DECAMDS IGUIDE.PDF

This document outlines the installation process for DECamds (Availability Manager for Distributed Systems) on OpenVMS Alpha and OpenVMS VAX systems.

DECamds comprises two main components:

1. Data Analyzer: Installed on systems to analyze, detect, display events, and initiate corrective actions.
2. Data Provider: Installed on nodes to gather system data and permit fixes.

Installation Methods:

• OpenVMS Alpha: Utilizes the POLYCENTER Software Installation Utility (PRODUCT command) with the DEC-AXPVMS-AMDS-V0700–1.PCSI kit.
• OpenVMS VAX: Uses the VMSINSTAL procedure with AMDS070.A and AMDS070.B save sets.

Key Prerequisites and Preparation: Before installation, users must:

• Read the online release notes.
• Perform a system disk backup.
• Ensure the system meets hardware requirements (e.g., workstation monitor, minimum 16MB VAX / 32MB Alpha memory for Data Analyzer, recommended CPU based on monitored nodes).
• Meet software requirements (specific OpenVMS and DECwindows Motif versions).
• Have necessary user privileges (e.g., OPER, CMKRNL, SYSPRV depending on the task).
• Possess a VAXcluster, VMScluster, or VMScluster-Client license.
• Verify adequate disk space (3500 blocks VAX, 4000 blocks Alpha).
• Adjust system parameters (e.g., GLBPAGFIL, WSMAX) and process account quotas (e.g., ASTLM, BYTLM).
• For VAX systems, ensure a privileged account login, correct default device, and no other users logged in.

Installation Process: The process involves invoking the relevant installation utility, responding to prompts (e.g., component selection, license confirmation, running the Installation Verification Procedure (IVP), purging old files), and addressing any errors that may occur (e.g., incorrect OS/software versions, insufficient quotas).

Post-Installation Tasks: Tasks differ for each component:

• Data Provider Nodes: Modify user accounts, integrate DECamds startup/shutdown commands into system scripts (e.g., SYSTARTUP_VMS.COM), modify security files, assign node groups, and start the Data Provider.
• Data Analyzer Nodes: Compare existing customization files with new templates, modify security files, define logical names (AMDS$SYSTEM), update user accounts, and start the DECamds application.

The document also provides information on determining and reporting problems to Digital support and how to run the IVP separately if needed for verification.