Neverfail SCOPE

Neverfail SCOPE

Welcome to Neverfail Continuity Engine-learning sessions! This article will introduce you to the Neverfail SCOPE product. Use this product as you prepare to install Neverfail Engine. Neverfail SCOPE is used to provide information about the server environment, both before and after the installation. So let's get started!

Learning objectives

At the completion of this session you should be able to recall the purpose of Neverfail SCOPE, identify the components of Neverfail SCOPE and recall the Neverfail SCOPE process.

SCOPE

To ensure the success of a Neverfail Engine product implementation, the SCOPE Diagnostic tool is used to provide current, accurate and complete information about the server and network environment.

What is SCOPE?

SCOPE is an acronym for Server Check Optimization and Performance Evaluation. SCOPE is a combination of both software and process, that ensures maximum success with the Neverfail Engine product. The SCOPE process uses advanced automated tools to provide detailed information about the current running state of your server environment and recommendations for optimizing your servers before installing Neverfail Engine.

SCOPE provides a comprehensive look at the system. Neverfail SCOPE addresses one of the most critical components of a high availability solution, server and system reliability. SCOPE continuously logs system performance and configuration data. As a result, SCOPE delivers an optimum platform for long-term reliability.

Thousands of Neverfail Engine implementations have shown that partners and customers who use SCOPE encounter a significantly improved pre and post implementation experience. And, as a consequence, substantially lower support instances. To optimize success with Neverfail Engine products and to improve reliability, SCOPE also analyzes workload characteristics and provides change recommendations.

SCOPE can run continuously over the life of the server. SCOPE requires a minimum of 24-hours to complete the initial interrogation and should always be run before implementing Neverfail Engine.

SCOPE use

Neverfail designed SCOPE to run continuously on a server as a background process. For example, as a Windows service. It records both configuration and performance data almost immediately after installation. SCOPE subsequently updates the performance statistics every 15 minutes. It also performs an environment interrogation every 24-hours.

SCOPE produces a data file which is used in preparing an analysis for that individual server; it may be also used as the input file in the offline license key generation process (especially in the offline license key generation). Before receiving a license key you must run SCOPE on all Neverfail servers.

SCOPE provides two options for data file generation. Create a single file containing the primary, secondary and, if installed, tertiary servers data or create separate files if you run SCOPE on multiple servers at different times: one with the primary server data, one with secondary server data and, if installed, one with data from the tertiary server.

SCOPE Data Collector

The SCOPE Data Collector service functions as the main interrogator of the server environment. It collects a wide range of configuration of performance data from the primary, secondary and, if installed, the tertiary servers.

Information gathered from a server is stored in an XML file for upload to the Neverfail Support, for analysis. You can review this file before upload, if desired. The report generated from the analysis is used to determine the suitability of the server environment for installation and successful implementation. You can also use the information from the report, should a support request be raised. It provides accurate and complete information about your server environment.

To measure available network bandwidth, the SCOPE Data Collector service is installed on a server at the remote sites, as well. It reports network data back to the SCOPE Data Collector service running on the server at the primary facility, measuring the actual throughput available on the link between sites.

SCOPE report

As stated previously, SCOPE is a combination of both software and process, designed to ensure a stable server environment and a successful Neverfail Engine implementation. You must upload the information collected by SCOPE to the Neverfail Support site.

In return, the raw data file is analyzed and the IT administrator receives an immediate web based report containing information about their server environment.

The SCOPE report provides a required bandwidth estimate after SCOPE runs for a full 24-hours. The required bandwidth estimate is based upon an actual measurement using server disk activity. You can use the estimate as a guide to determine bandwidth requirements for the dedicated Neverfail channeling between servers.

Additionally, SCOPE renders a detailed performance report and change recommendations. The report identifies all critical change recommendations in red.

SCOPE process

When properly installed and used, SCOPE provides valuable information that helps to ensure the success of a Neverfail Engine implementation. To use the SCOPE process effectively, follow these steps:

Download it!

SCOPE is available on the Neverfail Extranet. Always check for the latest version before each implementation. The SCOPE Data Collector typically changes more frequently than the core Neverfail Engine software.

Install it!

Remember to install SCOPE Data Collector at the remote site, if running in a WAN environment, in order to calculate the available bandwidth. Even if you initially planned to install Neverfail Engine in a LAN environment and later stretch to a WAN environment, the SCOPE Data Collector should be installed at the remote site.

Run it!

SCOPE must be run for at least 24-hours, on a normal working day, to collect initial performance in bandwidth data. It should be allowed to run continuously thereafter. SCOPE runs as a background service and it can run continuously and utilizes only minimal system resources.

Upload data

Data must be uploaded to the Neverfail Support. Results are available for review immediately after they are uploaded.

Review the SCOPE report

The summary page provides valuable information about the suitability of the environment for Neverfail Engine. All sections should be examined closely. Take particular note of the graphs. Ensure all servers are up to the job.

Act on change recommendations

You must rectify all issues shown in red before installing Neverfail Engine. Consider implementing the rest of the suggestions too. If after reviewing the report you have questions that can't be answered via the Neverfail knowledgebase, forward them to Neverfail support and repeat to verify changes are acceptable.

After implementing all change recommendations, again upload a current SCOPE Data File to verify that the recommended changes were resolved appropriately and that the changes haven't caused any new issues.

As with any application, following the correct process is key to achieving success. Neverfail SCOPE is no different.

Summary

This e-learning session discussed using Neverfail SCOPE and cover these key points:
  1. The purpose of SCOPE is to provide current, accurate and complete information about the server environment.
  2. The SCOPE report provides a picture of the server environment with potential issues and essential change recommendations in red.
  3. The SCOPE process requires 24-hours to run on a normal working day and must be run prior to installation.
This knowledge, combined with knowledge gained from other Neverfail sessions will assist you in achieving success with your Neverfail Engine product implementation.