Full System Save

Data Management and Security (Hardware) Hardware Full System Save

This document provides technical guidance for performing a Full System Save within the FLEX system. The Full System Save process is designed to minimize downtime by allowing portions of the save to complete separately, ensuring online services remain active during the largest save segments.

1. Overview of Full System Save Enhancements

The FLEX Full System Save process offers several key advantages:

  • Reduced Downtime: Portions of the system save can be executed independently, allowing online services to remain operational during the most time-consuming parts of the save.
  • No IPL Required: System services can resume without an Initial Program Load (IPL) once the save is complete.
  • Scheduled Operations: Saves can be scheduled for a predetermined date and time.
  • Automated Tape Initialization: The process supports automated initialization of tapes.
  • Comprehensive Logging: Log files are saved to CMCSAVLOG.
  • Automated Alerts: Update messages can be sent to a specified email address or cellular phone.
  • Detailed Reporting: A system save log report is generated to Document Manager (named SS5010R or SYSSAVLOG), including:
    • Workstation
    • User
    • Date
    • Time
    • Messages
    • Errors
    • Email sent status

2. Configuring Email Alerts for System Saves

To receive automated email alerts for system save events, follow these configuration steps:

  1. Access E-Mail Configuration:
    • Navigate to the Electronic Mail Menu.
    • Select option 13 (Control Parameters).
    • Alternatively, use the command GO EMAIL and then select option 13.
  2. Create Product Code:
    • Create a new product code: CMCSAVSYS.
    • Ensure a valid SMTP Address is associated with this product code.
    • Note: This product code can be copied from an existing product.
  3. Define Email Addresses:
    • From Address: cu@cu.com (Example)
    • To Addresses: test@syssave@cmcflex.com (Example)
    • Important: Cellular phone numbers must be entered in a standard email format (e.g., 1234567890@txt.att.net).
  4. SMTP Information:
    • SMTP Address: mailrelay.cmcflex (Example)
    • SMTP Password: (Leave blank or configure as needed)
    • Miscellaneous Password: (Leave blank or configure as needed)
    • Subject Line: CMCSAVSYS (Example)

3. Executing a Full System Save

Before initiating a system save, ensure you have enough initialized tapes available, especially if running interactively or using multiple tape drives.

3.1. Prerequisites

  • Login as QSECOFR. If you do not have the password, contact the FLEX Hardware team.
  • Ensure sufficient initialized tapes are on hand.

3.2. Steps to Initiate the Save

  1. Access the System:
    • From the command line, type CALL CMCFLEX/CMCINIT and press Enter.
  2. Launch CMCSAVSYS:
    • At the Selection or command prompt, type CMCSAVSYS and press F4.
    • Alternatively: This can also be accessed through a Telnet session via the System Administration menu.
  3. Complete System Save (CMCSAVSYS) Parameters:
    You will be presented with a screen to configure the save parameters. Fill in the fields as described below:

    • Initialize Tape:
      • Purpose: Automatically initializes the current tape in the drive as SAVSYS.
      • Options: Y (Yes) / N (No)
      • Default: Y
    • Backup SYSTEM (Dedicated):
      • Purpose: This portion of the save requires all online services to be down. It includes the Operating System, Libraries, User Profiles, and License Internal Codes.
      • Options: Y (Yes) / N (No)
      • Default: Y
    • Backup DOCMAN (Not Dedicated):
      • Purpose: Backs up DOCMAN. Online services remain functional during this portion of the save.
      • Options: Y (Yes) / N (No)
      • Default: Y
    • IPL System:
      • Purpose: Determines if an IPL (Initial Program Load) is performed after the save.
      • Options: Y (Yes) / N (No)
      • Default: N (No longer required if a monthly IPL is performed.)
    • Device ID:
      • Purpose: Specifies the tape device to be used.
      • Value: TAP01 (Default, unless multiple tape drives are utilized).
      • Type: Character value.
    • Encrypt Member Data:
      • Purpose: Encrypts the member data during the save process.
      • Options: Y (Yes) / N (No)
      • Default: N
      • Note: Requires the purchase of a module license. Encryption can add approximately 25% to 50% to the save time, depending on server age and resources.
    • Encryption Password:
      • Purpose: Enter the password for data encryption.
      • Important: This password is critical for restoring the tape and must be kept separate from the tape itself. The credit union is responsible for its maintenance.
    • Verify Password:
      • Purpose: Re-enter the encryption password for verification.
    • Shutdown Online Services:
      • Purpose: Determines if online services should be ended prior to running the system save.
      • Options: Y (Yes) / N (No)
      • Default: Y
      • Note: Online services will be restarted automatically after the save completes.
    • Send Email alerts:
      • Purpose: Enables sending email notifications for various save events.
      • Options: Y (Yes) / N (No)
      • Default: Y
      • Possible Alerts Include:
        • System save submitted (with date and time)
        • Tape device not ready
        • Save tape initialized
        • Shutdown of online services (start and complete)
        • System save started
        • Dedicated portion complete
        • DOCMAN complete
        • System save complete
      • Note: During the dedicated save, the system operates in a restricted mode, preventing courtesy email alerts from being sent.
    • Max number of same alert:
      • Purpose: Sets the maximum number of times the same email alert will be sent.
      • Range: 00-99
      • Default: 2
    • Minutes between same alert:
      • Purpose: Defines the time interval (in minutes) between sending the same email alerts.
      • Range: 10-99
      • Default: 30
    • Start Date (MMDDYY):
      • Purpose: Specifies the date for a scheduled save.
      • Format: MMDDYY (e.g., 070825 for July 8, 2025)
      • Note: If left blank, the system save will start immediately.
    • Start Time (HHMM 24hour):
      • Purpose: Specifies the time for a scheduled save.
      • Format: HHMM (24-hour format, e.g., 1415 for 2:15 PM)
      • Range: 0000-2359
      • Note: If left blank in conjunction with the start date, the system save will start immediately.
    • MAX END Date (MMDDYY):
      • Purpose: Sets the maximum date allowed before the dedicated save portion is terminated. This is only used if the job is running in batch mode or submitted.
      • Format: MMDDYY
    • MAX END Time (HHMM 24hour):
      • Purpose: Sets the maximum time allowed before the dedicated save portion is terminated. This is used in conjunction with the Max End Date for jobs running in batch mode or submitted.
      • Format: HHMM (24-hour format)
      • Range: 0000-2359
  4. Start or Save Job:
    • After filling in all desired parameters, press Enter to start or save the job.

4. Support

For any additional questions or concerns regarding the Full System Save process, please contact the FLEX Hardware team.