How to split the Workspace Manager datastore

I have created a video that shows how you easily can split the RES Workspace Manager database to a primary and secondary datastore.

The primary will be used for configuration and log data and stored in a high available Microsoft SQL server environment.

The secondary datastore will be used for Usage Tracking and I have selected to store this in a MySQL server database running on RedHat Enterprise Linux 5.6.

Before we go ahead and split the data store we have to make sure that all clients have the MySQL Connector ODBC drivers installed.  This is done in a few seconds with RES Automation Manager.

When the connector software has been installed we can go ahead and split the data store.

When the split is complete, RES Workspace Manager will automatically create a new pointer on the Workspace Composer so Usage Tracking data is copied to the new datastore.

/Patrik

Relieving IT stress by implementing automation - Step 3

The final video in the series on 'How to relieve IT stress' explains how RES Automation Manager and Service Orchestration further removes the need of human interaction when implementing changes in the IT infrastructure. The Run Book we created in the previous video can now be delegated back to the organization as a service. This will;

• Allow the organisation to decide when changes are needed
• IT will still be in control on how the changes are implemented
• Free up time for both the IT administrator and the service desk

This is the third and final step in the maturity process moving from a rationalized to a dynamic IT environment.

Compare the 'Before Automation' video with the 'Step -3' video. How much time did IT spend on making the actual change in the 'Step -3'  video?

This means more time to deliver on strategic responsibilities and less resources needed for mundane repeatable tasks.

Here's the previous videos in the series;

Step 2 - Creating Run Books

Step 1 - Automating daily IT tasks

Before Automation

/Patrik

Relieving IT stress by implementing automation - Step 2

This third video in the series on 'How to relieve IT stress' explains how the previously created task in RES Automation Manager can be turned into a run book and delegated to service desk. This will;

• Minimize IT administrator workload
• Create more time for strategic initiatives.

This is the second step in the maturity model moving from a standardized to a rationalized IT infrastructure.

In the next video I will show how these Run Books can be delegated back into the organisation through self service. This will not only offload the service desk but also allow the organisation to be in control on when changes will be made while IT still are in control on how the changes are implemented. Stay tuned...

/Patrik

Relieving IT stress by implementing automation - Step 1

This video shows that automating daily IT tasks with RES Automation Manager can make changes;

• Predictable
• More secure
• Increase Quality of Service

This is also the first step in the maturity model moving from a basic IT environment to a standardized IT environment.

In the next video, I will show how you can create Run Books of the standardized tasks and delegate them to service desk. This will further relieve stress from the IT administrator.

/Patrik

Relieving IT administrator stress by implementing automation - Before Scenario

The only way to do more with less is to automate daily IT tasks.  I will show, in four different videos, how easy this is done with RES Automation Manager.

Before scenario: No processes or automation in place. Changes are being done ad hoc and 'uncontrolled'. User request a change that has to be done in Active Directory by an IT administrator.

This video shows how changes could be done in the above scenario.

In the next video I will explain how risk can be reduced by automating daily IT tasks. Step 1 in the maturity model.

/Patrik

Focus on the right things when delivering services to your users

Delivering It services is not an easy thing. Sometimes we make it even more difficult than necessary. We will have to live in a world of multiple service delivery mechanisms. Users will have multiple ways of accessing services. VDI, TS, desktops, laptops and other mobile devices. For IT to keep up with new demands they must invest in new technologies. The problem is that this only adds to complexity and the difficulty managing the users.


Take a look at the list below and think about delivering IT services and what is most important;

How? (delivery technology)
When? (time)
Where? (location)
Why? (ID/role)
What? (content/service)

Having a technical background I know that it is easy to fall back into your comfort zone - technology.  But is this always best for the company?

My preference would be like this;

What?
Why?
Where?
When?
How?

With this I am not saying that how is unimportant but it should not be priority one!

What potentially could happen is that the technology itself will limit on what you must deliver. You should be able to select the best technology for every purpose and not let this result in a more complex environment to manage.

You need a solution that helps you focus on what to deliver instead of how - i.e. managing a hybrid environment.

Such solution could be RES Workspace Manager. RES Workspace Manager helps you manage the desired state of the user. Decoupling all user related settings from the underlaying technology stack. You can call it virtualization, but we call it User Workspace Management. The context of the user (ID/role, location and time) will determine what will be delivered using a hybrid delivery technology.

Look at an earlier blog post explaining the concept of User Workspace Management.

/Patrik

Applying multiple policies on the same application

In this short video I demonstrate how you easily, without scripting or creating multiple application packages, can apply multiple configurations on a single application instance.

For more information about context aware just-in-time application configuration, please visit RES Software.

/Patrik

Removing Local Administrator Rights

I have created a new video, this time with better audio, that demonstrates how to apply Dynamic Privileges to an application. Dynamic Privileges can help remove users having local administrator rights on their computer.

Please visit RES Software for more information on how you can decrease your desktop TCO and at the same time increase security.

/Patrik