New FLEX Full System Save

Data Management and Security (Hardware) Hardware New FLEX Full System Save

The New FLEX Full System Save process is designed to minimize system downtime by allowing portions of the save to complete separately. This enables online services to remain active during the largest part of the save operation. Once the save is complete, system services can resume without requiring an Initial Program Load (IPL).

Key Features

  • Reduced Downtime: Online services can remain active during the majority of the save process.
  • Scheduled Saves: Configure saves to run at a predetermined date and time.
  • Automated Tape Initialization: Streamlines the tape preparation process.
  • Comprehensive Logging: Log files are saved to CMCSAVLOG.
  • Email/Cellular Phone Alerts: Receive update messages via email or cellular phone.
  • Detailed Save Report: A system save log report (SS5010R or SYSSAVLOG) is generated to Document Manager, including:
    • Workstation
    • User
    • Date
    • Time
    • Messages
    • Errors
    • Email Sent

Configuring System Save Alerts (Email)

To receive email or cellular phone alerts for system saves, you must configure the E-Mail Configuration Control Parameters:

  1. Access the Electronic Mail Menu by typing GO EMAIL.
  2. Select option 13 (Control Parameters).
  3. Create a product code CMCSAVSYS with a valid SMTP Address.
    • This can be copied from an existing product.
    • Cellular phone numbers must be entered in standard email format.

Example Configuration:

    • Product Code: CMCSAVSYS (System Save)
    • From Address: cu@cu.com (example)
    • To Addresses: test@syssave@cmcflex.com (example)
    • SMTP Information:
      • SMTP Address: mailrelay.cmcflex
      • SMTP Password: (Enter your SMTP password)
    • Miscellaneous:
      • Password: (Enter a password if required)
      • Subject Line: CMCSAVSYS

Running a System Save

Prerequisites:

  • Tapes: Full system saves require tapes. Ensure you have enough initialized tapes on hand before running interactively.
  • Console Access: If executing the save interactively or using multiple tapes, you must run the save from the main console. For scheduling, a Telnet session can be used.

Steps:

  1. Login: Login as QSECOFR.
    • If you do not have the password, contact FLEX Hardware.
  2. Execute Initialization Command:
    • Type CALL CMCFLEX/CMCINIT and press Enter.
  3. Access System Save Program:
    • Type CMCSAVSYS and press F4.
    • Alternatively, this can be accessed through Telnet in the System Administration menu.

Complete System Save (CMCSAVSYS) Configuration

Fill in the following fields on the Complete System Save (CMCSAVSYS) screen. Press Enter after each section to advance.

Initial Configuration

  • Initialize Tape (Y/N): Automatically initialize the current tape in the drive as SAVSYS?
  • Backup SYSTEM (Dedicated) (Y/N):
    • Impact: All online services will be down during this portion of the save.
    • Includes: Operating System, Libraries, User Profiles, License Internal Codes, and more.
  • Backup DOCMAN (Not Dedicated) (Y/N):
    • Impact: Online services remain functional during this portion of the save.
  • IPL System (Y/N):
    • No longer required for system backups if a monthly IPL is performed.

Device and Encryption Settings

  • Device ID (Character Value):
    • Default: TAP01 (unless utilizing multiple tape drives).
  • Encrypt Member Data (Y/N):
    • Note: Purchase of a module license is required. Contact your Marketing Representative if interested.
    • Impact: Encryption can add approximately 25% to 50% to the save time, depending on your server’s age and available resources.
  • Encryption Password:
    • Enter the password for encryption.
    • Important: The Credit Union is responsible for maintaining this password. It MUST be kept separate from the tape. This password is required to restore the tape; without it, the tape is unusable.
  • Verify Password: Re-enter the encryption password for confirmation.

Online Services and Alerts

  • Shutdown Online Services (Y/N):
    • Should online services be ended prior to running a system save?
    • Note: Online services will be restarted after the save completes.
  • Send Email alerts (Y/N):
    • If configured, possible email messages 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 is in restricted mode, so no courtesy email alerts can be sent.

Alert and Schedule Parameters

  • Max number of same alert (00-99):
    • Default: 2 alerts.
    • If email notifications are configured, this sets the maximum number of times the same alert will be sent.
  • Minutes between same alert (00-99):
    • Default: 30 minutes.
    • If email notifications are configured, this sets the time interval between sending the same alert.
  • Start Date (MMDDYY):
    • Use for scheduled saves.
    • If left blank, the system save will start immediately.
  • Start Time (HHMM 24hour):
    • Use for scheduled saves.
    • If left blank in conjunction with the start date, the system save will start immediately.

Max End Date/Time (Batch Mode/Submitted Jobs)

  • Max End Date (MMDDYY):
    • Only used if the job is running in batch mode or submitted.
    • Defines the maximum date allowed before the dedicated save portion is terminated.
  • Max End Time (HHMM 24hour):
    • Only used if the job is running in batch mode or submitted.
    • Used in conjunction with the Max End Date. Defines the maximum time allowed before the dedicated save portion is terminated.

Finalizing the Job

  • Press Enter to start or save the job.

For additional questions or concerns, please contact the FLEX Hardware team.