TKLM - Things To Know Part 3

Identifying and Releasing Empty Volumes Back To Scratch

Due to the TKLM server being unable to issue keys TSM will assign tapes to a storage pool and then fail to write to the tape. To release the tapes back to scratch, after performing the resync you should check the TSM servers to see if any volumes are assigned to a storage pool but contain no data.  Use the following select statement to list the volumes with that 0 percent utilized. You will notice it creates a command within the results allowing you to quickly release the tapes with a simple cut and paste in the TSM admin command line.

select varchar(a.server_name,10) ||':'|| 'del vol', varchar(b.volume_name,8) as volname, b.pct_utilized, varchar(b.stgpool_name,15) as stgpool_name from status a, volumes b where b.pct_utilized=0 and b.devclass_name<>'DISK' order by b.stgpool_name, b.pct_utilized

You should see the following if TSM shows tape(s) with 0% utilized:

Unnamed[1]              VOLNAME        PCT_UTILIZED     STGPOOL_NAME

-------------------     ---------     -------------     ----------------

TSM01:del vol           J02579                  0.0     COPYTAPE

TSM01:del vol           J00243                  0.0     DBTAPE

TSM01:del vol           K00700                  0.0     DBTAPE_B_NC

TSM01:del vol           J00039                  0.0     LOGTAPE

TSM01:del vol           H70341                  0.0     LOGTAPE

TSM01:del vol           J00186                  0.0     LOGTAPE

TSM01:del vol           J00115                  0.0     LOGTAPE

TSM01:del vol           J00528                  0.0     LOGTAPE

TSM01:del vol           J01224                  0.0     LOGTAPE

TSM01:del vol           J01255                  0.0     LOGTAPE

You can use a portion of the results to execute against the server to release the tapes. If you’d rather not see the PCT_UTILIZED or STGPOOL_NAME then remove them from the script:

select varchar(a.server_name,10) ||':'|| 'del vol', varchar(b.volume_name,8) as volname from status a, volumes b where b.pct_utilized=0 and b.devclass_name<>'DISK' order by b.stgpool_name, b.pct_utilized

Unnamed[1]              VOLNAME

-------------------     ---------

TSM01:del vol           J02579

TSM01:del vol           J00243

TSM01:del vol           K00700

TSM01:del vol           H70341

TSM01:del vol           J00039

TSM01:del vol           J00115

TSM01:del vol           J00186

TSM01:del vol           J00528

TSM01:del vol           J01173

TSM01:del vol           J01224

TSM01:del vol           J01255

Run this select against all the TSM servers that have libraries that use the TKLM server and run the results through the TSM admin command line to release the tapes back to scratch. You will notice we are NOT using the DISCARD=YES flag for a reason. Without the discard flag TSM will not delete a volume that has some data but the amount is so low it still reports as 0% utilized.

Note: When deleting volumes DO NOT USE THE DISCARD FLAG! This will keep you from deleting a valid storage pool volume.

Full TSMExplorer for TSM version 5 is free now

Got this info from Dmitry Dukhov - creator of TSMExplorer

Procedure of required registration for getting free license and TSMExplorer for TSM version 5  are available on http://www.s-iberia.com/download.html

TSM Command Processing Tip

I am constantly having to run a large list of commands and sometimes just don't want to deal with running them through a shell script. So whats the best way to run a list of commands without having to deal with TSM prompting for a YES/NO. I can using a batch command with the -NOPROMPT option from a admin command-line, but sometimes thats more work than I want to deal with. There's got to be a better way. Well the simple answer is to define the TSM server to itself and use it in the command when you run it.  Here's an example....I have to delete empty volumes from storage pools rather than wait for the 1 day delay.

select  'ustsm07:del vol', cast((volume_name)as char(8)) as VOLNAME, from volumes where pct_utilized=0 and devclass_name <> 'DISK' 

RESULTS:

Unnamed[1]           VOLNAME   
----------------     --------- 
ustsm07:del vol      K00525    
ustsm07:del vol      K00526    
ustsm07:del vol      J00789    
ustsm07:del vol      J00197    
ustsm07:del vol      J00303    
ustsm07:del vol      J01172    
ustsm07:del vol      J01233    
ustsm07:del vol      J00850    
ustsm07:del vol      J00861    
ustsm07:del vol      K00018    
ustsm07:del vol      J01613    
ustsm07:del vol      J01624    
ustsm07:del vol      J01671    
ustsm07:del vol      J01687    
ustsm07:del vol      K00116    
ustsm07:del vol      K00130    
ustsm07:del vol      K00340    
ustsm07:del vol      K00348 

tsm: USTSM07>USTSM07:del vol       K00525
ANR1699I Resolved USTSM07 to 1 server(s) - issuing command DEL VOL K00525 against server(s).
ANR1687I Output for command 'DEL VOL K00525' issued against server USTSM07 follows:
ANR2208I Volume K00525 deleted from storage pool TAPE_A.
ANR1688I Output for command 'DEL VOL K00525' issued against server USTSM07 completed.
ANR1694I Server USTSM07 processed command 'DEL VOL K00525' and completed successfully.
ANR1697I Command 'DEL VOL K00525  processed by 1 server(s):  1 successful, 0 with warnings, and 0 with errors.
   

So I copy the data and paste it into my command line and because I am using server routing (even to the same server I am on) TSM does not prompt for confirmation. So make sure you have defined your TSM servers to themselves so you can take advantage of this simple feature.  Also note that TSM wont delete a tape with data, so I leave the "DISCARD=YES" option off so only EMPTY tapes are deleted.

Tivoli Storage Manager Next Administrative Interface / Beta Programme

It'll be called: Operations Center (a bit sounds like admincenter ;-) I hope they didn't only change the design!

TSM Explorer v6.3

Siberia Software has released TSMExplorer (ver 6.3). TSMExplorer and TSMExplorer Collector are an easy and powerful product for managing and monitoring IBM Tivoli Storage Manager. The product allows you to manage many TSM servers from a single sign-on and supports Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X.

Check out the demos:

http://www.s-iberia.com/demo/demo1.html
http://www.s-iberia.com/demo/demo2.html 

or go to the main site:

http://www.s-iberia.com

Tivoli Storage Manager Next Administrative Interface / Beta Programme

The beta test will begin next year. Can IBM make a good Admin GUI for TSM finally? What do you think? I'm still curious!!! ;-)

STORServer Console 3.0 Released

If you are looking for a TSM management console STORServer has released v3.0 of their console. I have not had the opportunity to use it, but if any reader out their has experience with the product and would like to post a review I will be more than willing to allow it. You can read more about the STORServer Console here.

Time For New Phone

My phone contract is up and I want to replace my iPhone 4 with something new. I was going to just replace it with an iPhone 5 but with TSMManager having an Android app for mobile administration I am tempted to move to a Galaxy S III. I have even considered a Galaxy Note 2. I have 3 Android tablets and I am very familiar with ColckworkMod Recovery and playing with different devs. Any suggestions are welcome.

TSM Power Admin

I was just made aware of TSM Power Admin by a fellow adsm.org contributor and must say I like some of the features available. I hope to be able to test it soon, but just the ability to run commands against all the servers from the command line (without setting up a server group) is a nice touch. If I do test Power Admin I'll post a review like I did for TSMManager years ago. (Wow it's been that long?!)

tsmadm.pl

This is to let you know tsmadm.pl v1beta RC2 has been published.

In brief, this program will make your daily TSM work easier by using the entire terminal size with colors and by redefining the existing commands or by extending the original ones.

In addition, the program can handle historical/archive data as well!!!

See details at: tsmadm.pl

Will you try it and send us your experiences or suggestions?

You can also contact us via several other ways:

SIGNUP FOR NEWSLETTER | USE OUR FORUM | FOLLOW US ON TWITTER | JOIN OUR FACEBOOK FANPAGE | SUPPORT

Update of SQL For TSM 6.1

So the previous select is not compatible with TSM 6.1 so I was searching through the IBM Redbooks for TSM and found changes to make TSM conform to SQL standards.  There are changes to the TSM supported time functions.  Here is the link, it's under Appendix B.


def script event-check desc="Events - Exceptions"
upd script event-check "/* ---------------------------------------------*/"
upd script event-check "/* Script Name: event-check                          */"
upd script event-check "/* ---------------------------------------------*/"
upd script event-check '  select -'
upd script event-check '  schedule_name, -'
upd script event-check '   cast(SUBSTR(CHAR(actual_start),12,8) as char(8)) AS START, - '
upd script event-check '   node_name, -'
upd script event-check '   cast(status as char(10)) as "STATUS", -'
upd script event-check '    case -'
upd script event-check "      when result=0  then ' 0-Succ' -"
upd script event-check "      when result=4  then ' 4-SkFi' -"
upd script event-check "      when result=8  then ' 8-Warn' -"
upd script event-check "      when result=12 then '12-Errs' -"
upd script event-check "      else cast(result as char(7)) -"
upd script event-check '    end -'
upd script event-check '      as "RESULT" -'
upd script event-check '  from events -'
upd script event-check '  where timestampdiff(8, char(current_timestamp-scheduled_start))<=24 -'
upd script event-check '    and result<>0 and node_name is not NULL'

Previously Unknown TSM SQL Feature

So while doing some script maintenance on a TSM server I came across this select statement and was shocked to see the CASE option in a select. I've used it in shell scripts but didn't think TSM allowed for it. Well it does and it works. Go figure!  (Runs on a TSM 5.3.5.2 server).

/* ---------------------------------------------*/
/* Script Name: eventx */
/* ---------------------------------------------*/
select -
schedule_name as "Schedule Name ", -
cast(substring(cast(scheduled_start as character(26)) from 12 for 8) as char(8)) as "Sched", -
node_name, -
cast(status as char(10)) as "Status", -
case -
when result=0 then ' 0-Succ' -
when result=4 then ' 4-SkFi' -
when result=8 then ' 8-Warn' -
when result=12 then '12-Errs' -
else cast(result as char(7)) -
end -
as "Result" -
from events -
where current_timestamp-scheduled_start<interval '24' hours -
and result<>0

I saw this and a whole new world opened up before my eyes! The possibilities!

TSM Admin Contract - Cheshire, UK

I just received this job posting for Cheshire, England. If you're qualified and interested give Matthew a call.

The successful TSM Administrator will be working for a large company based just outside Chester, UK.

The key points for the role are:

• Recent commercial experience of using TSM v6.2
• Install TSM Server / TSM Client on AIX
• Present / configure tape drives for use with TSM
• Some of the work will involve deployment for the TSM project
• General TSM support & maintenance, resolving PRMs with IBM support

The contract attracts very competitive rates and will last at least 4 months.

You will need to be eligible to work in the UK and hold a HMRC Tier 1 Visa.

Many thanks,

Matt

---

Matthew Burrows RECRUITER
4020 LAKESIDE, SOLIHULL PARKWAY
BIRMINGHAM BUSINESS PARK, SOLIHULL, BIRMINGHAM, B37 7YN
T +44 (0)121 717 2828 F +44 (0)845 643 9702
E MBURROWS@TEKSYSTEMS.CO.UK

Rosetta Stone for UNIX

Know AIX? Ever wonder what that simple command in AIX is on Solaris or HP/UX? Need to know what the command for tcp/ip management is in Linux compared to OS/X? Now you can! Check out this helpful website Rosetta Stone for UNIX. My boss passed this along a while ago and I thought I had passed it along to the community, but I cannot remember if I did. So, here is a great website for UNIX admins and those learning UNIX to help you transition from one vendor to another.

mRemote Is The Winner!

I would like to thank Drew D. for directing me to the mRemote tabbed multi-client utility, it is truly great! Not only does it do tabbed PuTTY sessions, but also Telnet, HTTP, HTTPS, Citrix, RDP, VNC, RAW, and Rlogin. It also supports arranging connections by folders and allowing new connections to inherit the settings from the folder they are placed within for faster use. There is also a portable version for those that want to run it from a USB stick or memory card. Check it out!

If anyone else thinks there are better free utilities out there please feel free to post a comment telling us about it/them.

New! Free training for TSM v5.4 ISC

If you use the ISC (even though it wastes more time than it saves) you can get some free training from IBM. The trainings cover:

• Installing the Admin Center
• Using the Admin Center
• Managing ISC users and TSM admins

If you click on this posts title it will take you to the page or you can click here to be taken directly to the IBM Education Assistant webpage.

New TSM administration

I use a small PERL script which helps me to administrate my TSM servers.

What do you use or need when you administrate your TSM servers?

Interesting Command Update In TSM

I found this interesting update on the Tivoli website about the enhancements to the DISABLE/ENABLE SESSIONS command. Basically it discusses the change to the commands in TSM 5.3.1.0 and how the command now disables sessions not only for client sessions, but admin and server-to-server sessions also. This would not be problem had a customer not revoked system authority from his SERVER_CONSOLE ID. This locked the customer out of his server entirely and his only recourse was to either rollback to 5.3.0 or to restore a DB Backup from before the disable was issued. Have many of you revoked SERVER_CONSOLE privileges? I never would consider it since it is a fail-safe in the event something bad happens. I understand security but if the person can get onto the server and start the program in the foreground you have bigger problems than the SERVER_CONSOLE ID having system authority.

TSMManager

Well, we have been using TSMManager for some time now and I have to say I rely on it a lot for day to day monitoring of our servers. Our environment is pretty large so we need something that will allow us to see problems quickly and easily. TSMManager has a slew of tools and the interface is fairly easy to use. We have a number of Jr. level admins who are able to handle multiple TSM servers with TSMManager's help. The key piece of TSMManager is the administrators console. It is a tabbed interface that allows me to see things at a glance without having to query the activity log in search of the problem. The first tab is basically the admin interface running in console mode. The second tab is the greatest gift to admin in that it is an error tab. It parses out the errors and shows all warnings, errors, and severe errors.


This is the error tab. Click on it and you'll see how it consolidates all errors into a simple interface. Great for those times you're having server issues. 

TSMManager (Cont.)

When not checking for errors the majority of your time will be spent using the Admin tab. The admin tab allows for entering in TSM commands and you'll notice down the upper left side of the window there are preset queries you can issue to the TSM server you have selected. Below the preset commands you'll see the list of the servers you have defined the to TSMManager collector and a simple click on the server you wish to monitor and enter commands for switches the ENTIRE console to that machine. It's instantaneous and you can immediately select the other tabs to see what is happening on your server or enter commands to query for yourself. Another nice feature you can see in the picture below is the ability to save commonly used commands and queries and select them from the drop down list whenever you wish to use them.


Here we have the admin command line and stored and preset commands.

TSMManager is not DB based so it has a few limitations. We have noticed with it monitoring 30 large TSM servers that the collector will have issues with the dsmadmc executables failing (TSMManager opens a dsmadmc on the collector server for each TSM server it is monitoring up to 30 servers per collector). This could be the host server it is running on, but other than that the product has been a godsend to our workload and daily monitoring. I would recommend it for shops with limited TSM skills and those that require the end users ability to monitor backup. It has e-mailing and alert capabilties, individual TSM server reports, consolidated server reports (combines the info for all TSM servers monitored by TSMManager), and even has a DRM/tape management feature for those without DRM. With TSMManagers admin web interface you can monitor you systems and it also allows the end users to log in to a secure client website that will allow them READONLY access to reports and results of server backups. I have had to use it a number of times to make our DBA's and application owners feel more secure with their system's backups and it works very well. There are numerous other features within TSMManager, but just the ones I've mentioned so far make it worth the price of purchase. If you feel like TSM is causing you the onset of early stage dementia check out TSMManager you'll be happy you did.