With any database system, data on the server over time becomes messy, fragmented and occasionally out of sequence. Even the latest versions of Windows pay little attention to the arrangement of data files on the hard disk, understandably so as for it to understand the structure of every database application would be unreasonable and if it was to attempt to keep the data defragmented the performance of the hardware would be drastically reduced.
As such, network administrators are advised to keep their Traveller servers maintained with at least the following : (note that the following does not apply to Web Traveller as this is a managed service, Micros Engineers carry these operations out for you.)
Performance.
1) Defragmentation utilities : Scheduled daily these are invaluable in keeping the servers file performance at peak levels, the more business you put through the system the more fragmented the data becomes. Imagine reading a book where all the pages are in the wrong order and in order to proceed you must physically find the next page it would take a very long time! Defragmention is a method of putting those pages in the right order. There are a number of defrag tools on the market, some perfectly acceptable and free, others come with a price tag and offer comprehensive performance charts outlining improvements gained. For more information on setting up Defrag yourself go here.
2) Re indexing : A re index is recommended at least once per month, or once per week in high volume scenarios. The Re index will normally be a part of new installations but in the circumstance where no re index is in place a support engineer can schedule this for you if access to the server machine is possible.
Stability.
1) Anti Virus : Although the Traveller data files are of the type that do not normally contract viruses and the executable files are scanned with the latest anti-virus definitions prior to being released it is entirely possible that a virus could attack the server from another source. If the virus is malicious and is allowed to release it's payload then you could be looking at a full server restore.
2) Backup : An effective, working backup cannot be emphasized enough. Backups should be the following :
i) Done every day. No exceptions, the day you fail to do a backup will be the one you need it for.
ii) Incremental (I.e Monday Backup, Tuesday Backup, Wednesday Backup) Ideally keep 7 or more days before recycling.
iii) Kept off site, if the backup is kept on the desktop in the office then it is of no use in the event of fire or a burglary. Keep a backup off site, even if it is only one per week.
iv) Reliable, Test the backup, review the contents of the backup tape / DVD and ensure that they can be restored. You would be surprised of the number of people who think they are backing everything up! If in doubt, speak to your account manager and arrange for a support engineer to check for you.
3) Updated : Keep software up to date, virus definitions most importantly. Windows will update itself but it is recommended that updates are "downloaded and installed manually" as we have seen some windows updates cause Traveller to stop working. More often than not the issue is resolved in a subsequent Windows update or is a case of altering settings in the "new security feature" that just came down with the latest upgrade!
On a similar note, keeping your version of Windows up to date is extremely important, users on Windows XP and above are significantly more stable than those on 98 and ME. Likewise your Advantage Database Engine plays a part in system stability. Contact your account manager will be able to advise you on possible upgrade routes if you are running old software.
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