How do I ensure that OnlineManager is always running?
We are using OnlineManager to take recordings from our vbOnline devices. If OnlineManager is accidentally closed or the server rebooted, it may be some time before this is noticed and Online Manager restarted. As a result, our measurement schedules may be significantly disrupted.
SOLUTION
We recommend using a small Windows utility called 'AlwaysUp' for this task. AlwaysUp can be used to host and manage OnlineManager as a service, ensuring that the software remains running at all times. AlwaysUp has a number of useful configuration options, including:
- Scheduled restart at daily or weekly intervals
- Restart on failure or if the application ‘hangs', ensuring 24/7 availability of OnlineManager
- Ensure that services OnlineManager depends on (such as the Firebird database server) have been started before running OnlineManager. This is very useful if servers are likely to reboot unexpectedly
AlwaysUp is relatively inexpensive at around $30-40 USD and can be purchased from http://www.coretechnologies.com/products/AlwaysUp/.
To configure AlwaysUp to monitor the OnlineManager software follow the steps detailed below:
NOTE: These steps should only be carried out once the database has been established and scheduling prepared.
- Start AlwaysUp
- Press 'CTRL-A' to add a new application
- Configure the 'General' tab as follows, changing the database path field as appropriate.
NOTE: The 'Argument' field is required if you are running more than one copy of OnlineManager on your server, each instance pointing to a separate database.
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If using Ascent 2009 (build 9.10.155) the 'Monitor' tab should be configured as follows. This step is not required for the service pack release of Ascent 2009 (9.10.164) or for Ascent 2009 R2 and later.
- Configure the 'Startup' tab as follows:
- Press 'CTRL-S' to start the selected instance of OnlineManager. AlwaysUp is now configured.
- In the OnlineManager software, select the 'Options>Configure' from the main menu. Select the 'Run on start up' checkbox and click 'OK'. OnlineManager will now start automatically whenever it is re-started by AlwaysUp.
To shut down the OnlineManager application, it must be stopped via the AlwaysUp toolbar. If stopped only in the OnlineManager application, AlwaysUp will immediately re-start it. If you require more information or assistance, please contact help@commtest.com.
NOTE: If OnlineManager is left running but data collection scheduling has been disabled (by selecting Stop now! for example), AlwaysUp cannot re-enable recording. The user must ensure that OnlineManager recording is re-started again after every manual measurement halt.