backup-changeover 2022 is what is described as a Major Change in change management. In context Datensicherung.nrw, we are moving to Commvault’s backup software solution at RWTH and many universities in NRW. For many users, this far-reaching change also means that they are not only getting involved with a new software solution, but with many other changes. At RWTH Aachen University, which provides the service as a service provider center for a number of universities, a complex but highly available new platform for the backup infrastructure has been set up over the past few months. In addition to the technical innovations, we have also initiated a completely new support offering: Backup Consulting Day
Support from Commvault experts!
Together with experts from Commvault, we offer all users who are switching to the new backup solution the opportunity to talk to Commvault consultants twice a week. The goal is to provide individual and professional support to all participating universities and their Dasi_Local_Admins who are responsible for the backup for their organizational units.
Until now, backup administrators have had the opportunity to discuss their concerns with the consultants in virtual sessions every Tuesday morning and Thursday afternoon. In view of the imminent changeover of the previous IBM backup system (TSM) to “Read Only“, the parallel operation that is currently still running will be terminated. Even though the TSM system will be available for reading for some time after the changeover to “Read Only”, there will still be many questions and concerns on the part of the users. We have taken this as an opportunity to extend the previous half-day backup consultation days to full days.
From 29.11.2022, every Tuesday and Thursday there will be an opportunity to take advantage of support and advice between 09:00 and 17:00.
How do I get an appointment for the backup consulting day?
According to the (perhaps) still familiar principle of office day lists at the lecturer’s door, we have created a schedule that is accessible via sciebo for all backup administrators. Here you can easily choose a suitable appointment slot and sign in.
Simply enter your name, institution and topic and dial in via the permanent zoom link.
A colleague has already entered a topic that is interesting?
Great, then just add it, as long as the date is not marked as exclusive.
Out of consideration for colleagues, we ask that you do not overwrite time slots that have already been booked. There are still plenty of dates and opportunities, but even the backup talk day will eventually come to an end.
Currently, this form of exchange is offered until the end of 2022. Taking advantage of the offer is therefore highly recommended.
Details and instructions for the Backup Consulting Day can be found on IT Center Help.
…and one more thing
We know that especially the beginning can be quite difficult. For us, too, the changeover presented some unforeseen technical challenges. That’s why we have set up two backup mailing lists to support you during the changeover phase.
Via the backup info mailing list, you as backup admins will receive service-relevant information conveniently via e-mail.
News about malfunctions and maintenance announcements as well as information about feature releases will be communicated via the Backup-Info List.
For the exchange among backup administrators we have set up the mailing list “Backup_Community“. This non-moderated list is used for peer2peer exchange of experiences and mutual support. The IT Center is of course also represented and reads along.
However, we ask you to note that no support can be provided via this list. In case of support requests we refer to the established support possibilities.
From the exchange we take not only the various impressions but also suggestions for the service and the corresponding documentation. Subscribing therefore has many advantages for all parties involved.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all Dasi_Local_Admins who have already switched over and diligently shared their constructive and valuable feedback with us.
Thank you for your trust and patience – especially when it took a little longer.
Responsible for the content of this article is Nicole Filla.