons unless you install the required program extensions in the client computer The auto installation frees the network administrator from installing the Client portion of an Add on in all the computers where the Opalis Robot Client is installed For example if there is one server and 25 client computers the Add on has to be installed once on the server and that s all If this function is disabled the network administrator will have to install 25 times the Client portion of the Add on SDK Software Development Kit Add on The Add on SDK lets you develop your own Opalis Robot Add ons This is a powerful way to write server based applications or simply to extend the functionality of Opalis Robot An evaluation version of the Add on SDK is available on our web site at http Wwww opalis com For more information about the Add on SDK please contact your Opalis reseller For more information about
38. triggered Hints and Tips Triggering Opalis Robot objects on a remote computer running the Opalis Robot Service requires a Client License on the remote computer Refer to the chapter Opalis Robot Licensing Structure Service Started Page 68 Service Started After Reboot New Object Xx Internet App Monitoring Paging Performance Monitor Statistics Zip General Advanced Advanced File Management Create report Compare Notes Trigger Object Service strings Started Started after cont 10 The Service Started after Reboot event is triggered when the Opalis Robot Service is started within 10 minutes after a system reboot You can use this eventto continue or start an automation sequence after a system reboot Service Started After Reboot Page 69 PAGING TAB Send to Pager New Object Xx General Advance d Paging Pert ormance Monitoring Statistics Zip The send to Pager task requires a modem supported by Windows NT to be installed on the system running the Opalis Robot service co Ca T Inactive Message Connection Activity Options Recipient Country Phone number PIN Passwon af Message The Send to Pager task provides paging capabilities to Opalis Robot It can send alphanumeric messages to paging services supporting the TAP protocol they almost all do and numeric messages to paging services supporting DTMF sequences only To confi
39. when a modification of the state is detected The computer is tested for availability every Test computer every seconds The minimum test interval is 5 seconds When testing using TCP IP Ping input the TCP IP name or IP address of the computer When testing using Windows Network layers input the Windows or NetBIOS name of the computer Hints and Tips The Monitor Computer event has two trigger options Select Options tab from the object properties Event properties x Name No 0 Type Monitor Computer v Inactive Computer Activity Options After When event is triggered none Message recipient Trigger option e Take account of initial situation C Take account of next change Cancel Help Trigger option e Take account of initial situation default the network state of the computer is compared to the Trigger when option the moment the event becomes active after an apply changes or when the Opalis Robot Service starts If they match the event is triggered e Take account of next change the network state of the computer is compared to the Trigger when option the moment the event becomes active after an apply changes or when the Opalis Robot Service starts The event will not trigger until the network state of the computer changes atleast once and matches the Trigger when option Monitor Computer Event Page 51 Monitor Disk Space Event
40. you will choose to compare different snapshots of a folder in order to know what files to transfer or to delete The task can create the list of new or modified files of deleted files of files with modified attributes or security or the list of unchanged files The timestamp is used to determine differences in a file Add File to List This task adds a single file to a list The actual file is not added to the list but its name timestamp size attributes etc Publish List This task publishes the contents of the selected list through dynamic data For more information on dynamic data please read the Dynamic Data section Subtract List This task removes content from a list into another lt outputs a list with the entries that were removed and a list of entries that were not found Compare 2 Sites This task compares two similar folders on two different locations different folders or different computers and generates all the necessary to do file lists in order to replicate changes that occurred in the folders The Conflicts Tab inside this object provides optional lists that will receive the name of conflicting files Possible conflicts are Files updates on both sites or Files updated on one site and deleted on the other one The resolution of conflicts depends on the intended application it can be saving the files from one site and updating it with the ones of the other alerting the administrator for a manual update etc
41. 7 file found every 5 secs dirtest Di E EG file not found Every 5 seconds the Program Execution task will be triggered Depending on the result a Send Message task will be triggered Use of mapped drives is Aprocess like this could be used to determine the existence of a specific file on a remote not recommended as computer connected to the Windows NT network in this case a path in UNC format would be they cannot be entered instead of a local path guaranteed to be available to the OpalisRobot Service Hints and tips Not all programs or command produce return values Testfor return values by creating a situation where you know the result will be good Launch the program or command using the Program Execution task and check the return value in the OpalisRobot log Then create a situation where you know the resultis bad Again launch the program or command using the Program Execution task and check the return value in the Opalis Robot log lf the return values are different then Opalis Robot can use them to make decisions Ifa task fails return values are not taken into account However you can make decisions if a task fails A batch file will only produce a return value for the last program or command executed Split your batch file into different Program Execution tasks to evaluate other return values Some programs or commands wait for user input If such programs or commands are launched by Opalis Robot they wi
42. 94 U UNC 22 W Wait 56 Windows NT Event Viewer 96 WinEvt 55 Page 106
43. An Add on can add new events and tasks to Opalis Robot it can add wizards to the New Object dialog modify the Opalis Robot Client program by adding menus buttons and dialogs etc Visit www opalis com for information about the Add ons available for Opalis Robot You can also develop your own Add on using the Opalis Robot Add on SDK See Add on SDK section later in this chapter You can view the name and properties of the Add on installed in several places depending on what they do Installed Add ons Service Add ons If the Add on adds functionality to the Opalis Robot Service for example new events and tasks itis listed in the Add ons and Licensing tabs of the Options Service dialog If the Add on has Service side options you can view or modify them using the Configure button If the Add on does not have such options the button is disabled To view a short description of what the Add on is doing click on its name in the list General Add ons Licensing Activity Templates Closed D ays General Add ons Licensing Activity Templates Closed Days OpalisRobot3 360 Dpalishiohots EAS License Advanced File Management 1 00 _ iid Add i Pnn a f sa o Internet Application Add on 3 60 Internet Application Add on 3 60 er 360 a Pager 3 60 haba la Serial number o Product Key License Type Evaluation Edition Description Advanced File Management with file lists processi
44. File List Management Page 80 File Transfer Objects Advanced File Management Add on Tl Inactive Ye el From list named Destination folder Output FF Write the list of completed files J Write the list of failed files to Copy to multiple recipients Cancel Help Copy Security NOTE The Copy and Move functions require client licenses To determine the number of client license you require count the number of destination computers you are transferring files to Once a client license has been allocated to a destination computer you cannot reuse that client license in another file flow Copy File s Copy files from a specified list to another destination Move File s Move files from a specified list to another destination Note both Copy File s and Move File s items have unique name fail and overwrite options as well as the ability to copy attributes and security information Copy the security of specified files only Copy Attributes Copy the attributes of specified files only Copy to Multiple Recipients Copy files to several destinations The destination folders whether local or remote must be listed one per line in a text file Remote folders must use the UNC notation server shared folder sub folders Note Opalis Robot comes with 3 client licenses This means it will only copy to 3 destinations assuming the client licenses are not being use
45. If this error occurs more than 3 times per day warn the Network Administrator on his mobile telephone If this product is out of stock more than 2 times per month inform the Purchase Department via e mail The Statistics Add on also provides features to modify collected statistical data see Obviously this enables you to create even more powerful automated processes Example If this product is out of stock more than 2 times per month increase the amount of products ordered from the manufacturer by 10 and inform the Purchase Department of the fact that they should negotiate a better price Configuration Counters are defined globally for the Opalis Robot Service To configure the Statistics Add on go to Options Service Add ons Description Let you create manipulate and do statistical tests on counters and groups of counters Close Help Select the Statistics Add on and click Configure Statistics AddOn service options Counters Groups r Counters Counter definition Name Add Default value fo Remove IV Save counter values when the service is stopped Counters Name Enter the name of your counter here Default value a numeric value can be entered here It will be used as initial value The Save counter values when the Service is stopped option can be set for each counter individually It will store all counter values so they will not be lost t
46. OpalisRobot User s Manual Opalis Robot version 3 60 Copyright c Opalis 1995 2000 All rights reserved Information in this document is subject to change without notice Rev 1 Opalis is a registered trademark of Opalis Group b v Microsoft and MS are registered trademarks and Windows and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation Other products and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders Contact information Head Office Opalis Software Inc Tel 416 253 9383 833 Oxford Street 2nd floor Fax 416 253 7646 Toronto ON M8Z 5X4 Toll free 1 888 OPALIS1 Canada European Office Opalis Software B V Tel 31 79 346 2910 Engelandlaan180 Fax 31 79 346 2911 Zoetermeer 2711 DW The Netherlands Opalis website www opalis com Technical Services 1 416 253 1750 Support opalis com General information info opalis com TABLE OF CONTENTS OPALISROBOT 9 A at rc lee E alee acerca ease tennis aaiannaen ee lana ae 5 SS A ea et cet enn O E ee eer ere eee te eee 6 sell Eto y A Pr O RO ON 7 IGGHS eo TUCU Oaa A T OEO 8 COMPONENTS 9 CONC OT aaraa ck E AE O EA EEE EAA E 9 MIDI MSc alo Sad 14 Opals RODOS a Sonica atadas dao 15 FreMOLe PONS TAUON airada a O a 16 A AAA A A 17 MENUS no cine 19 MET A r a E neta eeuaea maradodedanae a ate ha aaeedetetnateas 22 COMMON Parameters a esc ae a eae idiota 27 TASK OBJECTS 29 Program EXeCunon TaS Kaori sr rea 29 As a A A E 32 A ON 33
47. Otherwise the list contains the log entries of the task that are located in the currently selected folder of the Folder Tree lf the Show alerts option is checked the list will also contain alerts Alerts keep you aware of general problems or incorrect execution of events In the Priority list you can select what type of log entries you want to view By default all log entries are displayed To set the log priority of a task use the Log priority option of the Options tab of the task configuration Messages Window Messages olx Firm Date Time Type Stus al amp y MIB 10 16 97 3 05 05 Warming Unread amp MIB 10 16 97 3 05 07 Warming Unread MIB 10 16 97 3 06 05 Information Unread OD MIB 10 16 97 3 06 06 Information Unread MIB 10 16 97 3 06 08 Information Unread RED_NOTE 10 16 97 3 06 22 Information y Service OpalisRobot has started Figure 17 This messaging system is OpalisRobot supports a proprietary network messaging system The Opalis Robot Client must based on mail slots be running to receive Opalis Robot messages In this respect Opalis Robot messages work like Therefore it will not go Network messages WinPopup though routers unless you use a Virtual Private Users can send messages using the Send Message dialog Please refer to the Send Network VPN Message dialog section for more information Unlike logs messages are not archived i e all messages are deleted when yo
48. Popup program for Windows computers or the Messenger Service for Windows NT must be running in order to receive messages Type in the User Computer name field to send the message to all users in the work group You can enter a computer or a user name e OpalisRobot Sends Message as an Opalis Robot message to all or one computer on the network The message is displayed on the Messages window of the Opalis Robot Client You can choose the Message type on the list Error and Administration messages can generate a sound on the Opalis Robot Client The message type is for information only Type in the User field to send the message to all computers in the work group e Windows NT Event Log Sends Message to the Windows NT Application Log e You can choose the severity of the message Information Warning or Error Note depending on the application it can be easier to use the After option of the previous task in the job instead of this task Send Message Task Page 34 Action on Windows NT Service Task Task properties Ed Name Nof Type Action on Windows NT Service y T Inactive Service Activity Options Action Start service Pause service Stop service Service name E Parameter s Time allowed for completion Time allowed mir 2 Execution Cancel Help Starts stops or pauses the Windows NT Service identified by Service name Use the
49. QL errors that occur during execution are written into the Windows NT transactions in the same Event Viewer file Note If you would like output to be returned use ISQL with a Program execution type task The output file created by Opalis Robot will contain all the lines returned by file queries Database Execution Task Page 38 System Restart Task Name Nof Type System restart y T Inactive Restart Activity Options Display Message text Options G Wi AnG With delay force applications to close Raat fo With delay do not force applications to close Cancel Help Shuts down the system with automatic reboot Message to be displayed will be displayed on the Windows NT systems screen when the system shuts down Restart options are e Delay force applications to close after the delay e Delay do not force application to close after the delay Delay is expressed in seconds with a minimum of 30 seconds You can send a general message to inform users that a system shutdown is imminent with a Send Message type task For safety reasons if the task is started less than ten minutes after a reboot it will wait one additional minute before initiating the system shutdown Hints and Tips You can abort the system shutdown by running the StopShut exe utility which can be found in the folder where Opalis Robot was installed System Restart Task Page 39 Ping Co
50. Senda Wes Sade Tas Music to e Aa E TA a a Aaa AEE OAO 34 Action on Windows NT Service Task a 35 RASA CIOM Las anio o ais 36 Database ExXeCCUUOM Tas Causas a da alee stvadudanesddlcambuaeuvasteidddasPridintamshiaduani ies 37 System Resta Tas 39 FINO Computer Tasa td tacatiad 40 MagerOpalls OB ect asa aci 41 EVENT OBJECTS 42 DAG MOE VOM a a aci 42 Monitor File System EVEN sssaaa e A ida 43 Monitor Windows NT Service EVent ccccccccecececeeeecee acces eens eee ee eee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeaee esse eseeeeeeeeeneseeaeseeaesesaeaesees 44 MONITOR WVINGOWS IN TE VENTHOG E VENI cst aan e do 46 Monitor Database EVEN ura iii 49 MONO RETO CO O EVON a Sid 50 Montoro Mp EVE tes triada da dadas 51 Monitor DISK Space EVEN atexivest a E O Acabada 52 Mtera cive EVON Durst e nee edn eb epee eden ae ie pdt hese aa cut ese dtd ph ee ain 53 UTILITIES 55 SNMP rap Ae Cire Clon yuri ana Arona O anew eines mead dra 55 CONS GIO UNIN GN ir RA nes 55 A ekg gh eh ial A E ll Ral Lana els ha Rae laa 56 Gener a A A A ena 57 o ee OnE ee Mn erp eee Oe ene mre Parner ne mre enna Mere eT 57 Wicd lectin Mandated a A Aa a a 57 ADVANCED OBJECTS 58 E o AA A A A A ves ucenendarednauee 58 A EE NOUR Ree ee AUNT OTe eRe ee ty Rae 59 MBS PLUS lS E aa RR CRTR LS 60 p lee IS AIO APP A q a ee ye eicede A A 61 API GN AN AS AS Ad 62 Credite FG DOM aiiiai E AE E EEE a E E AE 63 Compare SUNG Sse ee apt A a A A ae ens tute ins 65 Notes OD SC cg lh Ge A ASS A A esi ant wt eae aeh ana
51. T client must be installed before you can use OpalisRobot SQL contains a client kit Server functions The Microsoft Windows NT SQL Client can connect to Microsoft or Sybase Please call your Microsoft databases or Sybase dealer if you would like more The purchase of Opalis Robot does notinclude any SQL Server client licenses information about SQL Server licenses If you use TCP IP sockets to connect to the SQL Server the name to input in the Server field in the Edit event task screen is the name set up in the SQL Client configuration utility program in the SQL Server for Windows NT group MS Mail The MS Mail user input in the task configuration must exist when the task is executed The OpalisRobot Interface program does not check that this user exists at the time of the input Because of MS Mail for Windows NT development kit availability the Simple MAPI interface is used to send MS Mail letters Experience shows that sending several mails simultaneously can cause errors The use of ConsoleRunner is recommended when you want to send E mails using MAPI When setting up an MS Exchange task input the profile name in the user name field The profile must exist in the configuration of the account assigned to the Service External configuration Page 98 ADD ONS Types An Opalis Robot Add on is a file that resides in the Opalis Robot folder and that extends the Opalis Robot Service and or Client
52. a comma TAB Delimited the report will be stored as plain text with all values separated bya tab Custom Delimited the report will be stored as plain text with all values separated by a user definable separator Use the delimiter field to enter any character as separator Insert a line with column titles option this option inserts column titles as first line of the output file Create Report Page 64 Compare Strings New Object xi Internet App Monitoring Paging Performance Monitor Statistics Zip General vance Advanced File Management as rn E ag a Link Adder Build task TextFile Task Enableor Apply Changes Disable le Trigger Object 5 The Compare strings task is a logical operator that can be used to compare strings Strings can be Dynamic Data produced as a result of a database query or file management task Name l No p T Inactive Properties Activity Options Comparison Test that lis equal to y Case sensitive test m Task return value If test is true the task returns fi If test is false the task returns fo Cancel Help Enter the string to be tested in the Testtha entry field Use the right mouse button to enter Dynamic Data The available logical operators are e is equal to e is different than e matches the following pattern e does not match the following pattern Enter the string to be compared to in the bottom
53. a ee taadiors 101 MESSI Si A a a eae 103 Fecnnical SenMCeS nease a ent o a ole 104 EValla On VO OM aae a a a rl e aos 105 INDEX 106 OPALISROBOT Overview Opalis Robot is a comprehensive system management and automation solution It delivers real time monitoring notification corrective action and event driven job scheduling to provide administrators with proactive management over Windows NT and Windows 2000 environments Opalis Robot provides in depth monitoring of system resources such as applications processes services Internet applications SNMP Traps event logs disk space performance counters file systems and more lt acts as a 24 7 watch dog to detect and address system malfunctions maximizing server availabilityand performance Advanced notification and alerting features via standard communication channels enable immediate response to system malfunctions Opalis Robot delivers user defined corrective actions and multiple methods of notification to detect and fix problems that can result in downtime The robust job scheduling engine improves productivity by automating routine tasks and multi step job sequences lt delivers the sophisticated parallel scheduling capabilities necessary to automate complex IT processes saving administrators time while lowering Total Cost of Ownership Opalis Robot offers a single solution to automate virtually any network administrative task The unique combination of job scheduling monitoring
54. applications Most applications have a way of executing a command or program including a parameter MS Office applications through Visual Basic Databases Oracle SQL etc or network management applications By making use of the WinEvi3 or GenEvt3 utilities and Interactive events these applications can be made to communicate with automated processes running on Opalis Robot Example Information from an Interactive event can be passed on to another task using dynamic data Create an Interactive event and link this to a Send Message task Instead of typing a message in the Message text field insert a dynamic data code by clicking the right mouse button Name Nofi Type Send Message y Inactive Message Activity Options Type Severity On screen popup nomatan C OpalisRobot Client Weaning Windows NT Event Log Error User or computer name mycomputer Message Select Cancel The Insert code window will open Select the Interactive event you ve just created This will produce a list with available dynamic data Interactive Event Page 53 Insert code Trigger date in short format Trigger date in long format Day of trigger Month of trigger Year of trigger Hour of trigger Trigger date in short format Trigger date in long format Day of trigger Month of trigger Year of trigger Hour of trigger Task properties Send Message m o
55. are background processes that normally run without a console Services do not necessarily run under the user logged in the system In fact Services can run even when no user is logged into the system They can also be configured to be started automatically when the system boots default configuration Starting or stopping Like all other Windows NT Services OpalisRobot can be started stopped and configured from Windows NT Services the Services applet of the Control Panel see requires administrative Figure 10 privileges Control Panel Services Figure 10 Close Start Stop Service Status Startup Manual Network DDE DSDM Manual Manual Manual Started Automatic OpalisR obotAdministrator Started Automatic Plug and Play Started Automatic Remote Access Autodial Manager Manual Remote Access Connection Manager Started Manual y Hw Profiles Startup Parameters Help Figure 11 The Startup button brings up the Service dialog box Figure 12 From the Service dialog box you can control the behavior of your Service atsystem startup AWindows NT Service can either e start automatically when the system boots e wait until you manually start it either from the Start button with the net star command or with an Action on NT Service OpalisRobot task Service x Service DpalisRobot3 r Startup Type Automatic C Manual Disabled m Lo
56. ask that will compare the current state and previous state lists and generate a list of the new and modified files called new modified files e aFile Managementtask that will transfer the files of the new modified files list to the destination folder In order to implementa retry mechanism the failed files will be sent to a list called failed files e a Save Listtask that will save the current state list to the file previous bin This way next time the job is launched the current state will be taken as the previous situation and only the new modified files will be transferred Note to prevent the job to transfer all the files the first time itis launched you can create a Create List task directly linked to a Save List task These two tasks would list the files and save them inside the previous bin file so that the file be present the first time the job is launched and only transfers the files that have been created or modified since the execution of this two task job Folder Management Page 82 Internet Transfer Internet Transfer task Eg Name l No E T Inactive Properties Transfer options Loaging Activity Options Source Copy the files from this pa Destination Folder Incoming password m Transfer mode Use RDY protocol RADY ID Establish direct connection Host name or IP address Port number Cancel Help Service Opt
57. ask allows you to trigger objects on a local or remote Opalis Robot Service Trigger object x Name No fo T Inactive Properties Activity Options Objects Computer name y ef Parameter Cancel Help With this Task objects Events or Tasks on a local or remote Opalis Robot Service can be set to Active Type Enable Object s Use the button to browse the network for systems running the Opalis Robot Service or just enter the computer name in the Computer name field Use the button to connect to the selected computer it will display all available objects including the hierarchy folder structure Use your mouse to select any of the checkboxes left of the object names Click OK when finished Upon execution of this Task all selected objects on the specified computer will be setto Active The other type Disable Object s sets objects Events or Tasks to Inactive on a local or remote Opalis Robot Service Use the button to browse the network for systems running the Opalis Robot Service or just enter the computer name in the Computer name field Use the button to connect to the selected computer it will display all available objects including the hierarchy folder structure Use your mouse to select any of the checkboxes left ofthe object names Click OK when finished Upon execution of this Task all selected objects on the specified
58. code that identifies the type of the data Each event or task publishes data that can be of use for the following tasks For example all events and tasks publish information about the time at which they were triggered File management events and tasks publish information about the file they manage name folder size Service management tasks publish information about the Service they manage name status and so on To inserta dynamic data code use the right button of the mouse when the cursor is in a character field of the configuration of a task and select Insert code This opens the Insert code dialog Dynamic data codes x Active objects Event T ask properties Name Done Nof1391000 T Inactive end Message i l ie de Interactive event Monitor Incoming folder Message Activity Options Type On screen popup C OpalisRobot Administrator C Windows NT Event Log Severity Information User Computer name Insert code Ctrl l Message Don 7 file extension file name no path file name UNC format cama eo In this upper list of the Insert code dialog click on the event or task from which you want to use dynamic data Then select in the lower list of the dialog the type of dynamic data that you wantto use and click OK Aspecial code is then inserted in the configuration field of the task This code will be replaced where
59. computer will be set to Inactive Trigger Object Page 67 Service Started New Object xi Internet App Monitoring Paging Performance Monitor Statistics Zip General Advanced Advanced File Management Link Adder Build task TextFile Task Enableor Apply Changes isable abc abc Create report Compare Notes Trigger Object Service strings Started The Service Started eventis triggered when the Opalis Robot Service is started You can use this event to start or continue an automation sequence as soon as the Opalis Robot Service starts Name No p T Inactive Properties Activity Options Objects Computer name CLONE_Y 7 L O16 Event Log 2 06 Telephony Management 6 Alpha Processes H 0 Proxy Processes GG SSE_Server Processes Reboot Confirmation SSE_Server Start RAS Confirmation OS Stop RAS Confirmation Os 1 Goto Main menu M s 1 Stop RAS on SSE Server zi Parameter A Cancel Help Use the button to browse the network for systems running the Opalis Robot Service or just enter the computer name in the Computer name field Use the button to connect to the selected computer it will display all available objects including the hierarchy folder structure Use your mouse to select any of the checkboxes left of the object names Click OK when finished Upon execution of this Task all selected objects on the specified computer will be
60. cond s Test every fi 20 second s Cancel Help Web HTTP protocol The testis done by requesting the default page of the Web server Enter the server name or IP address and the IP port if its not the default one 80 for the HTTP protocol Outgoing Mail SMTP protocol The testis done by connecting to the IP port of the mail server Enter the server name or IP address and the IP port if it s not the default one 25 for the SMTP protocol Additionally a message can be sent to verify that the SMTP relay works This test doesn t check that the mail goes through to the destination e mail address this can be done using the Opalis Robot E mail Add on visit www opalis com for more information Incoming Mail POP protocol The testis done by connecting to the IP port of the mail server Enter the server name or IP address and the IP port if it s not the default one 110 for the POP protocol Additionally a connection can be done to verify that a specific mailbox can be accessed This test doesn t read messages waiting in the mailbox this can be done using the Opalis Robot E mail Add on visit www opalis com for more information FTP The testis done by connecting to the IP port of the mail server Enter the server name or IP address and the IP port if it s not the default one 21 for the FTP protocol Additionally a connection can be done to verify that a specific account can be logged on This test doesn t exchange any fil
61. cons arranges window icons The last items in the menu list all opened windows Selecting one of these items will bring the corresponding window to the front Menus Page 20 Help Menu CA Opalishobot Under the Index menu item is listed the name of installed Add ons Select one of them to access the corresponding help About displays version copyright and other information about Opalis Robot and any installed Add ons Popup Menus Context sensitive popup menus are displayed on the Configuration Tree when you click on the right button of the mouse on objects Menus Page 21 Dialog Boxes Send Message Send Message x To jai y Type Administration Message Y El Clear Close Help Messages are only The Send Message dialog boxsends messages through Opalis Robot proprietary received on those message protocol The messages are prompted in the Messages window ofthe computers that are Opalis Robot client running the client You can send To a particular computer in the network or to all computers including yourself You can send messages of different tyoes Information Warning Error and Administration The Message type is informative only Please refer to the Messages Window section for a more complete discussion of OpalisRobot messages Depending on Client settings a sound can be played when Error or Administration messages are received see the Client Options dialog Edit Event
62. d any user input or if the program runs in character mode e Background low priority if the program does not need any user input or ifthe program runs in character mode The program Is started at a lower priority e Interactive only ifthe program interacts with the user this option is not recommended because itis possible to interfere with the execution of the program on the system console e Launched by ConsoleRunner this option is for programs that cannot be launched by a Service such as some MS Office VB programs or 16 bit applications that require shared memory When the task has been triggered Opalis Robot passes information about it to the ConsoleRunner utility that launches the program In order to launch the task itis mandatory for ConsoleRunner to be running on the system console when the task is triggered ConsoleRunner must be launched manually or at logon time using the Startup folder Example Return Values When the Program Execution task completes it produces a return value Return values can be used to make decisions To find out if a file is available or not you could use the return values of the dir command Create a Program Execution task set Mode to Command execution and type dir c test txt as the command You can change c test bt to something else of course Mode i Program execution i Command execution Euarulin Command di ciest but Program Execution Task Page 29
63. d by another function such as remote administration If you wish to open distribution privileges to more computers you will need more client licenses Please contact your Opalis dealer for more information File Transfer Objects Page 81 Folder Management o_O Create Folder z T Inactive Allows you to create new folders or to delete a folder and or its contents Properties Logging Activity Options Create a folder J Delete Folder The Delete Folder task has 3 delete options delete if empty delete empty sub folders and delete files and sub folders Use caution when using the third option as there is no undelete option Create folder Create folder Delete folder Replicate tree Replicate Tree Replicates an entire file list to a specified location Cancel Help Examples Periodically transfer new or modified files To setup this solution use a Date time event or a Monitor File system event to trigger the job If you use a Monitor File system event make sure you enter no filter and select the No History option This will avoid the history to be kept in memory After this starting point create the following task e a Create List task that will create a snapshot of the folder that contains the file to transfer inside a list named current State e aLoad List task that will load a file named previous bin inside a list named previous state e aCompare List t
64. dows 95 Windows 98 or Windows NT computer Opalis Robot objects can be triggered based on their name or object number GenEvt3 can be found in the folder where Opalis Robot was installed Syntax of the GenEvt3 command line utility is GenEvt3 ComputerName Event_or_task_name_or_number Parameter Examples e GenEvi3 101033 e triggers task No 101033 on the local computer e GenEvi3 Job 1 123 e triggers Job_1 on the local computer with parameter 1 2 3 e GenEvt3 TheServer Job_1 e triggers Job_1 on computer TheServer e GenEvt3 TheServer First Job e triggers First Job on computer TheServer e GenEvt3WTheServer Job_1 c Output e triggers Job_1 on computer TheServer with parameter c Output Hints and Tips Triggering Opalis Robot objects on a remote computer running the Opalis Robot Service requires a Client License on the remote computer Refer to the chapter Opalis Robot Licensing Structure StopShut StopShutis a utility that interrupts the system shutdown during the countdown preceding it Aminimum countdown of 30 seconds always occurs when the System Restart is used System Shutdown This system is shutting down Please save all 3 work in progress and log off Any unsaved changes will be lost This shutdown was initiated by MYCOMPANY Admin Time before shutdown 00 00 30 Message To stop the current system shutdown run StopShut exe from the folder where Opalis Robot was installed This
65. e DNS There two possible tests Either checking a specific server and the accuracy of its results by checking that a specific name query returns a specific IP address or checking that the default DNS is accessible on a port different than the default one 53 for the DNS protocol Monitor Test Internet Application Objects Page 87 Custom test Acustom testis a set of actions that allow you to test any Internet protocol or application You add actions to the list by clicking the Add or the Insert buttons Actions are Open Port opens a connection to the specified server on the specified IP port Send Data sends the specified data If the data is not a text or if it s too big save it inside the file and click the Send data from file option Receive Data receives data from the other end of the connection If the data has to be tested or used on a subsequent Opalis Robot task check the Publish as dynamic data option and select the generic slot that will be used for the data You can also save the data inside a file and decide on what the task should do if the file already exists Close Port closes the IP connection This is usually the last step of the test Hints on how to implementa test Start by creating a Date time event that you link to the first task implementing your test The Date time event will contain the frequency of your test e g every 5 minutes When you have added the action that is receiving the data that you wan
66. e Noli Type Program execution y Inactive Exec Activity Options Mode Program execution C Command execution Program EJE Parameter s Working folder E Options 7 Execution mode Background normal priority y Terminate after Execution minutes Cancel Help Executes the Program with optional Parameter s on the command line The program can be a batch file or any executable that Windows NT can launch DOS Windows 16 bit Windows 32 bit etc If the file is a batch or command file you can edit it by clicking on the E button at the right of the field You can use the Ifthe Command execution mode is chosen the command line is passed to the Windows NT Command mode to run command interpreter CMD EXE We recommend using this option for executing bat or cmd programs However it is files not recommended since it uses more system Working directory starts the program in a different working directory By default the working resources directory is the program directory After Terminate after minutes the program is terminated In this case the task is considered as Failed We recommend that you use this option carefully because a clean exit is not performed and DLLs loaded by the program are not unloaded which can lead graphical programs to hazardous graphical behavior on the console Program execution mode e Background normal priority if the program does not nee
67. e groups Monitor Counter New Object x ene Advanced Advanced File Management Intemet App Mooring Paging Performance Monitor Statistics Zip Monitor Modi Counter Counter The Monitor Counter Event can be used to test the value of one or multiple counters using threshold rules Counter Test The default window Type Counter Test looks like this Statistics AddOn Event x Name No fp Type Counter Test y T Inactive Counter Test Advanced Activity Options m Test that Counter System Restart Counter y lis different than y is lower than or equals is more than is more than or equals Cancel Help Monitor Counter Page 75 Use the drop down list to define a threshold rule Following rules are available e Is different then e Is equal to e Is lower than e Is lower than or equals to e Is more than e Is more than or equals to Enter a value in the numeric entry field on the right side of the drop down list Click Add to enable the rule Itis possible to create multiple rules Just select another Counter select a rule seta threshold value and click Add AND logic applies for multiple rules entered This means all rules have to be true meet the rule s requirements at the same time for the Event to trigger The behavior of the Counter Test can be altered using the Advanced tab Statistics AddOn Event Name
68. e root folder is checked only new folders can be created in the root folder You cannot add any new event tasks or links in the root folder only in other folders Notify Confirmation Messages When checked Opalis Robot asks for a confirmation before executing major commands You should leave it to Checked until you become familiar with Opalis Robot The Play Sound options control whether a sound is emitted or not when Error or Administration messages are received by the Messages window Sound allows you to change the sound from the default system beep to any WAV file Add ons This tab lists the client Add ons installed and their respective version If the selected Add on has client side options the Configure button is enabled and you can use it to access the configuration dialog of the Add on Dialog Boxes Page 26 Common Parameters Events amp Tasks The Inactive option is common to all tasks and events It is used to deactivate the object without deleting it When it is turned on the object won tbe used e Event the event will not be triggered in fact the condition is not tested at all When inactive the event won t start any task e Task the task won t start even if an event triggers it Asimple event link task chain won t work unless all three objects are active The length of names is limited to 60 characters You should use explicit names For example prefer cheap rate and connection
69. egular days options but is marked as Inactive in the Exceptional days list then this day will be skipped Example Ajob that should run every Monday with the first of December 1 1997 a Monday marked as inactive the job will not run during this day If the day should not be active thanks to the Regular days settings but is marked as Active in the Exceptional days list then the job will run during this day Example Ajob that should run every Monday with the first of December 2 1997 a Tuesday marked as active the job will run during this day The hour range is evaluated at the end No matter what time itis a job will not run if the dayis not activated by the Days settings Dialog Boxes Page 25 Client Options General Notify Add ons Startup IV Reconnect to previous session servers FP Refresh views every f J secs IV Hide parent folder T Only folders are allowed in the root folder Display i Cancel Help General Check Reconnect to Previous Session Servers if you want the client at startup to automatically reconnect to the servers that were opened at the end of the previous session f Refresh views every is checked the current folder or log is refreshed at the interval specified in seconds f Hide parent folder is checked the Parent folder icon that displays the parent folder when you double click on it is not displayed in folders If Only folders are allowed in th
70. emoved you can safely delete it If you want to keep it you can leave it where itis As soon as the Add on is re installed again the object will be displayed again as an Add on event or task However take care not to keep it in a middle of a job because the Service will not run it and all tasks located after it in the job chain will also not be run If You Cannot Obtain the Results You Want Please contact us We will be pleased to help you set up whatever you want to do We have all the experience and knowledge that you need Please do not hesitate to let us know about your problems regardless of whether you are a novice an experienced user or in the process of evaluating Opalis Robot See Technical Services Common Questions Page 102 Messages The messages described in this section may occur in the Opalis Robot Client or in the Event Viewer OpalisRobot Client Messages The message number is located in the title of the message window OpalisRobot Service Messages The Event Viewer is Opalis Robot Service messages are sent to the Application section of the Windows NT Event located in the Viewer Administrative Tools group You can also click The message number is displayed between square brackets at the beginning of the text on its toolbar button message for example 173 Task Log Messages When a task fails to execute an explanation of the failure is added in parenthesis in the task execution status Messages Beginn
71. ent All trigger options apply to files within the filter configuration No history By default the event keeps a record of the files that triggered it in order not to trigger a second time for the same file If the eventis setto trigger each time a file is modified and if no filter is set the No history option can be checked to prevent this behavior If the No history option is set the event will not record what files triggered it thus any activity in the folder will trigger it Wait delay This eventis triggered Wait delay seconds after Opalis Robot detects the last creation copy on this file unless a new update occurs When it receives a notification from the file system Opalis Robot waits Wait delay seconds before triggering the event If Opalis Robot receives another notification during that delay it will wait again for Wait delay seconds before triggering the event This is very handy for large files folders or for those applications like FTP which first create an empty file and later copy data to it If the Wait delay value is set to 0 those applications would trigger two or more events per file Do not use very large wait delays in folders that are frequently accessed Typically 5 seconds is enough for files smaller than 1 MB To find the correct value carry tests on a loaded machine Start with a small delay 0 or 1 second and increase the delay until there s only one event triggered per file copy Monitor FileSystem Event Pa
72. ent essage e to the OpalisA IF task fails Message recipient Execution mode Multitask Parallel execution Cancel Help In the After block you can setthe task to send a message after it completes and or fails The message can be sent to the Windows NT Event Log to the screen Popup message or to the Opalis Robot client The two latter options require a destination Input a computer or a user name Popup or a computer name Opalis Robot message If you input the message will be sentto all computers of the domain Common Parameters Page 27 The Log Priority option controls the level of importance given to the task in the log Please refer to the Log and alerts section for more details about how to view the Opalis Robot log If No log is selected the execution of the task will not generate any trace in the Opalis Robot log The Multitask mode option controls the multitasking behavior of multiple instances of a task i e how a task behaves if another task of the same name is running when it is started e when the option is set to Parallel execution default several tasks with the same name can run concurrently e when the option is set to Queued execution only one instance of a given task can run at any time If more than one instance of a given task is started they are serialized Atask must wait for the completion of the running task before executing
73. equests it Itis useful for programs that do not run properly when launched by a Windows NT Service such as some VB programs MS Office or 16 bit applications that need to access shared memory When the task has been triggered Opalis Robot Service informs the ConsoleRunner utility which then executes the task In order to launch the task itis mandatory for ConsoleRunner to be running on the system console when the task is triggered To be sure that ConsoleRunner is always running you may want to add its shortcut in the Startup group of the user usually logged on the system console You can also use the Auto Logon function of Windows NT For more details about the Auto Logon feature consult Microsoft Knowledge Base article No Q97597 How to Enable Automatic Logon in Windows NT and Q114615 Bypassing Automatic Logon in Windows NT To protect the logged session against unwanted manipulation itis possible to lock the console pressing Ctrl Alt Del then Enter or to use a password protected screen saver NOTE When a program is running in ConsoleRunner mode is not possible to use Dynamic Data SNMP TrapRedirector Page 55 WinEvt3 Opalis WinE vt 3 0 e x OpalisRobot Server Event name y Parameter Opalis WinE vt 3 0 o OK Close WinEvt3 is a graphical remote activation utility It lets you remotely trigger Interactive events from a Windows 95 Windows 98 or Windows NT computer It can
74. er in the current folder or the root if no folder is selected in the Folder Tree Modify brings up a dialog to modify the configuration of the selected object Active indicates whether or not the selected object is active or not Trigger asks the Service to launch the selected task or to simulate that the selected event has occurred Show Properties toggles on or off the display of the Properties panel Show Folder Tree toggles on or off the display of the Folder Tree Options Menu Service Log filter gt Client Service brings up a dialog box to edit the Service side options of installed modules Log Filter sets filtering options for the log Depending on which items are checked Tasks that are Completed Failed Interrupted Running are displayed in the log Client brings up a dialog box to edit the client side options of installed modules Windows Menu Refresh F5 Toolbar Send Message Clear Messages Cascade Tile Horizontal Tile Vertical Arrange Icons 1 Messages Y 2 OpalisRobot red_note The Refreshcommand updates the content of the selected folder or log by requesting new data from the server Toolbar if checked the Toolbar is visible Send Message brings up a dialog to type and send an Opalis Robot message Clear Messages empties the Messages window Cascade cascades windows Tile Horizontal tiles windows horizontally Tile Vertical tiles windows vertically Arrange I
75. ermissions command How it works When the key does not exist the user has access in administrator mode If the key exists the access depends on how the user can open the key If the access assigned to the user account is e Full control the server window of the Opalis Robot Client is opened in administrator mode e Read the server window ofthe Opalis Robot Client is opened in user mode e ifthe user is not listed or nota member of any authorized Windows NT group the access is denied Summary To access Opalis Robot in administrator mode a user must have e Access to the Opalis Robot Security key with Full control access if it exists e Either a Read Write access to the hidden share of the drive on which the Opalis Robot Service is installed or to the Opalis Robot3 folder using a share named Opalis Robot e To remotely trigger events and tasks the user must also have the right to use the remote activation see next section To access Opalis Robot in user mode a user must have e Access to the Security registry key the key MUST exist e Either a Read access to the hidden share of the drive on which the Opalis Robot Service is installed or to the Opalis Robot3 folder using a share named Opalis Robot e To remotely trigger interactive events the user must also have the right to use the remote activation see next section Security Information Page 96 Remote Activation The remote activatio
76. erties this opens the Edit Build dialog In this dialog you have to select the compiler that you want to use which is defined in the Service Options see the previous point This is also where you select the project to be compiled and add additional parameters Hints for Microsoft Visual C users In the Project Path enter or select the project you want to compile the dsw file In the Parameters box enter make MyProject Win32 Release to compile the Win32 Release target of MyProject If you want the build task to perform a Rebuild All add REBUILD to the parameters The program to add in the Service Options is C Program Files Microsoft Visual Studio Common MSDev98 Bin MSDEV EXE in this example C Program Files Microsoft Visual Studio is the folder where Microsoft Visual C is installed Build Task Page 59 Text File Task New Object Xx Internet App Monitoring Paging Performance Monitor Statistics Zip General Ad Advanced File Management as Link Adder Build task Q Text File Task able or Apply Changes isable Trigger Object 5 Text File Nemes Ne PO n m Append line on a ppe e insert line File M El Line o Replace Life number Cancel Help The task has 5 functions e Insertline Inserts the entered line at the beginning of the file e Append line Appends the entered line at the end of the file e Read line Reads the line who
77. es 66 Tage ODECE aen kaaseakenanatae ii 67 So gt Glo Rb fed A nr Meant Mi ReGen ae ger reer tT et ait at RNC eres arene ae ee Meee cr ey 68 Service Started Aner AeDOO te ctcr tet ctcodt oot usehssannc su ae feb ttn denne aaa aaa a aaa a iri ahi 69 PAGING TAB 70 SM LL AAA ea wes gta all Late ne rakes ele BA ace Biersack eaten O IN 70 PERFORMANCE MONITORING TAB 71 MontorPerormmance GO UMICN seart se Sac ceievetieak aitouin dead iain auceciieia adic E E E E 71 STATISTICS TAB 74 MONIO O UM erat as AA ads 74 MOGITY COUNG rare eer A A EEA a EAE E 78 ADVANCED FILE MANAGEMENT TAB 79 Advanced File Managem ent ODJECIS sses tern ee E e EEEE ATA Ee RAIDER 79 FISELS Manage MO arana AAE RAE AEA adas 80 FIS TW AUS TET SOO Sita ASA AA sS 81 Foder Managemen carrera E 82 MEHMET IAN SICK erien nia A soto 83 COMDICS SpA AA AAN 84 LESTIE EXMSIS si a 85 pelele FIS LIS ENN Sd NA 86 INTERNET APPLICATION MONITORING TAB 87 Moniton Test Internet Application OD CCIS cunado 87 ZIP TAB 89 AN VAS AA A an A eee eee 89 DYNAMIC DATA 92 Dinamic data naaa A A ad 92 SNO Manipulat n FUNCION Suisse AAA 93 Triggering Events or Tasks from External Programs ococococccccncncnononocococononononononononononononononnnnnnnnnrorannnncananos 95 SECURITY 96 a A o emery eer Teen eer rer freee 96 EXIST eal CO UMA OM asda csi te erate AAA AAA AA AAA eer A 98 ADD ONS 99 A A ames eaten S thal EAEE D EA A acca EAE EE N nated 99 TROUBLESHOOTING 101 COMMON QUESTIONS si e e
78. es above A practical application could be Check if the number of unexpected returned values of a set of task is acceptable or not Say you make a lot of queries in a database You want to verify that they don t return an unexpected value more than an average 10 times per day Define a counter to count the number of unexpected values returned by a task Make a link from a database execution task to a counter task incrementing your counter Condition on the link is return lt 0 Create one counter for each of your database execution tasks Define a group called UnexpectedValues and make all those counters member of this group Now define your statistical test event as If more than 10 of counter from group UnexpectedValues have values more than 10 send an e mail to the administrator by e Adding rule more than 10 in Counter Test tab that will be applied to every counter of the group e Selecting UnexpectedValues group in the statistic Test tab and adding rule If more than 10 Monitor Counter Page 77 Modify Counter New Object Xx Advanced File Management Padigg Performance Monitor Statistics Zip The Modify Counter Task can be used to Increment Decrement and Set the value of a Counter The default window Type Modify Counter looks like this Statistics AddOn Task x Name No p Type Modify counter y T Inactive Modify Activity Option
79. escription contains field e To trigger the event when a message comes from SQL Server input SQLServer in the Source is field e To trigger the event when message number 17555 comes from SQL Server input SQLServer on the Source is field and 17555 in the Event ID is field e To trigger the event when message number 17555 comes from SQL Server and is about NT_SERVER computer input SQLServer on the Source is field 17555 in the Event ID is field and NT_SERVER in the Description contains field Monitor Windows NT Event Log Event Page 46 Example Automated Event Log Notification Wouldn tit be great if your Windows NT systems would notify you automatically when certain messages appear in the Event Log Opalis Robot can easily be configured to automate such processes Imagine you re interested in errors from the Windows NT Operating system If such errors occur you d like to receive the error messages via e mail automatically of course Create a Monitor Windows NT Event Log event Name Nof Type Monitor Windows NT Event log y TF Inactive Event Log Activity Options Criteria I Event ID is fi T Source is I Description contains V Type Eror y Log Log name IU 7 mea e Select Type Error and Log name system Now the event will trigger when new errors appear in the Windows NT System Log Now create a Send e mail task to send an e mail to your e mail address Name
80. g On As C System Account T Allow Service to Interact with Desktop This Account Administrator El Password Confirm Password Figure 12 We recommend that you You can also change the user account of the Service from the same dialog This allows you to do not run OpalisRobot fine tune the security of the Service The Service will never be able to bypass the rights of its under the system account user account but rather under an administrative account OpalisRobotis a Service Page 15 Remote Administration One of the most convenient features of Opalis Robot is that you can manage the Opalis Robot Service remotely The Opalis Robot Client program and the Opalis Robot Service work in true client server fashion OpalisRobot consists of two separate programs e the OpalisRobot Service the core of Opalis Robot functionality e the Opalis Robot Client used to view or modify the Opalis Robot Service configuration The Opalis Robot Service makes full use of Windows NT 2000 multitasking capabilities Most objects are implemented in the form of threads of the Opalis Robot Service allowing it to carry out many different actions simultaneously The Opalis Robot Service consumes practically no system resources for its internal operation Threads are synchronized by means of special system objects that guarantee security robustness and low consumption of resources The Opalis Robot Service runs regardless of whethe
81. g up a file browser Include sub folders Select this option if you want sub folders to be scanned for files as well The Zip Add on will include the sub folder information in the archive Mask or file name Use this field to enter a mask and are supported or file name Example xls will only add files with the xls extension to the archive Page 89 e Filter s Use the filter option to create more complex filter rules Example in cases you wish to include all files with the xls extension except 97 xIs e Archive name Enter the path and name of the Zip archive The button will bring up a file browser If no path is given i e only a filename the Zip Add on cannot create the archive Compression options The Zip Add on supports 4 compression levels None Low Medium default value High If you only need to create an archive without compression select the None option Because the files are not compressed this is also the fastest option If you need maximum level of compression select the High option This is the slowest method of compression but achieves the smallest possible Zip archive For general use the Medium option will give the best speed compression ratio Decompress archive With this function you can Decompress one or more Zip archives to a specified folder Name No fo Type Uncompress archive y Inactive
82. ge 43 Monitor Windows NT Service Event Name n This eventis triggered when the watched Service is started stopped or paused e onitor Windows ervice Me Inactive i i i O EE a Use the button to display the list of installed Services and select the Service ane Options name required not supported on Windows 98 or Windows 95 Trigger when Itis not possible to test a Service state on a remote Windows NT system Service is started Service is stopped or paused Service The Service state is checked every Test Interval seconds The minimum test Service name ES interval is 5 seconds Test interval Test service every secs so Example Mission Critical Applications The Monitor Windows NT Service event does not use any system resources making itideal to monitor mission critical applications If a Service fails Opalis Robot would detect this immediately and could take any cos tro action necessary such as restarting the Service or even restart the Windows NT system Such a process could look like this ik Fails a O Me 00D Ea a Start Service Restart Windows NT The Watch Service object which is a Monitor Windows NT Service event monitors an application to see whether itis stopped or not If the Service stops the Watch Service object is triggered If this occurs the Start Service object is triggered This is an Action on Windows NT Service task
83. gure the task e Inthe Message tab enter the information necessary to connect to the paging service as well as the message you want to send e Inthe Connection tab you may change the protocol settings and select which modem you want to use for the connection to the service Hints e When using the DTMF protocol you can add one or two commas the without the quotes to add a delay between the pick up of the line by the paging service and the sending of the Message You add these commas at the beginning of the Message field e Depending on the DTMF service you are using you may need to add a sign without the quotes at the end of the Message field Send to Pager Page 70 PERFORMANCE MONITORING TAB Monitor Performance Counter New Object Xx General Advanced Advanced File Management Internet App Monitoring Paging Performance Monitor Statistics Zip Monitor Performance Counter cont 10 With this event you have the tools for measuring the performance of a local computer the computer running the Opalis Robot Service On a Windows NT system you can view the behavior of objects such as processors memory cache threads and processes Each of these objects has an associated set of counters that provide information about device usage queue lengths delays and information used to measure throughput and internal congestion For more information on Windows NT Performance Monitor refe
84. haracter position in string at which the part to be taken begins If startis greater than the number of characters in string the function and arguments are replaced by an empty string Length Number of characters to return lf there are fewer than length characters in the text the function and arguments are replaced by all characters from the start position to the end of the string Len The Len function return the number of characters in a supplied string Syntax Len string ing expression for which the length is sought If string is empty the function returns zero Example A good example of a string manipulation function in use can be found in the Execute commands received by e mail wizard Select a wizard x B E mail E mail auto redirect E mail new or modified files YK Execute commands received by e mail YW Schedule an e mail reminder Execute commands received by Description Execute commands received by e mail and reply with the output of the LQ Event Log execution 0 Files 6 23 Network te required J Programs mal 1 3 Schedule Author H Services Opalis Copyright Opalis 1999 Version 1 00 EM MV Show this dialog when connecting to an empty server Cancel This wizard builds a job that allows you to send e mails containing commands to your NT system Opalis Robot will read the e mail execute the command and even reply with the output By sending an e
85. he next time the Opalis Robot Service restarts Monitor Counter Page 74 The Counters field will display the counter name default value and the fact that the counter value is saved or not if the Opalis Robot Service stops Use the Add button to add a counter to the Counters list Use the Remove button to remove a selected counter from the Counters list Statistics AddOn service options x Counters Groups Counters Counter definition Name Default value fo IV Save counter values when the service is stopped Counters System Restart Count 0 Saved By double clicking a counter from the list its options can be changed Select Set to accept the changes select Cancel to cancel the operation Note that counter values must be integers ranging from 2147483647 to 2147483647 Entering an invalid value will warn you about this fact With the Statistics Add on you can also define groups of counters Select the Groups tab to open the Groups window Statistics AddOn service options x Counters Groups toe Groups Remove Member s of Server Health Available counter s Member s System Restart Count J Application Errors Count LZA System Errors Count Define a group name and use the gt and lt symbols to add or remove any of the available counters to the Member s list Use the Add and Remove buttons to add or remov
86. he user account you have defined to run the Service The best way to check the connectivity in this situation is to log on to the local Windows NT system where the Opalis Robot Service is running as the account you assigned to the Service and define the DSN from here Using a System or File DSN does not require a user specific context for the connection in other words any user or Service can access the DSN even if you created it from your own log on account Enter a SQL statement directly in the Query field or you can select a file if the database you are connecting to is a SQL Server Execution Query SELECT Customer ame FROM tblS ales WH Database name SALES When using the query field be aware this is limited to 255 characters The use of Dynamic Data is supported in this field so you can substitute values from other Opalis objects such as date or file names As Dynamic Data is substituted when the task is ran itis possible to run out of space in this field as the Dynamic Data expands the query over the 255 character limit With a data source that supports stored procedures use parameterized queries instead of full SQL statements so that the query uses as few characters as possible Execubio Query Exec CountSales 24 ar 1299000 param Database name SALES An example Stored Procedure is CREATE PROCEDURE CountSales Var1 INT AS Select Count From tblSales Where SaleType Var1 On the Connect tab enter the ser
87. help you visually organize your configuration Also each folder has an associated log which logs only the messages regarding the tasks of the folder The scheduler does not use the folders you are free to organize your configuration to suit your tastes or working habits Please note that the objects defined in one folder are available to objects in all folders An Example Automate the backup disk c every day of the week at 9 00 p m Step 1 determine what you want the system to do this is your Task In this case you want to start backup i e run the NTBackup program with c as a parameter Opalis Robot supports Program Execution Tasks which run arbitrary programs including NTBackup which would be appropriate in this example Step 2 determine what will trigger the task this is the Event In our case we want to backup everyday at 9 00 p m OpalisRobots built in date time events are perfect for the job Step 3 Associate the event and the task using a link This creates a configuration that will launch the backup executable when it s 9 00 p m every day of the week Figure 1 illustrates this configuration p task backup drive c event every l day ofthe week link when it s 9 00 at 9 00 pm pm backup drive c Figure 1 Concept Page 10 Creating a Configuration The previous section explained how to create a configuration in conceptual terms this section explains how t
88. how to add an emergency procedure to a job Lets say that the Backup task can only be run once a day Ifthe Abatch program fails the Last batch task can still be launched if the administrator or a user triggers the Another batch program using the User request interactive event Link Adder Page 58 Build Task New Object Xx Internet App Monitoring Paging ae Monitor Statistics Zip General Advance Advanced File Management The Build task allows you to automate the build of your development projects The first thing to do is to reference your compiler s on the Service Options To do so go to Options Service Add ons tab Select Build Add on and click Configure Then add the name of your compiler and its path in the list use the right button of your mouse and the Tab key Then create a Build task Click on the right button of your mouse where you want to create the task and select New Click the Advanced tab select Build task and press New Use the right button of your mouse and the Tab key to add entries to the list of the builds that will be performed Selected Only the lines with the Selected column setto Yes will be run This allows you to run the task for just the build s that failed Name This is the name that you want to give to the build It will usually be the name of the project you re compiling Once the line has been entered double click it to edit its prop
89. ice or Dial up Networking program The Domain is used for user authentication You can enter the User name and Password Confirm in the connect information if they are required by the phonebook entry You can specify what happens if the line is busy or the modem is not available e Fail e Retry Number of tries You can test your connection parameters using the Remote Access Service program Opalis Robot checks the state ofthe connections before attempting to establish a new connection or disconnect The task will immediately terminate successfully if the connection is already set up when the task Is started We recommend that you always link the failure of a Connection task with a Disconnection task Otherwise it may temporarily leave the portin an unusable state if the connection is unexpectedly interrupted RAS Action Task Page 36 Database Execution Task Name Noll Type Database execution y F Inactive Database Connect Activity Options Mode Query C File Database type ODBC v Execution Query tamne Options Cancel Help Executes a query or a file containing queries SQL Server only in an ODBC or SQL Server database The Database type can be any ODBC compliant source or SQL Server When using ODBC sources itis the Opalis Robot Service account that is actually making the ODBC connection In other words if you define a User Data Source Name then the user is in fact t
90. ide or show this panel using the popup menu Architecture Page 17 Log and alerts S red_note Iof x Tasks amp Events Log Log of all folders IV Log of all folders IV Show alerts Priority all y Name id Start Time Stats amp s Program version alert 2 16 98 10 39 42 4M Warning see detail print 2 13 98 5 15 33 PM Completed 2 file s transferred O file s renamed O file s deleted O file s failed f print 2 13 98 5 14 08 PM Completed 2 file s transferred O file s renamed 0 file s deleted O file s failed print 2 13 98 4 53 26 PM Completed 1 file s transferred O file s renamed 0 file s deleted O file s failed f print 2 13 98 4 25 55 PM Completed 1 file s transferred O file s renamed O file s deleted O file s failed L print 2 13 98 4 13 21 PM Completed 1 file s transferred O file s renamed 0 file s deleted O file s failed print 2 13 98 4 10 21 PM Completed 1 file s transferred O file s renamed 0 file s deleted O file s failed Stopped Figure 16 The log contains the history of task execution Each time a task is launched if its No Log option is not set a new log entry is created You can sort log entries by clicking on the label of each column of the list You can view the detail of a log entry by double clicking on it or pressing Enter when the entry is selected lf the Log of all folders option is checked the list contains all log entries of the server
91. igure 8 Step 3 Use the Apply Changes command to have your changes taken into account You may want to link this task to a different message when it fails To do it you will have to create a new link and then edit it double clicking on it to change its characteristics Options F Inactive J Timeout secs f TF Wait before triggering task secs o coca 10 Figure 9 The Edit Link dialog Figure 9 lets you select which condition you want the link to test an event occurs a task completes or fails Depending on its type a task can return a given value when it completes successfully using this feature a link can chain to another task if this value meets certain criteria Concept Page 13 Multiple Link Creation When a task requires two or more objects to be triggered so that it can be launched you need to create a multiple link ee First batch A E ra 9 ry A J Eo ooo A ear Batch time dp Second batch In this example the tasks First batch and Second batch are launched at the same time by the Batch time event Thanks to the multiple link the Last batch task will be launched only when both First batch and Second batch tasks have completed qe AAA o Last batch Second batch Create a simple link between one of the origin objects and the destination task First batch a 7 a ee a B S Last batch Batch
92. in response to one or more events Events and tasks by themselves are not sufficient it is the combination of one or more events linked to one or more tasks that will perform actual work Separating tasks events and links maximizes flexibility you are free to combine tasks and events at will This means that you can reuse events or tasks in multiple links For example one event can trigger several tasks You can also combine two events to express a logical and For example you can convertfiles a task when there are enough files in the input folder an event and the time is 10 00 a m another event Concept Page 9 Opalis Robot supports three forms of links e simple links one event triggers one task using one link e multiple links two events trigger one task using one link This is equivalent to a conditional and e To express a conditional or create two separate links between two events and the task Here are some typical links e backup disk c task on Friday at 9 00 p m event e process EDI message task when a file arrives in the opalis public folder first event and when the opalis public folder contains more than 2Mb second event e insert data in a SQL database task when the user wants to refresh it event Folders As an additional convenience Opalis Robot lets you arrange events tasks and links in folders This serves no other purpose than to
93. ing with INT Messages that have a name beginning with INT should not occur during normal use of Opalis Robot If you see such a message please write down all the steps that preceded it and then contact Technical Services Messages From SQL Server Messages from SQL Server are identified by the SQL_ error code These messages contain a severity number and a message explaining the error For more information about SQL Server error messages please refer to the Microsoft SQL Server for Windows NT documentation and especially the SQL Server Troubleshooting Guide Messages From ODBC Messages from ODBC are displayed on the Task Log The message is usually preceded by the ODBC driver name Messages Page 103 Technical Services The Opalis Robot free Technical Assistance Service is available in several ways We will strive to answer your question as quickly as possible in all cases Please note that Technical Support is accessible to users of the Opalis Robot evaluation version We are happy to help you evaluate Opalis Robot Electronic Mail Contact Opalis engineers directly by sending electronic mail to the following address support opalis com World Wide Web Browse updated technical and marketing information get the latest files and goodies from our Web site at www opalis com Phone See contact details on the first page of this manual Technical Services Page 104 Evaluation Version The evaluation version allows you t
94. ions x General Add ons Licensing Activity Templates Closed Days llog OpalisRobot3 Advanced File Management Build Add on 3 60 Internet Application Add on 3 60 Pager 3 60 Performance Monitor 3 60 x Pisbiabioo Description Advanced File Management with file lists processing and ADY protocol transfers Internet Transfer Configuration x Access Connect System r RADY Identification RADY Validation ADV Servers Primary Server Port Secondary Server Port m Misc Options Incoming Logging Level Packet Options KBytes e Medium High Internet Transfer task x Name No fo Inactive Properties Transfer options Logging Activity Options Output lists FT Write the list of transferred file J Write the list of failed files to D If destination file exists Overwrite Skip file Create file with a unique name Destination date Same as original Time of transfer Retries Attempt to connect for fi 00 minutes Cancel Help Internet Transfer NOTE The Internet Transfer Object requires the Opalis Robot service to be installed on the originating and destination computer The Internet Transfer Object enables you to transfer files from a file list using the RDV protocol file transfers between dial up computers through the Internet or via a direct connection
95. its own that can be used within other objects in your design A common technique is to cascade tasks that can be configured to derive lookup values that can be inserted into later queries using Dynamic Data codes 5 0 T At3prn Get WorkiD Clear ReportT able om pa AR A et Productii Fi AunA eport H F Ji o i E ni EE p Get Customer O Populate ReportT able EmalReportT os ales ndikm arketing The Populate ReportTable task in this example refers to Dynamic Data supplied by the preceding two Database Execution tasks Using the Opalis Robot Counter objects or by designing loops all rows of a table can be processed in this way Hints and Tips SQL Server lf database is left empty queries will be executed in the default database for the SQL user Go is nota Transact SQL SQL Server File the queries contained in the query file must be separated by the go order order Itis a query which must be located at the beginning of a new line do not put go in comments separator used in many interrogation programs In Ifan error occurs in query choose the required behavior if an error occurs in the query such as ISQL either stop or continue Warning stopping due to An SOL execution error or a RAISERROR call may stop a query an error will not rollb ack If you choose Continue the number of failed queries will be written into the task execution previously executed log Furthermore S
96. lists information is Fie ist name a removed from memory To make file lists persistent and reuse them across jobs you can use the File List Management task to save a file list Each job usually holds several lists ltis important to clearly name the lists in order to select the one that contains the exact files you are interested in manipulating Cancel Help The File List Object has 6 Types of Tasks Create List This task creates a list of the files and sub folders contained in a specified folder lt creates a snapshot of the specified folder on the hard drive You have to name the list this name is used to reference and access the files in the list Note Two lists cannot have the same name If you use the name for two lists when using the Create List task the second list will be merged to the first Save List This task saves a file list to a disk The file is saved in a binary format If the Save As Text boxis checked the file will be in text format with a file name per line Additional options let you add a header footer and prefix or append a string to each line Load List This task loads a listin memory from a file The file has to be saved bya previous Save List task not using the Save As Text option Merge Lists This task merges two selected lists A file name already present in the resulting list is not added a second time no duplicates Compare Lists This task compares two lists Typically
97. ll never terminate Some commands have optional switches to override waiting for user input Be aware of the fact that Opalis Robot cannot simulate keystrokes directly However it could drive a 3 party application to do so NTBackup and automatic mode Make sure that a cartridge is loaded in the tape drive before running the program Otherwise NTBACKUP may be blocked and you may have to reboot the system We recommend that you set the Execution mode to Interactive for NTBACKUP tasks Program Execution Task Page 31 File Management Task Copy move delete rename or print the files in the Origin folder that Name i correspond to the Mask or filename or Filter Type ile management y Inactive Fie Advanced Activity Options The Origin folder and Destination folder entry fields accept local paths or path iia in UNC format Use of mapped drives is not recommended as they cannot be Fie cop z guaranteed to be available to the Opalis Robot Service A For the Printoption the printer name must be entered in UNC format F Include sub folders Nserver_namebrinter_name Otherwise the UNC format is required only ie ek o when the destination folder resides on a remote computer Destination folder E Printing copies the file to the printer Therefore the file must have been pre formatted for the printer or must be in ASCII format Cancel Help For ASCII files e the fontname
98. mail with a subject starting with execute followed by the command Opalis Robot will try and execute the text after execute PA F Subject execute dir c n To take execute out of the dynamic data a string manipulation function is used in the Program Execution task Command mid 256667 popsuby a 200 Install the E mail Add on and run this wizard to see how it works The E mail Add on can be found on the Opalis CD ROM or downloaded from www opalis com String Manipulation Functions Page 94 Triggering Events or Tasks from External Programs Thanks to Opalis Robot s WinEvt3 and GenEvt3 utilities it is possible to trigger Opalis Robot objects from many applications Most applications have a way of executing a command or program including a parameter MS Office applications through Visual Basic Databases Oracle SQL etc or network management applications By making use of the WinEvt3 or GenEvi3 utilities and Interactive events these applications can be made to communicate with automated processes running on Opalis Robot Hints and Tips Triggering Opalis Robot objects on a remote computer running the Opalis Robot Service requires a Client License on the remote computer Refer to the Opalis Robot Licensing Structure chapter Triggering Events or Tasks from External Programs Page 95 SECURITY Security Information Service Windows NT provides the security for actions performed by the Opali
99. mat hd i Cancel Help The Send e mail task message field will now contain a dynamic data code Task properties Ed Name Nof Type Send e mail y Inactive E mail Connect Activity Options Serve Send mo TT Service ho 4 Server type 2 Console unner Recipients Attachment g Jv Gali attachment 1s missing Mess Message text 251000 elmsai Eile name Link the objects and the process will look similar to this look for system errors notify admin Ifa new error occurs in the Event Log the Monitor Windows NT Event Log event is triggered The Send e mail task will then send you an e mail containing the actual message as it appears in the Event Log For more information on dynamic data codes refer to the Dynamic Data part of the Advanced Topics chapter Monitor Windows NT Event Log Event Page 48 Monitor Database Event Event properties Ed Name Noll Type Monitor Database y Inactive Database Security Activity Options Test Query Database type opec y Database name Result Test type E quals Value Test interval Test query every secs fi 80 Cancel Help The monitor database event can simplify designs where you need to periodically check static structures in your database for changes The principle of this event is that it polls the database with the query entered in the query field B
100. mata ama ES Ear 299000 param Link the objects and the process will look similar to this va ES interactive popup If the Interactive event is triggered the Send message task will display a message containing the actual parameter as it was send to the Interactive event For more information on how to trigger an Interactive event and send a parameter refer to the Opalis Robot Utilities chapter Interactive Event Page 54 UTILITIES SNMP TrapRedirector The Opalis TrapRedirector service is a Windows NT service that automatically redirects SNMP traps received on the computer to the Event Log This allows Opalis Robot through its Monitor Event Log event to monitor SNMP traps To enable this feature go to Control Panel Services select Opalis TrapRedirector and click Startup Set it to Automatic so that itstarts automatically when the system starts When done click Start to launch the TrapRedirector service This feature requires the SNMP service to be installed on the computer running the Opalis Robot service ConsoleRunner Opalis ConsoleRunner 3 50a X 5 12 99 2 23 20 PM 418 OpalisRobot directory is D Program Files O palis O palisR obot3 5 12 99 2 23 20 PM 418 Reading registry 5 12 99 2 23 20 PM 428 Waiting for a new request ConsoleRunner is a graphical application that communicates with Opalis Robot Service and launches tasks from the system console when the Service r
101. me Regular days Exceptional days Hours The Activity dialog is composed of three tabs e The Regular days tab that lets you input a pattern describing when the regular days of the template should occur Possibilities are e Every week on specific days of the week For example Monday and Tuesday e Every month on days selected by week For example the first and second Monday of the month e Every month on days selected by number For example every 1 2 11 12 21 and 22 of the month e Exceptional days for example the user can select not to run on December 24 but to run on January 1 To add a day on the Exceptional days list select it using the calendar window that appears when you click on the drop down arrow of the date field at the left select Active or Inactive then click Add An icon representing a red cross will appear at the left of an inactive day and a green check mark will appear at the left of an active day To add the list of closed days in the Exceptional days in the list click the Add closed button To toggle a day from Active to Inactive select it on the list and click Invert e Hour range for example from 8AM to 10AM and from 2PM to 6PM or from 8PM to 6AM How it works Depending on what you entered there is a possible conflict between Regular and Exceptional days Exceptional days will always be evaluated before the regular days If the day should be active thanks to the R
102. mputer Task Task properties Ed Name Nol Type Ping Computer y Inactive Ping Activity Options Ping Host Number of packets fa Cancel Help Sends Ping packets to a remote TCP IP host to check its availability Input in the Number of packets field the number of times you want the task to send a Ping packet Note that the task completes as soon as an incoming packet is received from the remote computer and the task fails if no incoming packets were received after sending the packets Ping Computer Task Page 40 Trigger Opalis Object Task Name Nof Type Trigger Opalis object y Inactive Opalis Activity Options Server C OpalisRobot v2 OpalisRobot v3 C OpalisRobot v3 on same server C DpalisRendezWous Trigger Server name E Event Task Parameter Cancel Help Triggers events tasks or flows on local or remote Opalis Robot or OpalisRendezVous Services Type or use the button to browse the network and select the Windows NT computer that runs the Opalis Robot Service in the Server name field Type the name of the Event or Task you wish to trigger If the OpalisRobot v3 on same server option is selected you can use a drop down list to select the event or task A parameter can be passed on by entering one in the Parameter field This is only possible if the object specified is an Interactive event see the Interactive Event
103. n is the ability to e trigger events and tasks from the Opalis Robot Client in administrator mode e or to trigger interactive events from the Opalis Robot Client in user mode or from the WinEvt3 program The OpalisRobot Users Windows NT group controls the access to the remote activation Beware If the Opalis Robot Users group does not exist as a local group on the computer on which the OpalisRobot Service is installed any user can use WinEvt3 GenEvt3 or the Opalis Robot Client to trigger interactive events Also note that the OpalisRobot Users group is first checked for as a local group if it does not exist and one is present on the domain then this is used instead Remember that the Opalis Robot Client WinEvi3 and GenEvt3 are very powerful tools because a user can indirectly perform many actions on the server Security Information Page 97 External configuration Remote Access Service To install Remote Access Service use the Network icon in the Control Panel Add Software command select Remote Access Service For more information on installing Remote Access Service see Windows NT documentation Input names used in the configuration of RAS tasks are the names that you input in the Windows NT Remote Access Service also called Dial up Networking program ODBC The latest ODBC drivers can be obtained from http Wwww microsoft com data odbc SQL Server The SQL Server pack An SQL Server for Windows N
104. nclude Exclude value cua 10 A history is kept i e the eventis only triggered when the file is created or modified It will not be triggered for the same file again Each Monitor FileSystem event s history is stored in RAM and on the harddrive This means the history is kept even if the Opalis Robot Service has stopped These files are created in the folder where the Opalis Robot Service was installed and have following format number oprimg where number is the object number for Monitor FileSystem event Trigger options e File is modified Each time a file is modified name change size change date time change the event will be triggered e Size overpasses bytes Each time the total size of files exceeds the threshold the event will be triggered Itis not triggered again until the size lowers and passes under the threshold e Number of files or gt Each time the total amount of files equals or exceeds the threshold the event will be triggered Itis not triggered again until the total number of files lowers and passes under the threshold Trigger when options e Date Time has changed Each time a file is modified the event will be triggered e Date Time is more recent Only if the date time properties of a file change to something more recent or later than the original date time properties the event will be triggered This option is useful if you want to make sure only the latest files can trigger the ev
105. ng and ADY protocol transfers If the Add on has licensing options you can view or modify these options using the Licensing tab Client Add ons If the Add on adds functionality to the Opalis Robot client for example dialogs to edit new events or tasks or wizards itis listed in the Add ons tab of the Options Client dialog To view a short description of what the Add on is doing click on its name in the list If the Add on has client side options you can view or modify them using the Configure button If the Add on does not have such options the button is disabled Client options Ea General Notify Add ons Internet Application Add on Pager Performance Monitor 3 60 Statistics 3 60 AS Description PF Disable automatic Add on installation i Cancel Help Types Page 99 Automatic installation of Client side An Add on can require some specific program extensions to be installed in order to run Itis usually the job of an installation program to make sure that every needed part of the program will be there when you want to run it To free you from running the setup program 10 times if you have 10 workstations this installation process has been added to the Opalis Robot Client Please note that this The Opalis Robot Client can automatically install function is not available in i e retrieve necessary program extensions the Client side of an all Add ons Add on when the user connects
106. nging to a group ltis a very handy way to check a set of conditions on multiple counters and to build a new kind of logic in Opalis Robots For instance you can check if the percentage of counters in a group that have a value between 10 and 100 is more less or equal to 50 Monitor Counter Page 76 Monitor counter x Name Statistical test on group Counters No 326551 T Inactive Counter Test Statistical Test Advanced Activity Options r Test that Counter member of group lis different than y fo i If member of group is lower than 100 If member of group is more than 10 sl Ea ae In the Counter Test tab create rules to be checked on counters from the group that will be selected in the Statistical Test tab The following rules are available e Is different then e Is equal to e Is lower than e ls lower than or equals to e Is more than e Is more than or equals to Monitor counter xi Name Statistical test on group Counters No 326551 Es Z T Inactive Counter Test Statistical Test Advanced Activity Options Test that Add If Percentage of counters verifying Counter Tests is more than 50 E Cancel Help In the Statistical Test tab use the drop down list to choose the group of counters you want to perform a statistical test on Then create rules on the statistic threshold Available rules are identical to on
107. nitial situation Take account of next change Cancel Help Trigger option e Take account of initial situation default if the disk space test meets the entered criteria the moment the event becomes active after an apply changes or when the Opalis Robot Service starts the event is triggered e Take account of next change ifthe disk space test meets the entered criteria the moment the event becomes active after an apply changes or when the Opalis Robot Service starts the event will not trigger until the state changes at least once and then matches the entered criteria Monitor Disk Space Event Page 52 Interactive Event Event properties x Name I Nol Type interactive event y F Inactive Activity Options Occurs e Every day C On deys of template z Stam C On days defined by Range Occurs first date time 8 11 98 y 11 45am Occurs last date time 5 11 39 y 11 45am Cancel Help Interactive events are entry points that can be used to pass on information referred to as parameter from external triggers e Any Opalis Robot client running in user or administrator mode e The WinEvt3 and GenEvt3 utilities e Aremote Opalis Robot or Opalis RendezVous server An Interactive event has no configuration other than Activity and Options which are available for all Opalis Robot objects Interactive events are useful when integrating with existing
108. notification and corrective action enables IT professionals to design custom automation solutions that address specific needs in their organization Opalis Robot provides today s IT professional with essential tools to simplify increasingly complex technologies automate administrative tasks and manage the IT infrastructure which achieves greater alignment between IT management and business objectives Overview Page 5 System Requirements Service The Opalis Robot automation engine runs as a Windows NT Service and is generally referred to as Opalis Robot Service e Windows 2000 or e Windows NT 4 0 Service Pack 3 e 14 MB of free disk space Optional e TCP IP if you plan to use SMTP E mail functions e ODBC 3 0 if you plan to use ODBC database functions e Remote Access Service if you plan to use Dial up Networking functions ODBC files are available from www microsoft com Client The Opalis Robot graphical user interface GUI is used to view or modify an Opalis Robot Service configuration It is generally referred to as Opalis Robot Client e Windows 2000 or e Windows NT 4 0 Service Pack 3 or e Windows 98 or Windows 95 Windows 98 or 95 Microsoft Remote Registry Services must be installed Installation files are located here e Windows 98 CD ROM tools reskit netadmin remotereg e Windows 95 CD ROM Admin Nettools Remotereg Differences between Windows 98 95 and Windows NT for the Client The executable is
109. o a well known administrative account for example yours if you plan to use ODBC functions To do so use the Startup button from the Services applet of the Control Panel see the Online help or the full electronic manual on the CD Upgrading You can install the latest version of Opalis Robot on the same system as your current Opalis Robot license the configuration will be preserved however you will require new serial numbers and product keys Please contact Opalis for more details As a safe guard we recommend you back up your configurations before upgrading Copy files from Program Files Opalis Opalis Robot3 and have a DV3 extension these files make up your configurations into a temporary folder Installation Page 7 License Structure Server License Opalis Robot is licensed per Windows NT 2000 server This means for each Windows NT 2000 computer where Opalis Robot functionality is required a license is also required An Opalis Robot license is generally referred to as Opalis Robot Server License OpalisRobot runs on both a Windows NT 2000 Workstation and Server An Opalis Robot Server License consists of serial number and a product key They can be entered during installation or at a later stage by going to Options Service Licensing Tab see the screen shot below Note If you are using the Internet Transfer option in the Advanced File Management Tab the local and destination computers require a server license Client
110. o configure the same job using the Opalis Robot menu items First run the Opalis Robot Client program and connect to the Opalis Robot server you want to administer You can use the Server Connect To menu item and enter the server name in the dialog box This opens a window with a view of the configuration on your server as in Figure 2 If you cannot connect to the server make sure that you have sufficient rights OpalisRobot 3 Service Edit Object Options Window Help 8 OH Ja KIS 09 Figure 2 Step 1 Right click in the folder where you want to insert the event or New in the Edit menu This opens the following New Object dialog Figure 3 This dialog lists the different objects you can create depending on whatis installed on the server New Folder n Paste Ctrl Delete Selection Del Select All Ctrl A v Show Properties v Show Folder Tree New Object xi Internet App Monitoring Paging Performance Monitoring Statistics Zip Advanced Advanced File Management Cancel Help Figure 3 Step 2 Select Event and click New Fill in the event name we suggest Backup time and select the type of the event Date time in this case which is actually the default value Enter 9 00 p m in the Periodicity At field Event T ask properties No 231000 T Inactive Date Time Activity Options Periodicity A 03 00pm 0 ours 4 C Every
111. o launch the resulting task when the origin task fails Completes or fails select this item if you want to launch the resulting task when the origin task completes or fails Returns the resulting task is launched if the return value of the origin task equals the entered value Returns more than the resulting task is launched if the return value of the origin task is greater than the entered value Returns less than the resulting task is launched if the return value of the origin task is lower than the entered value Returns a value between the resulting task is launched if the return value of the origin task is between the entered values Task type Return value of the program File management See File Management Task in the Events and Tasks chapter Database execution First row of the first line returned by the query if a numeric value Dialog Boxes Page 23 Return values are not taken into account when a task fails e Ifthe task does not return a numeric value the list has the following items Completes select this item if you want to launch the resulting task when the origin task completes successfully Fails select this item if you want to launch the resulting task when the origin task failed Completes or fails select this item if you want to launch the resulting task when the origin task completes or fails And see Link in the Advanced chapter Options for a link are e nactive if checked the link is inactive and
112. o test all Opalis Robot functions and determine if Opalis Robot satisfies your needs Please check our Web site at www opalis com or call us to obtain the most recent version The evaluation version is limited in the number of objects that you can use simultaneously and the maximum time during which the Service can be run e When it starts the evaluation version of the Opalis Robot Service will only take into account a limited number of objects namely the first 33 active events the first 33 active tasks and the first 33 active links e The OpalisRobot Service will stop after 30 days of operation After these 30 days the Service cannot be restarted e You can remotely trigger 333 events with the Client WinEvt3 or Gen Evt3 utility Evaluation Version Page 105 INDEX C Connect 17 19 ConsoleRunner 54 Control Panel 15 E Evaluation Version 98 Event 9 21 26 Date Time Event 41 Interactive 52 Example 10 14 Execution mode 28 E Folder 10 G GenEvt3 56 Information 2 L Link 9 Evaluation Version Multiple 23 57 Log Filter 20 Mail 32 91 Messages window 33 Messages Window 17 18 20 Multitask mode 27 N NTBackup 10 30 O ODBC 6 91 96 P Print 19 R RAS 35 Refresh 20 Requirements 6 S Scheduler 15 Security 15 90 Shutdown 38 56 SQL 36 91 96 Start Stop 19 StopShut 56 T Task 9 21 26 Chaining 13 Technical Services 2 Troubleshooting
113. oleRunner utility which then sends the message In order to launch the task itis mandatory for ConsoleRunner to be running on the system console when the task is triggered Send mode e Service In general sending messages through a Windows NT Service is not supported by MAPI However in some situations it can work We recommend using the default option Note that to send MS Mail messages when MS Exchange is installed you must create a special profile for MS Mail connection and enter this profile name in the user profile name field When used with ConsoleRunner this profile must exist in the configuration of the currently logged on account Destination can only include one MS Mail User name or a group name Exchange To send messages directly via Microsoft Exchange use this option Make sure the user profile name field on the Connect tab contains a valid profile name This profile must exist in the configuration of the account assigned to the OpalisRobot Service Send E mail Task Page 33 Send Message Task Task properties Ed Name Nof Type Send Message X P Inactive Message Activity Options Severity Information Type On screen popup C OpalisRobot Client C Windows NT Event Log User or computer name Me Cancel Help Send a message to a user computer or the Windows NT Event Log Message type e On screen popup The transport type is WinPopup The Win
114. ory operations copy move and print files from Opalis Robot e SQL and ODBC queries send SQL and ODBC queries to databases or files from Opalis Robot e remote access connectto other computers from Opalis Robot e network messaging send messages alerts etc from Opalis Robot e Service manipulation start stop or pause NT Services from Opalis Robot Here are some typical tasks e backup disk c e transfer data from a flat text file to your relational database e process EDI messages e querya database e move files from a public directory to a protected one e etc Events Events define the system condition that triggers a task s Events are linked to tasks links are introduced shortly Opalis Robot supports numerous events including e periodic Opalis Robot generates events at certain date time e file system actions on files or folders move copy etc generate events e Data queries Opalis Robot can pool databases whether SQL server or ODBC until certain conditions are met e task related the end ofa task is an event so that you can chain tasks e and more itis also possible to interactively trigger events Here are some typical events e Friday it s 9 00 p m e a file has arrived in the opalis public folder e the opalis working folder contains more than 2Mb e the user wants to refresh the data etc Links Links associate tasks to events A link enables Opalis Robot to run a task
115. paragraph in the Opalis Robots Events Explained chapter Hints and Tips Triggering Opalis Robot objects on a remote computer running the Opalis Robot Service requires a Client License on the remote computer Refer to the chapter Opalis Robot Licensing Structure The Trigger Opalis Object task is ideal for cascading jobs on multiple Windows NT systems running the Opalis Robot Service When used to trigger an object on a local Opalis Robot Service using the OpalisRobot v3 on same server option the Trigger Opalis Object task can be used as a GOTO statement For more details on Opalis RendezVous visit our Web site www opalis com or contact us Trigger Opalis Object Task Page 41 EVENT OBJECTS Date Time Event Event properties Ed Name Nol Type Date Time z P Inactive Date Time Activity Options Periodicity At 12 00am C Every fo Hours i minutes F Starting o minutes after the hour P Athme slices within the our Cancel Help Triggers the event depending on time or interval Select Atto trigger the event ata specific time of the day or Every to enter a time interval expressed in hours minutes or seconds Previous version users This event has been simplified Use it in conjunction with Activity templates to implement sophisticated scheduling sequences Trigger Options for interval expressed in minutes or hours At time slices within the hour interval expres
116. r the OpalisRobot Client program is running An additional benefit of separating the Service and the Client is that the Client can run remotely from another computer This is especially convenient to manage a pool of Windows NT systems running the Opalis Robot Service Figure 13 Of course the Opalis Robot Client and the Opalis Robot Service do not have to run on separate computers You can administer the local computer In this case in the Connect To dialog simply input the local computer name Remote Administration Page 16 Architecture Opalis Robot is made up of two distinct programs the Opalis Robot Service the automation engine at the heart of Opalis Robot and the Opalis Robot Client the graphical user interface to the Opalis Robot Service When you execute the Opalis Robot Client for the first time it is not connected to any Service The first window should be similar to Figure 14 amp OpalisRobot 3 Service Edit Options Window Help FS 08 oc NDS 09 Messages From Date Time Type Status i E za Figure 14 You are not connected to any Service but you can view Opalis Robot messages See the section Messages Window for more information on Opalis Robot messages If you cannotconnecttoa You must connect to a Service before you can administer it You can use Service check that you e the Service Connect To menu item have sufficient rights on e the Connect To button
117. r to the Windows NT documentation or the Windows NT Resource Kit Performance Counters are ideal to monitor a mission critical system s or application s condition at regular intervals By integrating performance monitoring functions with Opalis Robots rich messaging features powerful alerting processes can be created with ease Statistics AddOn Event x Name ee No o TF Inactive Counter Test Advanced Activity Options m Test that Object LJ Counter Instance is different than fo Object Use the button to select an object to monitor on the local computer The Counter from window appears Counter from solo x Counters Objects Name Instances DPC Time Interrupt Time Privileged Time User Time APC Bypasses sec y NDC Dunas dano Definition Processor Time is expressed as a percentage of the elapsed time thata processor is busy executing a non Idle thread It can be viewed as the fraction of the time spent doing useful work Each processor is assigned an Idle thread in the Idle process which consumes those unproductive processor cycles not used by any other threads A Cancel From this window which is very similar to the Windows NT Performance Monitor Add to window you can select the Object Name name of the counter and Instances The Definition text field shows the definition of the selected co
118. s Modify counter Counter System Restart Counter y Action Increment value ae P Increl nent value Cancel Help Use the Counter drop down list to select a counter Use the Action drop down list to select the action you like to perform Use the Step value field to enter the desired value Note that counter values must be integers ranging from 2147483647 to 2147483647 Entering an invalid value will warn you about this fact The other Modify Counter or Get Value Task type Get counter value can be used to retrieve the value of a specified counter Executing this Task will produce a return value which will be the value of the specified counter Statistics AddOn Task x Name O No Doo Ippe T Inactive Get Activity Options Get counter value Counter s ystem Restart Counter y The task simply retums the value of the counter Use this return value in the properties of the link by double clicking on a link Cancel Help Modify Counter Page 78 ADVANCED FILE MANAGEMENT TAB Advanced File Management Objects New Object Ea Internet App Monitoring Paging Performance Monitor Statistics Zip General Advanced Advanced File Management File Lists File Transfer Manag t Test If File Delete File List Exists Entri The Advanced File Management add on offers advanced ways to transfer files Each task performs one of three basic functions
119. s Robot automation engine File access rights and other permissions system shutdown etc depend on the account assigned to the Opalis Robot Service If you do not enter a valid user name or press Cancel in the Service account dialog at install time the account assigned to the Service is the System account It is recommended that you change this user because it has rights on the local machine only Client The Opalis Robot Client can run in administrator mode where everything is possible or in user mode only read operations are accessible the user can read the log view objects properties trigger interactive events itis not possible to create modify or delete objects or log entries By default the security is not activated and anyone running the Opalis Robot Client will have administrator access to a freshly installed Opalis Robot Service By creating a registry key on the server called Opalis Robot Security key and managing security of this key the system administrator manages accesses allowed to the Opalis Robot Clients The access can be denied in user mode or in administrator mode To create and modify the rights of the Opalis Robot Security key use the REGEDT32 EXE program warning be cautious when editing the registry and create a key not a value called Security under HKEY_ LOCAL MACHINE Software Opalis Robots3 To manage security once the key is created select the key and use the Security P
120. se number is entered in the Line Number field e Delete line Deletes the line whose number is entered in the Line Number field e Find first line Returns the first line where the String to Find string is found e Find all lines Returns the number of lines where the String to Find string is found This information is also exported as dynamic data e Find and replace Finds and replaces a string by another one Line feeds Both lt CR gt lt LF gt and lt LF gt are processed as ending characters for a line Dynamic data Dynamic data published by other tasks can be inserted into all fields If you insert a code inside a numeric field make sure the published data is numeric The task exports the following data e text file name The full path of the text file e line The full line without carriage return and line feed characters e line number Number of the line read deleted or found always O for Insert and Append line tasks Text File Task Page 60 Enable or Disable New Object Xx Internet App Monitoring Paging Performance Monitor Statistics Zip General vance Advanced File Management as pe aS a Link Adder Build task TextFile sk Enableor Apg Changes Disable le With this Task objects Events or Tasks on a local or remote Opalis Robot Service can be set to Active Type Enable Object s Enable Disable object s Name No p Type Enable Objects
121. sed in minutes only allows the event to be triggered regularly within the hour For example if the interval is 5 minutes the event will trigger at 0 5 10 15 20 etc instead of immediately after the Service startup and then every 5 minutes Starting x Minutes after the hour interval expressed in hours only allows triggering of the first event using the minutes entered For example if the interval is 2 hours the Minutes field is 45 and the Service is started at 8 20 a m the event will trigger at 8 45 a m 10 45 a m etc instead of immediately after the Service startup and then everytwo hours Date Time Event Page 42 Monitor FileSystem Event Name f Nol Triggers an event when files from the Origin folder and described by the filter _ E ZI Lee are new or modified when their size exceeds a given threshold or when the Fiesystem Activiy Options number of files matching the filter exceeds a given value The Origin folder es E El must be located on a local drive Opalis Robot cannot monitor the Filesystem F Include sub folders of a rem ote com puter Filter 0 No History Trigger option About fi Ite rs chicane e Filters can include wildcards the or character but not folder names E E e Order of filters is important the filters are evaluated from the top to the a eee os bottom As soon as a matching filter is encountered the file is taken or not Or re o o al depending on the I
122. sens o e Wait before triggering task secz E Select Wait before triggering task secs and enter a value Monitor Windows NT Service Event Page 44 The Monitor Windows NT Service event has two trigger options Select Options tab from the object properties Event properties E Name watch Service No Type Monitor Windows NT Service T Inactive Service Activity Options After When event is triggered none y Message recipient Trigger option Take account of initial situation Take account of next change Cancel Help Trigger option e Take account of initial situation the Service state is compared to the Trigger when option the moment the event becomes active after an apply changes or when the Opalis Robot Service starts If they match the event is triggered e Take account of next change the Service state is compared to the Trigger when option the moment the event becomes active after an Apply Changes or when the Opalis Robot Service starts The event will not trigger until the Service state changes atleast once and matches the Trigger when option Monitor Windows NT Service Event Page 45 Monitor Windows NT Event Log Event Event properties x Name I Nol Type Monitor Windows NT Event log y F Inactive Event Log Activity Options Criteria V EventID is fi T Source is I Description contains Type Error int
123. sing values and view the edition name in the fields at the bottom of the Add on list When entering serial numbers and product keys make sure you use the correct letter case UPPER and lower case e Acustomized licensing scheme you edit licensing options of the Add on using the Licensing button at the right of the Add on list e ifthe fields atthe bottom of the Add on list and the Licensing button are disabled the Add on has no licensing options Closed Days The Closed Days tab lets you enter a list of calendar dates that can be used later on activity templates to enter numerous days in One operation Dialog Boxes Page 24 Service Options x General Options Add on options Licensing Activity Templates Closed Days l Active Inactive Days jiza 00 y EE December 2000 MN Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 Add 1 1 00 Remove 8 3 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 lt P Z Today 10 17 97 To add a day on the list select it using the calendar window that appears when you click on the drop down arrow of the date field at the left then click Add To remove a day from the list select it in the list and click Remove Activity Templates Activity templates are templates describing date and time settings that you want to assign to one or more events tasks To create a template click Create then fill the template settings as desired Identification Template Na
124. t to test make sure the received data is published as dynamic data and save the task Then link the task to a Compare strings task from the Advanced tab and select the proper dynamic data code to be compared to the value that you want Based on the result of this test you can link to different tasks Make sure the Send data and Receive data are executed at thre right moment The application can be temporarily blocked and data can be lost if the both ends are trying to send or receive data at the same time Note You can have actions on several tasks For example you can have an Open Port and a Send Data in one task Thena Receive Data in another task linked to the processing of the received data then a Close port action on a third task Just link the task together and the connection will be carried from one task to another Monitor Test Internet Application Objects Page 88 ZIP TAB Zip Task General Advanced Advanced File Management Internet App Monitoring Paging Performance Monitor Statistics Zip Zip Task cont 10 The Zip task gives you all the basic functionality of the well known PKZip or WinZip utilities However instead of calling an external program all Zip related functions are now available directly from within Opalis Robot Using the Zip task you can Compress files into an archive Decompress archives and Test archives using the Type drop down menu Compress Files With this func
125. the path and name of the archive you wish to test in the Archive name field Use the button to bring up a file browser Zip Task Page 91 DYNAMIC DATA Dynamic data Dynamic data lets you create dynamic jobs e jobs that have a generic configuration and can adapt to the context dynamically Let s take an example Say you have a file processing program that requires the name of the file to process as a parameter in its command line and you want to launch it each time a file is new or modified in a monitored folder Unless the file name is always the same which is a big limitation in functionality in nowadays powerful platforms you would need to create a job for each possible file name This is OK if there s only 3 different possibilities but what if the file name changes ten times a day Thanks to the dynamic data feature you do not need to know the name of the files when you create the job You just have to insert a special code using the Insert dynamic data dialog and the code will be replaced at run time by the actual name of the new or modified file How it works Dont worry there is no waste The dynamic data information is saved internally only if a task is using it You can use dynamic data codes only in tasks Unless you are familiar with OpalisRobot it is better to use the Insert code dialog to add a code to a field The code is composed of the event or task number and a variable length
126. tion you can compress one or more files into an archive Name No f Type Compress files y Inactive Compress Activity Options Action Add kd Folder Filter s Mask or fil Mask or file name o Origin Folder ea M lrclude subfolders Archive name l Compression options Compression level None y Action Folder Zip Task Cancel Help Add Adds files to the given archive name If the archive contains a file with identical filename it will be overwritten updated Move Adds files to the given archive name Since this function moves files all existing files will be deleted from the origin folder If the archive contains a file with identical filename it will be overwritten updated Update Replaces updates an existing entry in the Zip archive only if ithas been modified more recently than the version already in the Zip archive Please note this function will only work on existing Zip archives Refresh Replaces freshens an existing entry in the Zip archive only if ithas been modified more recently than the version already in the Zip archive Unlike the update option this will not add files that are not already in the Zip archive Please note this function will only work on existing Zip archives Origin Folder Enter the path that contains the files you wish to add to the Zip archive The button will brin
127. tring Numeric expression indicating how many characters to return If O function and arguments are replaced by an empty string If greater than or equal to the number of characters in string the function and arguments are replaced by the entire string Left The Left function and arguments are replaced by a specified number of characters from the left side of a string Syntax Left string length String String expression from which the leftmost characters are returned If string is empty the function and arguments are replaced by an empty string Numeric expression indicating how many characters to return If O function and arguments are replaced by an empty string If greater than or equal to the number of characters in string the function and arguments are replaced by the entire string Trim functions The trim functions and arguments are replaced bya copy of a string without leading spaces LTrim trailing spaces RTrim or both leading and trailing spaces Trim Syntax LTrim string RTrim string Trim string The string argument is any valid string expression If string is empty the trim function and arguments are replaced by an empty string String Manipulation Functions Page 93 Mid The Mid function and arguments are replaced by a specified number of characters from a string Syntax Mid string start length If string is empty the function and arguments are replaced by an empty string Start C
128. u close the client program You can also use Opalis Robot messages to exchange information between system administrators working from different sites You can broadcast messages like m configuring gateway to process incoming messages to your colleagues or Let s go eat Architecture Page 18 Menus Service Menu Connect To Ctrl 0 Reconnect gt Apply Changes Ctrl S Start Stop Restart Ctrl R Print Ctrl P Exit Connect To Connects to an Opalis Robot Service It opens a dialog box where you can type a computer name or choose it from a list box Reconnect The Reconnect menu item lists the names of recently connected Services Select one of them to quickly connect to the server without using the Connect To dialog Apply Changes applies last modifications or creation of new objects to the running Service Start Stop Starts or stops the Opalis Robot Service The current status is displayed in the status bar Please note that the status does not change immediately depending on the time the Service takes to start or stop This function is not available on Windows 98 and 95 If you stop the Service when tasks are being executed they will be interrupted except Program Execution tasks If you attempt to do so you will be prompted for confirmation Restart Checks inside the Service that no task is running and that no replacement code is waiting to be used and then if possible it stops and
129. ubjectis not mandatory but recommended SMTP The Connect tab is where you enter the SMTP relay address the name or IP address of your SMTP mail server and the Sender address the name that will identify you as the sender of the mail and at which you will receive the reply Use the button to setup the list of recipients To add a recipient enter an e mail address select a recipient type To Cc and Bcc blind carbon copy addresses in this field are not seen by the recipients then click Add At least one recipient must be entered You can attach as many files as you want to the mail by adding them on the Attachment list SMTP simple Configuration is the same as SMTP except that only one recipient can be set and one file can be attached This allows you to use dynamic data in these fields see Advanced Topics Dynamic Data for more information on dynamic data MAPI You can send messages to one destination user or to a group You can attach one file using the Attachment field The Connect tab is where you enter the user name for the account of the user who sends the mail If the account is password protected enter the password in the Password confirm field a Send mod me i Service erver type AB i iC ConsoleA unner e ConsoleRunner default To be used when messages cannot be sent from the Service especially when MS Mail tasks fail with logon errors When the task has been triggered Opalis Robot informs the Cons
130. ue and click Add AND logic applies for multiple rules entered This means all rules have to be true meet the rule s requirements at the same time for the Event to trigger Under the Advanced tab the Trigger option and Interval can be configured Monitor Performance Counter x Name No fp Inactive Counter Test Advanced Activity Options Trigger I Trigger only when the threshold is passed Periodicity Test counter every 5 Seconds a Gren Sim The Trigger only when the threshold is passed option s behawor is as followed Selected Default each time that the conditions on counters are tested if the rule s new state is TRUE while previously FALSE the event is triggered Example imagine you measure your servers performance using the Processor Time counter You ve created a threshold rule if more than or equals to 80 If the counter s value changes to 80 the Event is triggered If the counter s value then changes to 90 the Event not triggered If the counter s value changes back to 20 nothing will happen it does not meet the threshold rule s requirements If the counter s value changes back to 80 or more the Event is triggered Monitor Performance Counter Page 72 Not selected each time that the conditions on counters are tested if the rule s requirements are met the event is triggered Example imagine you measure your servers performance
131. unter Once an Object and Counter have been selected click OK The main window will now show the selected Object Counter and Instance Monitor Performance Counter Page 71 Statistics AddOn Event x Name No p I Inactive Counter Test Advanced Activity Options m Test that Object Processor Counter Instance Processor Time 0 is different than bs fo is lower than or equals to is more than is more than or equals to Cancel Help Use the drop down list to define a threshold rule Following rules are available e ls different then e Is equal to e ls lower than e ls lower than or equals to e Is more than e ls more than or equals to Enter a value in the numeric entry field on the right side of the drop down list The value entered relates to the counter selected i e Processor Time can have a value between 0 and 100 Click Add to enable the rule Statistics AddOn Event x Name No fp T Inactive Counter Test Advanced Activity Options m Test that Object Server Work Queues m Counter Instance Bytes Sent sec 0 fis more than or equals to y 750000 1 Z Processor Time is more than 90 If Bytes Sent sec is more than or equals to 750000 Cancel Help Itis possible to create multiple rules Just select another Object or Counter select a rule seta threshold val
132. ur c drive every day of the week at 9 00 p m Concept Page 12 Chaining Tasks In many instances you will want to chain one or more Tasks In the example above we automated the backup every night You may want to associate a Send Email Task or Write to SQL Server Task to notify or log system activity This section explains how to modify the configuration we have created so far so that Opalis Robot emails the system administrator when the backup is finished This section assumes you know how to create tasks and links as explained in the previous section Please refer to the Concept section if you are unsure Step 1 Create a task type of Send Email Let s call this task Backup completed email Event T ask properties Name Backup completed email No fp Type Send e mail y T Inactive E mail Connect Activity Options Server Server type MAPI X Recipients To admonistrator Send mode C Service ConsoleBunner Attachement IV Fail if attachement is missing Subject Backup completed Messa Message text Backup has completed successfully Message Cancel Help Figure 7 Step 2 Create the link between the Out square atthe right of the task icon of the Backup task and the Backup completed email task you just created This result should look like Figure 8 Backup time Backup Backup completed email F
133. using the Processor Time counter You ve created a threshold rule if more than or equals to 80 If the counter s value changes to 80 the Event is triggered If the counter s value then changes to 90 the Event is triggered again If the counter s value changes back to 20 nothing will happen it does not meet the threshold rule s requirements If the counter s value changes back to 80 or more the Event is triggered The Periodicity option sets the interval each time the selected performance counter s are tested Please note that testing rules for multiple performance counters at short intervals produces extra CPU load Monitor Performance Counter Page 73 STATISTICS TAB Monitor Counter New Object Xx General Advanced Advanced File Management Internet App Monitoring Paging Performance Monitor Statistics Zip Monitor Modify Counter Counter With statistics functions you can analyze the occurrence of a certain Event or Task or even groups of Events or Tasks You can use counters to store any numeric data that you want and manipulate it during the execution of the automated jobs Acounter can be used to allow or block access to a certain resource If the counter value is 1 then access is granted and the counter is set to 0 When the resource is released by the job it sets the counter back to 1 Access io Statistical information makes it possible to create very powerful automated processes Examples
134. vent a table scan on your database and will reduce database server load Be aware of the trade off s with polled events The higher the polling frequency the more accurately in time you receive a result but the more load there is on the database Abalance is always needed in this situation to match solution performance with system performance The querymaybeanS QL The value tested is the first column of the first line returned by the query command or a call to a stored procedure Monitor Database Event Page 49 Monitor Process Event Event properties Ed Name Nol Type Monitor Process X T Inactive Process Activity Options Trigger when Process is running Process does not exist Process name M Test interval Test process every secs 30 Process Cancel Help Triggers the event when a processis running or does not exist The eventis triggered when a modification of the state is detected The process state is checked every Test process every seconds The minimum testinterval is 5 seconds The process name should be entered in the Process name entry field as it appears in the Windows NT Task Manager However when specifying an executable name do not enter the dot and extension exe Hints and Tips The Monitor Process event has two trigger options Select Options tab from the object properties Event properties x Name Nof
135. ver name or DSN for the database to be connected to With SQL Server leaving the User Name field blank causes the connection to run in integrated security mode Name GetSalesO uantity Noll Type Database execution y Inactive Database Connect Activity Options Connect information Source name E sQlsRVRI sis User name Password Confirm Database Execution Task Page 37 By using multiple Database Execution tasks itis possible to link the creation and deletion of stored queries procedures together in the design kah F F A EF At Dam A Gets ales uantiiy Emails alesResult 4 i a pl Create SP_GetSalesQuantity Delete SP _GetSalesQuantity With the combination of Database Execution tasks running SQL scripts from files and parameterized queries itis possible to extend the functionality of the Dynamic Data in this task Opalis Robot does not check the syntax of the query at the time the query is entered it simply passes it on to the SQL database or ODBC driver On execution of the query the status from the server or driver is passed back to the Opalis Robot log Itis helpful to check your queries with a tool from your data provider before you execute them from within Opalis Robot e g the Access query builder the Queries tab for Access tables or the SQL Query Window Analyzer for SQL Server Just copy and paste the query into a file or the query text box The Database Execution task generates Dynamic Data of
136. will not be evaluated at run time This means that the task selected in the Then field will not be launched if the event or task selected occurs or completes e Timeout see Linkin the Advanced chapter e Wait before triggering task is a period of time in seconds that will be waited by the link before launching the resulting task Service Options Logging IV Log out of Activity T Extended log Log history Delete log older thar o days 0 no purge E General Options Log out of activity when checked Opalis Robot sends a message to the Windows NT Event Viewer when a task is triggered but is outside of its activity range See Activity Templates section later in this chapter Extended log when checked Opalis Robot logs extended information about its operation in a file named op_robot3 log This file may be required for technical support Log History Opalis Robot deletes log entries and their associated detail file older than the number specified 0 means no purge Add on Options This tab lists the Service Add ons installed and their respective version lf the selected Add on has Service side options the Configure button is enabled and you can use it to access the configuration dialog of the Add on Licensing This tab lists the Service Add ons installed An Add on can implement the following licensing schemes e Serial number product key like the Opalis Robot Service you directly edit the licen
137. xecute under the LocalSystem account This account is not a regular one and has limitations for example it cannot connect to remote computer e Change the account used by the Service with an Administrators account or one of your accounts To do so use the Services applet of the Control Panel Startup button select Log On As This Account e Check that the required software for this task is installed on the server RAS for RAS functions TCP IP for SMTP email and ODBC for ODBC functions If required software is not installed the log will display an alert log entry for each object that failed to start e The Active Inactive option for objects in the automation sequence e Incorrect dynamic data codes can prevent the task from being started when they are not replaced Make sure that the codes used in the task configuration actually correspond to the events or tasks that triggers it e If you are using the Opalis Robot evaluation version the program will only run the first three active tasks in the Events tasks and links list Use the Active Inactive option to enable the tasks that you want to test Common Questions Page 101 If You Have Orphaned Nodes O O Regular days An orphaned node is an event or task that cannot be modified because the Add on that created it is not installed anymore You can view the name of the Add on that created itin the Properties panel If itis not useful anymore because the Add on was permanently r
138. y structuring the query so that a numeric value is returned from the SELECT statement allows a test to be generated The Connect tab is where you specify the Server Source User and Password for the SQL Server connection SQL Server lf you leave Database empty queries will be executed in the default database of the specified SQL User The time interval between two successive tests is defined in the Test Interval field Results The return value from the query can be evaluated against a test value For instance if you wish to look for NewSales and trigger a processing job when this value is greater than 1 create a SELECT statement to check for new records as in the following example SELECT COUNT FROM tblSales WHERE tbiSales IsNewSale 1 Effectively when a new sale is generated a record is created in the sales table tblSales Each new record gets a flag on a field called IsNewSale set to True or 1 by the software that creates the record Simply count the number of records that have this flag set By then selecting a test type of Is More Than with a value of 0 means when new records are created this event will trigger For each record thatis processed setihe flag to 0 so that the event will not re trigger Hints and Tips This is a polled event Itis worth indexing the fields you will be declaring in the WHERE clause or declare the indexes in the SQL statement with hints if your database supports this feature This will pre

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