Release Notes - AE Version 11.2

ONE Installer for Basic System Installation implemented

As of version 11.2, the Automation Engine can also be installed using the new ONE Installer. On supported platforms you now are able to install a basic AE system with database, ServiceManager, UserInterface and initial data working out-of-the-box.

Zero Downtime Upgrade

As of version 11.2, it is possible to upgrade an Automation Engine system without any downtime. Users need a new privilege in their respective User object settings to be set.
In addition you will be guided through the upgrade process by a wizard, that will provide an interface for all the individual steps necessary. Thus this upgrade mode becomes very easy and straightforward to use.

New Key in UC_SYSTEM_SETTINGS

To enable the Zero Downtime Upgrade, the new key ZERO_DOWNTIME_UPGRADE in the system variable UC_SYSTEM_SETTINGS has been implemented. Setting it to "Y" enables the system to be upgraded using the function Zero Downtime Upgrade from the System menu.

New User Privilege for Zero Downtime Upgrade

In the User object, Privilege tab, a new privilege has been implemented, called "Execute Zero Downtime Upgrade". This privilege has to be checked, if a user shall be able to conduct the new function. In that case the menu item for such an upgrade will be visible to that user in the System menu.

Script Function MODIFY_SYSTEM extended

In order to switch the processing direction during a Zero Downtime Upgrade or finalize the Zero Downtime Upgrade phase, the script function MODIFY_SYSTEM has been extended by a new action and corresponding values.

New Exporting of Referenced Objects

Beginning with v11.2, you can recursively export objects and their referenced objects. Objects with referenced objects include workflows or PromptSets . The UserInterface and the script element EXPORT have been modified accordingly.

New Maximum Import Size Limit for XML Files

The size limit for XML file imports has been increased: Files may now be up to 30 MBs in size, and the setting in the system variable UC_SYSTEM_SETTNGS, MAX_IMPORT_SIZE, may now be 30720 (KB), which is also its new default value.

New Function - Change Primary Work Process

As of v11.2, it is possible to change the character of a WP (work process). In the System Overview of the Automation Engine you may choose one of the active work processes and by right-clicking it, select the option in the context menu "Change Server mode to PWP", thus making this work process the primary.
This function only works on a process, which does not perform a Server role (cf. Role column).

New JMX based Monitoring - External Monitoring Interface (EMI) Implemented

As of v11.2 the new External Monitoring Interface has been implemented, based on Java and the use of MBeans. The older version based on SNMP is deprecated at the same time. Automic recommends to use the state-of-the-art technology EMI instead.
Other monitoring solutions (HP OpenView, BMC Patrol and Tivoli) have been deprecated as of v11.2.

Trace Added for the AE DB Change and AE DB Unload Utilities

You can now set the trace level for the program flow of the utility in the:

• UCYBCHNG.INI file for AE DB Change.
• UCYBDBUN.INI file for AE DB Unload .

The possibility to set different trace levels enables detailed trace information. The levels should be set in close cooperation with Automic support.

Reporting Tool Start Easier

The Reporting Tool's graphical interface has been made easier, as have the prerequisites. The same command for UNIX and Windows start the interface, which also has been enhanced.

New Script Elements

:IFVERS [:ELSEVERS] :ENDVERS - Pre-compiler instructions for skipping script blocks depending on the installed Automation Engine version.
These instructions are primarily used in the Automation Engine's initial data. They are required for a smooth upgrade from one version to the next version in context of the Zero Downtime Upgrade.

ServiceManager Utility for UNIX No Longer Needs to Be Started with SetUID Bit

Due to a fix added to AE 11.2.0, 11.1.2, 10.0.6, and 9.13.0, the ServiceManager utility for UNIX no longer needs to be started with SetUID Bit.

Parameter to Suppress FileTransfer Reports for Windows Agents

As of version 11.2.1 of the Automation Engine, the ft_suppress_report= parameter in Windows agents' INI file allows you to determines whether to suppress file transfer reports.

New Parameter in SAP Script Element R3_CREATE_OUTPUT_REQUEST

A new parameter has been introduced to the script element R3_CREATE_OUTPUT_REQUEST, called LAYOUT. This parameter defines the print format of the spool request. The format mainly defines the page format such as the maximum number of lines and columns on one printed page.
In order to be able to use this parameter you have to update the function modules of the SAP system.

Additional Agent Trace Options Allow You to Match a String From an Error Message and Automatically Stop Tracing

As of version 11.2, Additional Trace Options allow you to configure string matching to stop tracing when a string you define is found in an error message. These new options are also available for the Script function :SET_UC_SETTINGS.

New Period Object to Dynamically Define Detailed 'Execute Recurring' Options

You may use a Period object to determine detailed time frames or execution periods for executable objects, when their execution is being modified by the option "Execute Recurring". The advantage of this object is to have settings available that may be reused for other executable objects.

New Function in SAP Jobs allows Execution with different Credentials

The SAP Job object now provides the possibility to run an SAP job with Login credentials defined by a Login object in the Attribute tab of the SAP job. A new checkbox is available and if you activate it, the login information of the Login object will be used instead of the agent's to run the SAP job.

Executable Object Names - Allowed Characters Extended

Executable object names may only contain certain characters. These allowed characters have been extended by the hyphen "-".

New Job object type - Generic

The new Job object type Generic is now available where the agent the job shall run on may be defined in two ways: Through the Variables&Prompts tab of that object and the Script variables &OVERWRITE_AGENT# or &AGENT# respectively, or by using PromptSet elements. The agent may be any platform agent except the Rapid Automation agent.

HTML Help Discontinued

As of version 11.2 the help will be available in WebHelp and PDF format only, the HTML help (file extension .chm), is discontinued. Webhelp will also be the default for a new installation of the Automation Engine and the default format called, when using the F1 key.

General DB change

Information and the checking instructions apply to all versions, between your existing installation and the latest you want to upgrade to, respectively.

The DB scheme/structure has been changed.

Custom SQL queries on AE DB do not work anymore.

• Check chngdb.sql for general changes
• Check and adapt relevant SQL/SQLI/SQLJOBS objects accordingly
• Check and adapt relevant DB queries used in external tools/programs

Release Packaging

The Release Packaging (zip files, folder structure and its content) have been changed.

The following files and folders have been removed:

• Folder ./11/ (the content, e.g. UserInterface, AutomationEngine) are now directly in the base directory and no longer in the sub folder.
• The uc4setup files and the CD image files have been removed.
• There is a new installer available for single box installation in the product bundles.

Possibly automated installation routines using release images will not work.

If there are scripts relying on the old package structure, you have to adapt the paths.

CP/WP routing 

FORMS request routing to RA agents has been changed.

When you edit RA connection objects, a corresponding RA agent has to be active in the same client to retrieve data.

Assign an RA agent for relevant clients.

Third party monitoring via External Monitoring Interface

The new state-of-the-art JMX interface EMI (External Monitoring Interface) has been introduced.

The existing SNMP interface is still available, but the third party integration with BMC Patrol, HP OpenView, and Tivoli has been de-supported.

There is no incompatibility, but the integration with BMC Patrol, HP OpenView, and Tivoli is not available anymore.

Integrate third party monitoring systems via the new EMI instead.

Doubled MQ tables

MQ tables have been doubled and renamed.

MQ tables might not be considered when you use DB Reorg and existing scripts might fail due to changed table names.

Adapt DB Reorg scripts.

Proxy INI file extensions

Parameters and the format of some parameter values have been changed in the INI file due to functionality improvements.

You will not be able to reuse INI files of Proxy versions prior to v2 without adaptions.

Adapt INI file parameters according to the Proxy user documentation.