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Hi,
Yes, Suki has been most helpful to address our immediate needs. It is correct that we were able to downlevel dozens of our Linux on System z nodes to level 8.1.0.2 so that we can enable and use the web GUI again. However, we ran into several problems with at least 3 nodes that would refuse to either connect or would connect but would then complain with error "ANS4055E Cannot update file space" when attempting to backup or restore data for any of the directories/file systems that were previously backed up from the same node using the 8.1.2 client. I have reopened the ticket and provided Suki with additional trace output he requested.
However, even if we get this working, 1-I fear that we will hit a problem later with TSM complaining that there is something wrong due to the fact that we downgraded the client and have backup data from a later level client and 2-This is not a long term solution since we can't be forced to be stuck with 8.1.0 client forever. As it is now, the Linux on System z client has lost a capability (some type of web or non-web GUI interface) that will allow access to the backup and restore functions other than using a dsmc command line.
It would be helpful to provide some sort of explanation as to why this is, how long this is expected to go on and/or what is the long term solution or some sort of statement of direction with respect to this problem. I am happy to speak by phone if that is more appropriate.
Thank you.
Let me also add that since my TSM server is now at 8.1.6 release level, I am no longer able to use any GUI based connection, including the web GUI on any system since per your documentation ( https://www.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/hr/SSEQVQ_8.1.2/client/c_bac_webclient_deprecate.html#c_bac_webclient_deprecate ), once the server is above the 8.1.2 level, the web client will no longer work from any client level.
This is contrary to what support advised me to do which was to downgrade my client on Linux on System z to pre 8.1 level and use the web GUI again. However, when I do this, I am unable to connect to the server (8.1.6) level even if I revert the node setting to TRANSITIONAL.
So, at this point, I am stuck with no GUI on Linux on system z with no way to go back.
Thank you for the clarification. So your proposal is to have a GUI interface that allows only for restore functionality and that's all. The short answer for my organizational needs today is yes that would be sufficient today based on my needs as they are now as long as the interface allowed for and is identical to the current capabilities of the GUI for the purpose of a restore. In other words, I would like to be able to view all backed up objects in the same GUI view as currently available, be able to view active only and active and inactive objects, be able to navigate the file system in the same manner, etc..
By why? What is the limitation here? Why provide dsmj command everywhere else except Linux on z? It seems that there is some other external restriction that is imposing this limitation. Please keep in mind that as it is now, the Linux for System z client has a reduced functionality as compared to before. I see this as a loss of functionality for the product. Just because today a restore only solution is acceptable for me doesn't mean tomorrow this would be the same or for other customers.
May we schedule a 5 minute phone conversation to discuss?
Thanks,
Aria
Hi,
I submitted a comment reply on 12/20 but I see it is no showing here so I will attempt to respond again.
If by web-based file-level restore interface you mean similar to the previously available web based GUI interface that allowed full backup/restore/archive functionality, then yes, this would be sufficient. However, the interface would need to be a supported method of communication and not something as a stop gap measure.
Please note that all other platforms have a GUI based interface (dsmg) except for System z Linux. Why? Java is available and is platform independent so why exclude dsmj System z Linux?
The System z Linux platform needs a GUI based interface for TSM as with all other platforms or else, exploration of backups existing on the server is nearly useless using the command line alone.
If IBM provided a Web-based file-level restore interface, would that be sufficient?