Overview of the Tivoli Problem Management Archive Utility


Overview

Tasks

Included with

Tivoli Problem Management

Overview

The Tivoli Problem Management Archive Utility

The Tivoli Problem Management Archive Utility recovers disk space and maintains a high level of performance for Tivoli Problem Management over time. The Archive Utility:
  • Reduces the size of Tivoli Problem Management databases by moving data to a new location, or by deleting data
  • Improves the overall performance of Tivoli Problem Management by reducing the amount of data that is accessed and managed
  • Protects data integrity by maintaining referential integrity rules
  • Allows data that the Archive Utility removes from the production database to be used for reporting purposes

Features and warnings

The Archive Utility enables you to archive problems and information calls. Information calls do not have a problem associated with them, but do have open and close dates of the same type as problem calls. Open and close dates are important for determining which items to archive.

The Archive Utility is a very flexible tool. There are, however, functions for which the Archive Utility was not designed. A list follows, along with several other cautions.

Caution: Read the following caution points before you attempt an archive procedure at your site.

  • Back up all data prior to the archive procedure. The Archive Utility is not a backup utility!
  • Once data is archived, it cannot be returned to the Tivoli Problem Management production database.
  • Archived data is used for reporting purposes only. Tivoli Problem Management does not work with archived data.
  • Cross-platform archiving is not supported. For example, DB2 data cannot be archived to an Oracle database.
  • Archived data should not be reapplied to the production database. That is, users should not attempt to "unarchive" data.
  • It is recommended that the archive procedure be performed prior to migrating to a new version of Tivoli Problem Management.

When to use the Archive Utility

The Archive Utility should be used regularly to move data from the production database to an alternative storage location.

The schedule used for your site depends on varying factors, including:

  • Available disk space on the database server
  • Size of the production database
  • Number of calls logged
  • Number of users
  • User work schedules

Generally, the Archive Utility should run during non-peak hours. Alternatively, the Archive Utility should run when the production database is not in use.


Tasks

Running the Archive Utility before a migration

You should archive your Tivoli Problem Management data before you migrate to a newer version of Tivoli Problem Management.

If you migrate to a new version of Tivoli Problem Management, you need to:

  • Back up the Tivoli Problem Management data on your production database server (consult the DBMS documentation for your site, if necessary)
  • Archive the Tivoli Problem Management data using the Archive Utility

See the following Help topics to guide you through the procedures required to install, configure, and use the Archive Utility: