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From old to new
With the introduction of new operating systems (OSs), enterprise-wide migration from an earlier to an advanced version can be a headache if not properly planned. The problem becomes critical when compatibility issues exist in applications that are going to be deployed, installed or executed over the new OS.
Several problems have been reported with Windows XP SP2 and handling of new IIS with Windows Server 2003 Family, particularly with respect to enhanced security features like default port blocking and lowered privileges.
Because of this, Microsoft has come up with a solution framework named Application Compatibility Toolkit. ACT 4.0.1 is available as a free download at
Not only is the tool free, but it also makes use of advanced networking solutions, which means that an administrator can get a complete overview of an organization’s preparedness to embrace a new OS without having to leave his seat. Besides other tools, the toolkit consists of the Application Analyzer and the Collector.
Let’s take a closer look at the Analyzer and some associated parts. The Analyzer environment is rich in options and quite self-explanatory.
Divided in four sections, the first, named Overview, gives an overall picture of how to use the Analyzer. After reviewing the content, move on to the next section called Configure, which is a prerequisite for any further operation. This section has four tabs:
Database Settings tab — This tab displays the name of SQL DB Server already running on your system. If you don’t have one, you may install Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Desktop Engine (MSDE), which is free.
Enter a name with which you want to create the database and press Create New button. Then press Apply Settings button. Note that only Windows Authentication is allowed for SQL Server in this case.
Collector Settings tab — Here you have to specify the Log Paths. This is where Analyzer will pick up logs. Add as many as applicable, that is, wherever Collector is going to run. Its corresponding log path should be added here to ensure that complete data is used for report generation.
The Collector examines computers for installed applications and system information, and this may mean a bit of delay as this comprehensive information is collected. Typically it’s about five minutes but a lot depends on the number of applications being installed.
To speed up the Collector, make sure no other programs are running. This will give good results to the low-priority execution of this file. In the Collector Settings tab, press Start Collector Locally to get a feel of execution speed.
Here, it’s important to discuss deployment options available, since the power of this application lies in the fact that data from dispersed PCs can be collected and analysed at a central place.
For deployment possibilities, the first option is manual — that is, via CD, email or a network share. Each PC running the Collector must specify an accessible log path. The second option is using a Windows Scripting Host.
The advantage of using this option is that there is minimum user intervention and setting command line parameters is easy. Collector supports a wide range of OS, including Windows 98, 98 SE, Me, Windows NT 4, Windows 2000 Professional, Server, Windows XP Professional and Windows Server 2003.
Log Processing — Moving on to the next tab, select Log Processing. Since we have already collected local PC information using Start Collector Locally button in the previous tab, we can safely start Merger service here to start processing. Once this is done, reports are ready to be viewed.
Reports — Starting with Application Summary, this tab shows the total number of installed applications, both with and without issues. Clicking any summary figure in one of these categories opens up detailed listing. Here, each application can be clicked for further information.
On the left hand side, there’s a vertical bar with a range of information and operations. Next is Machine Summary with info on machine name, domain, IP, processor and RAM.
Hence, you can create complete hardware inventory along with the software inventory of your organization in a snap.
Writer’s e-mail: nizar.ali@gmail.com
