1168 - Data Management Agent auto updates

Note: To deploy a new custom MSI (Article 103), you need to follow the steps below first.

Updating Data Management Agents manually can be a time-consuming exercise. Redstor Pro allows you to automate this process. Desktop/Laptop Edition (DL), Server Edition (SE) and Enterprise Server Edition (ESE) can all be updated automatically to the latest software version (new releases and service packs) and brand changes during backups.

Performing automatic updates requires the following:

• auto updates must be enabled
• the Storage Platform must be up to date with the latest Agent upgrade files (for distribution to Agent machines)

Note: Agents are always updated to the latest version and service pack available on the Storage Platform. For versions v8 and older, please contact Redstor Support for assistance in following a specific upgrade path.

Enabling auto updates

You can enable auto updates for an entire Storage Platform (from the AccountServer), or per Collection or Group.

Warning: If a Server Edition plug-in has been deprecated, the Agent will only be updated to the latest version in which the plug-in was still supported. Please contact Support for assistance.

To enable auto updates for all Accounts on a Storage Platform:

1. Access the Storage Platform Configuration view by clicking the Storage Platform Configuration button in the view selector.
2. Click the Storage Platform\AccountServers\<AS Name/IP> node in the Storage Platform Configuration tree and then click the Configure button on the toolbar. Alternatively, right-click the <SP Name/IP> node and then click Configure.
3. Navigate to the Updates tab and select the Send auto updates to Backup Client check box. Ensure that the Update File Search Path is correct and then click OK.
   

Since all Groups are set to use the Storage Platform’s Auto Update setting by default, auto updates are now enabled for all Groups.

To enable auto updates at Collection or Group level:

1. In the Account Management view, select the required Collection or Group name and click the Configure button on the toolbar. Alternatively, right-click the Collection or Group name and click Configure.
2. On the Updates tab, select the applicable Auto Update Backup Client option.
   • Storage Platform Default - the setting enabled on the AccountServer (see above) will apply
   • Yes - auto updates are enabled (overrides AccountServer setting)
   • No - auto updates are disabled (overrides AccountServer setting)
     

Warning: When setting Agent auto updates on Collection level, the setting will only be applicable to new Groups, i.e. the option will not automatically be propagated to existing Accounts.

Update AccountServer with core Agent upgrades

Once an updated Agent upgrade file has been extracted on the AccountServer, it will be available for distribution when Agents request updates during the backup process.

To extract an upgrade file:

1. Run the ClientUpdates executable on the AccountServer:
   • For ESE: RedstorPro_ClientUpdates_ESE_<version>.exe
   • For SE/DL: RedstorBackupPro_ClientUpdates_<version>.exe
2. Confirm the extraction path in the dialog box provided (or enter a new one) and click OK.
   

For rebranded Agents, see Update AccountServer with brand changes below.

Note: The path must correspond to the Update File Search Path specified in the “Enabling Auto-Updates” procedure above.

The latest updates will be extract and distributed to the respective StorageServers, from where they can be requested by Agents. This take places during the automated AccountServer database backup. Manually running the database backup will speed up the distribution process to other StorageServers.

Note: The latest supported Java version is also supplied with the core Agent updates.

Update AccountServer with brand upgrades

ESE Agent

For each brand hosted on your Storage Platform, the corresponding brand update must also be installed. To extract the upgrade file:

1. Run the <your brand>_BrandUpdates_<version>.exe on the AccountServer.
2. Confirm the extraction path in the dialog box provided (or enter a new one) and click OK.
   

Note: The path must correspond to the Update File Search Path specified in the "Enabling auto updates" procedure above.

The brand updates will be extracted on the AccountServer and distributed to the respective StorageServers. When an Agent update is then requested, the new brand update will be sent to the Agent along with the Agent update.

SE / DL Agent

Desktop/Laptop and Server Edition Agents do not have a separate brand update file. The branding is built into the update executable.

For each SE/DL rebrand, run the relevant <your brand>_ ClientUpdates_<version>.exe on the AccountServer.

Plug-in auto update process (SE only)

During the backup process, the Storage Platform will compare the plug-in versions received from the Agent with the latest versions available on the Storage Platform. If newer versions are available, the Agent will be able to download the files and automatically update the installed plug-ins.

Note: Some plug-ins used in older SE versions are now deprecated. An SE with a deprecated plug-in will not auto upgrade. Please contact support@redstor.com for assistance.