COMPAQ AV-R3XSN-TE February 2002 Dear Customer: As you will note from the version number, this is a major release. If you are currently an Compaq Archive Backup System (ABS) user, you will need to perform a conversion of your existing save re- quests and database when you upgrade to version 4.0. Many of the changes in this version are a redesign of the software to make it more reliable and more maintainable for future enhancements. Compaq Archive Backup System is an application that will perform automated backup of your data, and provide a secure copy in the event of unforseen disasters due to nature, terrorist, or simple operator errors. ABS earns its keep whenever you need to restore a file, an entire directory, an entire disk (physical or virtual) due to the loss of the original data. The backups are performed automatically on a scheduled basis, but the restores are correc- tive actions initiated by you whenever needed. Just as the prior versions of ABS, version 4.0 supports - o Either an ABS or Storage Library System (SLS) license PAK is honored. However, this will be the last release of ABS that also honors the SLS license. o Runs under a wide range of OpenVMS operating system versions: 0 Alpha versions 6.2, 7.1-2, 7.2-2, and 7.3. 0 VAX versions 6.2, 7.1, 7.2, and 7.3. 0 If you need to run under an earlier version that those listed, you will need to purchase a "prior version support contract" with the OpenVMS organization, and ABS will have to be qualified for that specific version of OpenVMS. o Supports Fibre Channel connected tape storage for OpenVMS V7.2- 2 and V7.3. The Software Product Description lists the tape li- braries and the Modular Data Router (MDR) that serves a bridge between the FC and the SCSI interface of the tape drive. This release of ABS also includes a totally new graphic user in- terface to make the configuration and operation of ABS fast and easy. If you are skilled with the Digital Command Language (DCL) interface, you can continue to use it if you choose. Either method provides the complete control that you need. The JAVA Runtime Environment (JRE), as used by the GUI, is not included in the ABS installation kit because the JRE changes inde- pendently of ABS. Therefore, you will need to download the current JRE from the web, as described in the Guide to Operations Manual. ABS V4.0 provides System Backup to Tape feature for Oracle 8I and Oracle 9I, RMAN database users. Windows NT client users will benefit from: * Service for up to 32 Archive/Backup System servers or from Multi-homed servers. * Restore requests may now restore directories to an alternate location. * GTAR will list the contents of the tar file using the -t quali- fier. * Restore compressed files with the compressed attribute set. ABS V4.0 does not allow for "rolling" upgrades. ABS V4.0 has moved the policy database, cataloging and networks within the MDMS server. The server and clients will all need to be updated at the same time to maintain communications. Engineering recommends that the customer prepare for this upgrade by becoming familiar with the Installation guide and Release notes for both ABS and MDMS. The additional documents are contained in PDF format in ABS040.b. 1 Changes to the scope of Support for ABS V4.0 ABS Version 4.0 is compatible only as an ABS NT client for Windows NT Intel. Windows NT Alpha is now EOL by the operating system. The ABS UNIX client will only utilize Tru64 UNIX. The ABS UNIX client may still function with other brands of UNIX, but no support will be provided for non-Tru64 UNIX. POLYCENTER Scheduler V2.1B can be used only as an external option, SCHEDULAR with an existing license. ABS engineering would encour- age customers to use the INTERNAL option as increased flexibility should serve your needs. ABS V4.0 only supports the use of MDMS V4.0 for its media manager. All ABS users should be updating to this current version of the product. If you need assistance in updating your environment, please contact the customer support center or your designated field representative. Please refer to the release notes for what bugfixes are contained in V4.0 since V3.2A. The following documentation is available for ABS. The PDF ver- sions are included in the kit. All the documents are included on the OpenVMS Consolidated Documentation CD. The ABS kits are also available from the web. Refer to http://www.openvms.compaq.com /openvms/storage/abspage.html o Archive Backup System Version V4.0 software for VAX and Alpha systems 2 o Archive Backup System Version V4.0 for OpenVMS documentation: - SPD 48.16.19 - ABS Release Notes(online only) - Installation Guide - Guide to Operations - ABS for OpenVMS MDMS reference manual - Media, Device and Management Services Version 4.0 OpenVMS Release Notes Refer to the SPD for any prerequisite software. Refer to the ABS V4.0 Installation guide for installation prerequisites. For additional information, please refer to the product documen- tation. If you need additional assistance, please call the COMPAQ Customer Support Center. Sincerely, OpenVMS Product Management CXOSWPM@compaq.com ©2002 Compaq Computer Corporation 3