AutoSave/400
Unattended MAPICS DB/XA Backup
(AVEM92)

 

Product Profile / American Viking Enterprises of Florida, Inc.

An unavoidable and time-consuming task associated with MAPICS is the daily backup of the master files. Because this function requires a dedicated system, it is necessary either to completely stop all processing in MAPICS (if the backup is done during normal working hours) or perform the backup after hours. User libraries, security and folders outside the MAPICS environment should also be backed up periodically; this is usually done separately from the MAPICS backup.

American Viking Enterprises of Florida, Inc., (AVE) brings a solution to this problem in the form of AutoSave/400.

This enhancement provides an unattended backup of MAPICS DB Year 2000 and all releases of MAPICS XA files, with an additional option to save up to 50 user libraries and folders. Per environment, AutoSave/400 permits the user to select the days of the week on which a backup will be performed and allows selection of a different time for each daily save (7 Day Calendar). AutoSave/400 also allows the users to backup multiple environments.

AutoSave/400 will, optionally, shut down the system, restart the system, and clear message queues, out queues and job queues. The AutoSave/400 enhancement may be started from any job queue, interactive or from OfficeVision/400.

AutoSave/400 Features:

	Unattended Backup of the MAPICS DB/XA Files
	Developed and available for MAPICS DB Year 2000 and all MAPICS XA Releases
	Expanded capabilities to Backup Multiple Environments to Tape or Disk
	Automatic Hold & Release of all Unattended Jobs (UJOBS)
	7 Day Perpetual Calendar with Individual Start and Stop Times
	Save Up to 50 User Libraries in addition to the MAPICS Backup
	AutoSave can be executed from any Job Queue or OfficeVision/400
	AutoSave/400 will automatically sign off Inactive MAPICS Jobs
	A Pre and Post Command Line is provided allowing the users to run special jobs before and after the MAPICS backup (ie: MRP RUN)

The AutoSave main menu (Figure 1) provides the users with various backup options. Initiate AutoSave will start an immediate save of MAPICS DB/XA files. Change AutoSave Defaults is used to select tape or disk for the backup and to identify the tape device that should be used. A Pre and Post Backup Command Line is provided to execute any Pre-MAPICS functions required by the user or a Post Backup Command maybe executed when the MAPICS Master File Save is complete so another function can be initiated.

The seven day calendar feature allows the user to Set AutoSave Start Time/Shutdown Time provides a display (Figure 2) that allows the time of day for the backup to be started, and the shutdown option to be selected.

Prompts included allow for the entry of the environment being saved, a selection for YES or NO for the day of the week, entry of a start time and a selection of YES or NO for system shut down. These defaults may be changed at any time. The Save Security Data option saves all security information without requiring a dedicated system. This option saves user profiles, authorization lists, authority holders and office distribution objects.

The Additional Libraries prompt allows the user to enter libraries or folders that need to be backed up (up to 50 user libraries may be saved). Set System Start-up Time provides the ability to automatically IPL the system at a pre-determined time and day. Change Default JOBQ is used to set the default job queue for running AutoSave.

Through OfficeVison/400 a Command Line is provided allowing the user to insert a command (CL) to run any Special Jobs (ie: MRP RUN).

When selection Option 4, the Set System Time display (Figure 3) will appear. YES or NO is keyed into the Auto Start column for each day of the week. If YES is entered, then an appropriate time should also be keyed into the start time column. At this point, the user may select to clear message queues, out queues or job queues for any particular day. The user should still exercise the necessary caution required in clearing any queues.

AutoSave/400 may be submitted to the job queue specified by the user using AutoSave/400 through Office/400. As this offering phases out it will be used less and be replaced by Pre and Post Backup options.

AutoSave/400 has a special feature for backing up Multiple Environments automatically in one step. Using AutoSave/400 for MAPICS DB/XA unattended backups allows the user to control the timing of MAPICS backup instead of having the backups control the user. The ability to backup automatically can increase productivity and efficiency within a company's Data Processing System.

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