Cracking the Vault

Database Editing

The direct access and editing of the Vault database is strictly prohibited.  Autodesk will provide NO ASSISTANCE to an install with a modified database. 

This rule also applies to the server file store. 

All access to the Vault server data must go through the Web Service API.  If it is not possible to achieve the desired functionality through the API, it should be assumed that it is outside Vault's design parameters and therefore not supported. In this situation, you can log a Support Request and ask for this to be supported in a future version.

Here are some examples of prohibited actions:

• Adding rows to a Vault table
• Updating rows in a Vault table
• Adding or updating triggers to Vault tables
• Adding or updating Vault stored procedures
• Adding or updating Vault table constraints
• Adding columns to a Vault table
• Adding tables to a Vault database
• Adding databases to a Vault SQL Server instance
• Replacing a file in the file store
• Deleting anything in a Vault database or file store

Database maintenance actions are allowed.  These actions include things like re-indexing, backup, and defragment.

Autodesk Vault (2011 or later) and Virtualization

Autodesk fully supports all editions of Autodesk Vault 2011 and later in virtual environments.  Autodesk will investigate issues reported with the Autodesk Vault software running in virtual environments.  Where issues are confirmed to be unrelated to the virtualization software, Autodesk will support its software in a manner that is consistent with support provided when that software is not running in virtualization software. Autodesk may ask the customer to send a copy of the latest backup so that Autodesk can reproduce the potential issue.

If it is determined that either the virtualization software or the virtual environment is contributing to performance or other issues, Autodesk reserves the right to ask the customer to reproduce the potential issue on a physical machine outside of the virtualization software.

It is advised that you allocate the Autodesk Vault recommended system requirements or higher when configuring the virtual guest on which Autodesk Vault is installed.

Autodesk only supports Autodesk Vault and will not provide support for virtualization hardware or software.

Autodesk Vault 2011 and later were tested on VMware ESXi version 4.0.0 and VMware Workstation version 6.5.2.

For information on certified virtualization vendors and their respective solutions, see Microsoft’s products list at Server Virtualization Validation Program home page.

· Microsoft’s support policy for Microsoft software running in non-Microsoft hardware virtualization software can be found here.

· Microsoft’s support policy for Microsoft SQL Server products running in a hardware virtualization environment can be found here.

· “Virtualization Snapshots for Hyper-V or for any virtualization vendor are not supported to use with SQL Server in a virtual machine. It is possible that you may not encounter any problems when using snapshots and SQL Server, but Microsoft will not provide technical support to SQL Server customers for a virtual machine that was restored from a snapshot.”
Microsoft Article ID 956893

Advanced Configuration Guide for Vault 2012 is now live

Click this URL to take you to Autodesk.com

http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=16853779&linkID=9261341

Backing Up and Restoring Autodesk® Vault using 3rd Party Software

A useful document has been posted that lists the capabilities required of a 3rd party backup and restore solution if using the ADMS Console is not sufficient.

http://download.autodesk.com/us/vault/Backup_and_Restore_Autodesk_Vault.pdf

For this to be formally supported, you would need to be able to run the ADMS Console without any errors in the User Interface or the ADMS Console logs, after restoring the backup.

Introducing the Vault 2012 Product Family

It’s that time of year again – new release time! In the upcoming posts, we’ll examine key new features and enhancements to Autodesk Vault Family of Products for the 2012 release. All of the functionality described is available in Autodesk Vault Professional 2012 software, some of the features and enhancements listed are also available in Autodesk Vault 2012, Autodesk Vault Workgroup 2012, and Autodesk Vault Collaboration 2012 software.

via underthehood-autodesk.typepad.com

Cheers Brian :-)

Show Revision Diagram

Keeping with the theme of visualizing things that are not visual by default, I present to you Show Revision Diagram.  Showching Tong and Alan Zang created this app to help illustrate the revision concept.

via justonesandzeros.typepad.com

Dougs posted a nice application that demonstrates how Document Revisions work

How To...Install Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Management Studio Express

Use the following steps for installing Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Management Studio Express:

1. Download the installation files from Microsoft’s download center. The files are not included with the Vault program.
2. Start the installation process. In the SQL Server Installation Center select New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation from the installation menu.
3. The installation process installs any necessary prerequisites and begins running the pre-installation checks. Note any errors and take the necessary corrective actions before continuing.
4. In the Installation Type window, select Perform a new installation of SQL Server 2008.
5. In the Feature Selection window, select Management Tools - Basic.

Verify the installation options chosen and Install. Once the installer has finished, it can be closed.

Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 Management Studio Express

Useful Training Course For Anyone Doing Post-Sales Support

Having attended this course some years ago, (delivered by an excellent presenter called Steve Brand from SGSA in the UK), I never previously thought to recommend it to anyone else. However, if support is your career, this is really useful.

Problem Solving Workshop

Effective technical problem resolution includes using excellent communication skills with customers at different knowledge levels while simultaneously making judgments about the information provided and asking key questions to gather the appropriate information. This can present a significant challenge to support professionals – especially in today’s market where customer satisfaction is derived from effective communication in an ever changing environment of technology.

http://servicestrategies.com/training/educational-workshops/problem-solving-workshop/

(I'd be interested to know if there is any demand to have this sort of training tailored to supporting Vault.)

Autodesk Vault 2012 Revision Management