NetBackup IT Analytics Data Collector Installation and Configuration Guide for Veritas NetBackup

Last Published:
Product(s): NetBackup IT Analytics (11.5)
  1. Introduction
    1.  
      Overview
    2.  
      Distributed Data Collector (recommended for NetBackup)
    3.  
      Centralized Data Collector
    4.  
      Collection of backup and restore data
    5.  
      Data Collection Policies
  2. Configure a NetBackup IT Analytics Distributed Data Collector on a NetBackup Primary Server
    1.  
      Overview
    2. Configure Data Collector on non-clustered NetBackup 10.4 and later primary server
      1.  
        Manage Data Collector installation on NetBackup primary server
    3.  
      Configuration workflow for NetBackup 10.1.1, 10.2, 10.2.01, 10.3 or 10.3.0.1 on a non-clustered NetBackup primary server
    4. Configure Data Collector on non-clustered NetBackup 10.1.1, 10.2, 10.2.01, 10.3 or 10.3.0.1 primary server
      1.  
        Manage Data Collector installation on NetBackup (install/remove)
    5.  
      Configuration workflow for NetBackup versions lower than 10.1.1
    6.  
      Configure Data Collector on NetBackup primary with version lower than 10.1.1
  3. Configure a Veritas NetBackup Data Collector Policy
    1.  
      Veritas NetBackup Data Collector policy configuration prerequisites
    2.  
      Create NetBackup Data Collector Role, Service Account, and API Key
    3.  
      Add a Veritas NetBackup Data Collector policy
    4.  
      Add/Edit NetBackup Primary Servers within the Data Collector policy
    5. Configuring file analytics in NetBackup Data Collector policy
      1.  
        Prerequisites to configure File Analytics for NetBackup
      2.  
        Data Collector and Portal sizing guidelines for File Analytics
      3.  
        Configure File Analytics
      4.  
        Export File Analytics data
  4. Installing the Data Collector software
    1.  
      Introduction
    2.  
      Considerations to install Data Collector on non-English systems
    3.  
      Install Data Collector Software on Windows
    4.  
      Install Data Collector software on Linux
    5.  
      Deploy Data Collector in native Kubernetes environment
    6.  
      Configure Data Collector manually for Veritas NetBackup
    7.  
      Install Data Collector binaries on Windows (without configuration)
    8.  
      Install Data Collector binaries on Linux host (without configuration)
    9.  
      Override default Java Heap memory (XMX) value for Data Collector utilities
  5. Configure SSL
    1.  
      SSL/TLS certificate configuration
    2.  
      SSL implementation overview
    3.  
      Obtain an SSL certificate
    4.  
      Update the web server configuration to enable SSL on the Portal server
    5.  
      Enable / Disable SSL for a Data Collector
    6.  
      Enable / Disable SSL for emailed reports
    7.  
      Test and troubleshoot SSL configurations
    8.  
      Keystore file locations on the Data Collector server
    9.  
      Import a certificate into the Data Collector Java keystore
    10.  
      Keystore on the portal server
    11.  
      Add a virtual interface to a Linux server
    12.  
      Add a virtual / secondary IP address on Windows
  6. Centralized Data Collector for NetBackup - Prerequisites, Installation, and Configuration
    1.  
      Overview
    2. Step-1: Choose operating system and complete prerequisites
      1.  
        Factors impacting Data Collector performance and memory requirements
      2.  
        Data Collector supported operating systems
      3.  
        Data Collector server memory and CPU guidelines
      4.  
        Additional prerequisites
      5.  
        Linux Data Collector Prerequisites: Changing the Linux Temporary Directory for Collection
    3.  
      Step-2: HTTPS requirement
    4.  
      Step-3: Add Data Collector on NetBackup IT Analytics Portal
    5.  
      Step-4: Create NetBackup Data Collector Role, Service Account, and API Key
    6. Step-5: SSH/WMI
      1.  
        Linux Centralized Data Collector: SSH
      2. Windows Data Collector: WMI Connectivity
        1.  
          Testing WMI connectivity
        2.  
          Installing the WMI Proxy Service (Windows Host Resources only)
    7.  
      Step-6: Install the Data Collector
    8.  
      Step-7: Configure Data Collector
    9.  
      Step-8: Verify the Data Collector is online from the Portal
    10.  
      Step-9: Confirm that the Data Collector is updated
    11.  
      Step-10: Configure the data collection policy
    12.  
      Step-11: Confirm that the NetBackup data collection policy is collecting data
  7. Upgrading Data Collector Locally
    1.  
      Overview
    2.  
      Verification of upgrade bundle available on Data Collector server
    3.  
      Upgrade the Upgrade Manager component
    4.  
      Upgrade the Data Collector component which is the aptare.jar file
    5.  
      Upgrade the Upgrade Manager and Data Collector components together
    6.  
      Upgrade logs and upgrade related database views
    7.  
      Resolve file lock issue on Windows host during Data Collector upgrade
  8. Clustering Data Collectors with VCS and Veritas NetBackup (RHEL)
    1.  
      Clustering Data Collectors with VCS and Veritas NetBackup (RHEL)
    2.  
      Prerequisites
    3.  
      Getting started with Data Collector clustering
    4.  
      Configuring the Data Collector
    5.  
      Upgrading a clustered Data Collector
    6.  
      Considerations when Data Collector is pointing to Alta Domain Management
  9. Clustering Data Collectors with VCS and Veritas NetBackup (Windows)
    1.  
      Clustering Data Collectors with VCS and Veritas NetBackup (Windows)
    2.  
      Prerequisites
    3.  
      Getting Started with Data Collector Clustering
    4.  
      Main.cf
    5.  
      Upgrading a Clustered Data Collector
    6.  
      Manage cluster configuration during NetBackup upgrade (Windows)
    7.  
      Uninstall cluster Data Collector
  10. Install and configure NetBackup IT Analytics Data Collector on MSCS environment
    1.  
      Cluster Data Collectors with MSCS on Windows
    2.  
      Perform cluster configurations
    3.  
      Upgrade NetBackup IT Analytics Data Collector in MSCS
    4.  
      Uninstall NetBackup IT Analytics Data Collector
    5.  
      Steps to perform before and after NetBackup upgrade
  11. Data Collector Policy Migration
    1.  
      Migrate NetBackup data collection policy from centralized to distributed Data Collector
  12. Pre-Installation setup for Veritas NetBackup appliance
    1.  
      Overview
    2.  
      Prerequisites for adding Data Collectors (Veritas NetBackup appliance)
    3.  
      Installation Overview (Veritas NetBackup Appliance)
    4.  
      Adding a Veritas NetBackup Appliance Data Collector policy
  13. Pre-installation setup for Veritas Flex Appliance
    1.  
      Pre-Installation setup for Veritas Flex Appliance
    2.  
      Prerequisites for adding Data Collectors (Veritas Flex Appliance)
    3.  
      Installation overview (Veritas Flex Appliance)
    4.  
      Add a Veritas Flex Appliance policy
    5.  
      Troubleshoot Veritas Flex Appliance policy configuration
  14. Data Collector Troubleshooting
    1.  
      Resolving Data Collectors connections issues - Linux specific
    2.  
      Resolving Data Collectors connections issues - Windows specific
    3.  
      Portal upgrade performance issues
    4.  
      Configuring web proxy updates
    5.  
      Host resources troubleshooting
    6.  
      Host resources: Check the status of the WMI proxy server
    7.  
      Host resources: Post-Installation verification
    8. Host resources: Check host connectivity using standard SSH
      1.  
        Checking Paths for SSH
      2.  
        Environment setting for bash users
    9.  
      Host resources: Check host connectivity
    10.  
      Host resources: Check host connectivity using Host Resource Configuration file
    11. Host resources: Generating host resource configuration files
      1.  
        Sample lines in an input file
    12.  
      Host resources: Check the execution of a command on a remote server
    13.  
      Host resources Data Collection
    14.  
      Host resources: Collection in stand-alone mode
    15. Configuring parameters for SSH
      1.  
        Configure channelWaitTime
      2.  
        Configure singleChannelSession
      3.  
        Configure sudoWithPassword
    16.  
      Identifying Windows file system access errors (File Analytics)
    17.  
      Collect from remote shares (File Analytics)
    18.  
      Adding a certificate to the Java keystore
    19.  
      Override default Java Heap memory (XMX) value for Data Collector utilities
  15. Appendix A. Configure Appliances
    1.  
      Configure NetBackup Appliances for Data Collection
    2.  
      Configure NetBackup Flex Appliances for Data Collection
  16. Appendix B. Load historic events
    1.  
      Introduction
    2.  
      Load Commvault Simpana events
    3.  
      Load EMC Avamar events
    4.  
      Load EMC NetWorker events
    5.  
      Load HP Data Protector events
    6.  
      Load IBM Spectrum Protect (TSM) events
    7.  
      Load Oracle Recovery Manager (RMAN) events
    8.  
      Load Veeam Backup & Replication events
    9. Load Veritas NetBackup events
      1.  
        Load events for individual NetBackup clients
      2.  
        Load events for a group of NetBackup clients
    10.  
      Load Veritas Backup Exec events
    11.  
      Corrections in duplication of clients
    12.  
      Cohesity
    13.  
      Dell EMC NetWorker Backup & Recovery
  17. Appendix C. Firewall configuration: Default ports
    1.  
      Firewall configuration: Default ports
  18. Appendix D. CRON Expressions for Policy and Report Schedules
    1.  
      CRON expressions for policy probe schedules
    2.  
      CRON expressions for scheduling reports
  19. Appendix E. Maintenance Scenarios for Message Relay Server Certificate Generation
    1.  
      Regenerate authentication certificate nearing expiry (or already expired)
    2.  
      Recover inadvertently deleted aptare.ks file
    3.  
      Authenticate new database with existing SSL certificates
    4.  
      SSL certificate authentication for a new data collector

Step-3: Add Data Collector on NetBackup IT Analytics Portal

Once logged in to the Portal:

  1. Select Admin > Data Collection > Collector Administration.
  2. Click Add Collector.

    On the Add Collector screen, you will need to define the Collector Name, Passcode and select the IT Analytics Domain you wish to associate with the Collector and your Auto-upgrade options. Please refer to the table below for additional details regarding each field.

    Although the Data Collector name can be anything, Veritas recommends that the Data Collector name be the hostname of the server the Data Collector software is installed on. In the example below, we use the Data Collector Server Name followed by "_DC".

    Field

    Description

    Collector Name*

    The collector name cannot include a space and is case sensitive. The names should match exactly as entered in the Data Collector configuration screen and the Data Collector Installer screen.

    Edit the unique name assigned to this Data Collector. The Data Collector will use this value for authentication purposes.

    Changing the Collector ID or passcode requires manual changes to the corresponding Data Collector server. Collection will break if these corresponding changes are not made.

    Passcode*

    Edit the passcode assigned to this Data Collector. It can be any character sequence.

    Unlike other system passwords (which are encrypted and then saved) this Data Collector passcode is not encrypted prior to saving in the database and may appear as clear case in certain files. It simply is intended as a "handshake" identification between the Data Collector and the policy.

    Changing the Collector ID or passcode requires manual changes to the corresponding Data Collector server. Collection will break if these corresponding changes are not made.

    You can use the following OS-specific special characters in the passcode. Make sure the special characters you include are supported on the OS where the Data Collector is installed.

    • Linux: !@#%^*

    • Windows: !@#$%^&*()

    Short Notes

    Descriptive notes associated with this Data Collector.

    Enable SSL

    Both secure (SSL) and non-secure Data Collectors can send data to the same Portal. Check this box to select the secure communication protocol (https) that the Data Collector will use.

    This check box will not appear in the dialog box if SSL is not enabled in your environment. The Portal data receiver must be listening for https traffic; for example: https://agent.mycollector.com

    Auto-upgrade aptare.jar

    Indicate if you want this configuration file upgraded automatically.

    This part of the Data Collector is responsible for event and metadata processing threads. The .jar file contains the processing and parsing logic for data collection. The latest versions can be downloaded automatically and applied to the collector during upgrades. It is recommended that this setting be set to Yes.

    Auto-upgrade Upgrade Manager

    Indicate if you want this configuration bundle upgraded automatically.

    This Data Collector component is responsible for managing Data Collector upgrades. The latest versions can be downloaded automatically and applied to the collector during upgrades. It is recommended that this setting be set to Yes.

  3. Click OK.

    You will now be presented with the following message, indicating that a .json file has been created. This file is required when you configure and register your Data Collector.

  4. Click OK.

Many NetBackup releases came bundled with NetBackup IT Analytics Data Collector software that leveraged a .key file rather than a .json file. The configuration steps are slightly different depending on the file type required to configure the Data Collector. Listed below is a table that shows what versions of the NetBackup IT Analytics Data Collector binaries are installed on which versions of NetBackup. This table is also applicable to NetBackup Appliances and Flex Appliances. By checking the NetBackup version installed on the appliance, you can determine whether to use a .key or a .json file, when configuring the Data Collector.

Table: Reference for .key and .json usage

NetBackup version

NetBackup IT Analytics Data Collector version installed on NetBackup

.key or .json file to be used

10.1.1

11.1.50

.key

10.2

11.2.00

.key

10.2.0.1

11.2.00

.key

10.3

11.2.05

.key

10.3.0.1

11.2.05

.key

10.4

11.3.02

.json

10.4.0.1 (or later)

11.3.04 (or later)

.json

To download the .key file:

  1. Login to the Portal and go to Admin > Collector Administration.
  2. Select the Data Collector you just created, as described in the procedure above..
  3. Click Edit.
  4. Select Key File.
  5. Note the following information:
    • Name of the Data Collector (as it appears on the Portal)

    • Passcode of the Data Collector (as configured on the Portal)

    • Data receiver URL (generated while creating the Data Collector on the Portal)

    Note:

    The host name in data receiver URL, executed from the NetBackup primary, must resolve to the Portal server's IP address.

  6. Click Generate.

    Following message, which indicates that a .key file has been created is displayed. This file is required when you configure and register all Data Collector versions of 11.2 and earlier.

    A message indicating that a .key or a .json file has been created is displayed. The .key is required when you configure and register your NetBackup IT Analytics 11.2 or earlier Data Collector. The .json file is required when you configure and register your NetBackup IT Analytics 11.3 or later

  7. Get the .key or .json file path.

    Download and copy the .key or .json file to the NetBackup primary server when you configure the Data Collector.