721 - How to back up and restore SOLUS for SIMS

SOLUS (SIMS OnLine Update Service) allows you to automatically perform SIMS upgrades. With the upgrade from SOLUS version 2 (SOLUS2) to version 3 (SOLUS3), a new database is introduced to keep track of SIMS deployments across hosts/devices. Without this database, each workstation configuration would have to be re-entered in a disaster recovery scenario. Get more information from the SOLUS website.

This new database is named "solus3_deployment_server".
 

SOLUS configuration options

SOLUS3 can be installed on:

1. An existing SIMS Server;
2. An existing FMS Server;
3. An alternative machine on the school's network.

This allows two backup options.

Note: Whereas Redstor Pro can restore SIMS and FMS, a basic procedure to restore SOLUS3 is explained below but will require additional guidance from your local SIMS support team.

Backup option 1: SOLUS is installed on a SIMS or FMS server

1. Using the existing Redstor Pro SIMS or FMS plugin, add an entry for "solus3_deployment_server" under Database Name
   Note: Make sure there is a "," to separate the two database names: 
   
2. Now perform a backup and check in the Agent logs that the SOLUS database has been added correctly:
   

Backup option 2: SOLUS installed on a seperate server

If SOLUS3 is on a separate server then the SIMS plugins will not be available. Either the SE (A below) or ESE (B below) Agents can be used to back up SOLUS3.

A. Using Redstor Pro Server Edition (SE):

With SE, unlike with SIMS, Discover and FMS, there is no special facility needed to include the SOLUS3 database to be backed up and so the standard VSS and SQL plugins can be used.

1. Install the Agent on a standalone host with the VSS plugin.
2. Select the following SQL database: solus3_deployment_server:
   
3. Perform a backup and check backup logs for any errors.

B. Using Redstor Pro Enterprise Server Edition (ESE):

ESE is an alternative Agent which requires an additional licence. Please check with your Redstor provider for costs.

1. Install the Agent on a standalone host.
2. Navigate to the SQL view:
   
3. Select the following SQL database: solus3_deployment_server.
4. Perform a backup and check backup logs for any errors.

Restore SOLUS3

In order to recover the SOLUS database, restore the database as you normally would by using the Restore tab in the Agent.

Contact Education Software Solutions (ESS) support for help on importing the database.

Note: Unlike for SIMS, FMS and Discover, ESS does not offer accreditation for SOLUS3 backup on separate devices, but is happy to support their backup partners and customers with restores where required.