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The following document outlines the functionality of the ipMonitor 8 Database Conversion Assistant:

• About the ipMonitor 8 Database Conversion Assistant
• Download and Installation Instructions
• Before Using the ipMonitor 8 Database Conversion Assistant
• After Using the ipMonitor 8 Database Conversion Assistant
• Technical Support

The ipMonitor 8 Database Conversion Assistant imports ipMonitor 7 statistics data into ipMonitor 8 for use with the new Reporting Engine.

When run, the ipMonitor 8 Database Conversion Assistant will:

• Analyze your archived and current ipMonitor 7 statistics data files.
• Build a detailed catalogue of data files.
• Import your existing data into an ipMonitor 8 database.

IMPORTANT! The ipMonitor 8 Database Conversion Assistant will only import statistics for Monitors that are currently configured for a version 8 installation. If you are attempting to migrate your installation from version 7 to version 8, and each installation is located on a separate machine, we recommend first taking advantage of ipMonitor's Backup feature and the Backup & Restore Utility located on the Support Portal.

Note: The ipMonitor 8 Database Conversion Assistant is considered Beta, since it has yet to be used in enough diverse installation environments. However, the behavior of this tool is "Read Only", with the exception of the files it creates. As such, using the Assistant will not negatively impact your system.

The ipMonitor 8 Database Conversion Assistant can be used while ipMonitor 8 (or ipMonitor 7) is running. If files are accessed over a network, you may notice slower performance speed, but the results will not be affected.

The following list of resources will be created by the import tool:

• ipmonitor8/import_results
• ipmonitor8/import_results/ipm7_archive_catalog.xml
• ipmonitor8/import_results/ipm7_data_gaps.xml
• ipmonitor8/dbstore/impt_*.plog

If these files and directories are removed, this tool can be run again with identical results (assuming the same input files are used). Running the Assistant a second time without first removing the resources created will result in no additional statistics being imported.

1. Download the ipMonitor 8 Database Conversion Assistant from the ipMonitor Support Portal and save it to the machine that hosts the ipMonitor 8 installation:
   
   

IMPORTANT! The ipMonitor 8 Database Conversion Utility can only be run after ipMonitor 8 has been installed and configured.

2. Extract the contents of the v8_db_convert_assistant.zip file to the location of your choice on the ipMonitor 8 host machine.
3. Double-click the v8_db_convert_assistant.exe file to launch the ipMonitor 8 Conversion Assistant.

Before using the ipMonitor 8 Database Conversion Assistant:

1. Locate any "archived statistics" zip files. By default, these will be located in the /ipmonitor/db/archive directory.
2. Move these zip files to the ipMonitor 8 machine, so they'll be available for use along with the current "ipmonitor7/db" and "ipmonitor7/db/indexed" directories.

Note: If you have never used the Archive Statistics backup feature, you will not be able to locate any zip files.

The Archive Statistics feature was included in ipMonitor 7.5 to curb the data storage rate of an ipMonitor installation. The original statistics stored by the Archive Statistics feature will be imported by the Database Conversion Assistant into ipMonitor 8. These raw, non-compressed statistics will provide high granularity data in combination with the new version 8 Reporting Engine.

Monitors imported from ipMonitor 7 will contain statistics for Availability and Response Time recorded only for the period of time before ipMonitor 8 was deployed.

ipMonitor 8 includes (and enables) the version 7 database format and reporting mechanism for your convenience when you upgrade your ipMonitor 7 production installation. However, we recommend fully moving to the version 8 database format as soon as possible, as it will deliver, over time, a more robust set of statistical and status feedback with less effort to maintain.

If you have already disabled the version 7 database format and reporting mechanism (via a Global Behavior Modifier), we suggest the following:

1. Back up the /ipmonitor7/db directory along with any "archived statistics" zip files to external media.
2. Remove the /ipmonitor7/db and /ipmonitor7/db/indexed folders.

If you want to keep your original Historic Reports, they will still be available even after the version 7 database is turned off, at the following location:

http://yourhost:8080/historic/

Note: You may need to adjust the port number to reflect the port actually in use on your installation.

However, a link will not be provided in the Reports menu. If you do not require the Historic Reports, you can safely remove the /ipmonitor7/historic directory.

3. When you're satisfied with the statistics data imported, you can safely remove the /ipmonitor8/import_results directory.

Customers with a valid Service Plan are entitled to email and telephone technical support.

Support Technicians are available during regular business hours, 9am to 5pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except holidays.

Telephone: 819.772.4134
Email: support@ipmonitor.com

Please provide your "Support Policy ID" when you contact the Support department. The Support Policy ID is located:

• On the Software Licensing screen of the ipMonitor Configuration Program.
• In the About box located in the ipMonitor 8.0 web interface.
• In the Licensing Helper located on the ipMonitor Support Portal.

For information on other features and concepts related to those discussed in this article, refer to the following ipMonitor resources:

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Last Updated: December 4, 2006 | What did you think of this topic?