In order to be able to execute tasks on a computer, you require an agentA program that enables the de-centralized execution of processes (such as deployments) on target systems (computers or business solutions) or a service that provides connectivity to a target system (such as for databases or middleware). An agent is also an object type in the Automation Engine. [Formerly called "Executor."] See also: host. This agent initiates the start of tasks, monitors them during their execution and sends current statusThis represents the condition of a task (such as active, blocked, generating). information to the Automation EngineThis component drives an Automation Engine system and consists of different types of server processes.. Agent groups combine agents in order to avoid that several objects are created when a taskAn executable object that is running. Tasks are also referred to as activities. is processed on several hosts.
An agent groupAn agent group combines agents of the same platform. The agents that should be included in an agent group are specified by entering the agent name or via filters. A task that runs in an agent group is processed on one or all of the agent group's agents, depending on the specified mode. A particular Automation Engine object type. can only include agents of the same platform (such as UNIX).
An agent can also be assigned to several agent groups.
Examples of applications:
All of a clientA closed environment within an Automation Engine system where you can create and run objects. A client name consists of a 4-digit number that must be indicated when a user logs on to the Automation Engine system. Users and their rights are also defined in clients. A particular Automation Engine object type.'s agent groups are listed in the System OverviewThe UserInterface window that contains information about the Automation Engine system.. The context menu provides several commands which can be used for all of the agent group's agents.
Assign agents to an agent group by selecting particular ones or defining filters for names or other attributes. Roles are useful for filtering attributes. The administrator can assign roles to each agent via the variableIt stores or retrieves values dynamically at runtime. An individual Automation Engine object type. UC_EX_HOST_ROLE. These roles can then be used in agent group filters.
Examples of agent group definitions:
In agent groups, you can specify any agents and filter specifications of your choice.
Agent groups of system client 0000 can also be used in other clients. This requires that the administrator sets the relevant rights for the agent group. The client's agent group is used if the system client contains an agent group of the same name.
Note that an agent group of system client 0000 does not necessarily supply the same agent in each client. Agents obtain client authorizations after installation which can differ from each other.
An agent group does not only combine agents; it also controls the execution of tasks via a specified mode. On the one hand, agent groups execute tasks on all agents, and on the other hand, they realize workload distribution because they start tasks on particular agents.
The following modes are available:
The simulation functionPre-defined run book template in the Automation Engine. One single step only, e.g. Start Windows Service, Copy file,… displays the agents which belong to an agent group and the agent on which the next task will run.
The Activity Window displays tasks that run only on one agent due to a specified agent group mode with a one-line entry. The column Host indicates which agent has been selected. An agent group container that obtains an entry for each task execution is displayed if the task runs in mode "All". This container contains the same name as the task and also shows an antenna symbol which is included in the objectAutomation Engine controlled activities and processes are structured in the form of objects. See also: Task-type symbol. The type is "C_HOSTG".
The agent group container represents the superordinate taskThere are various ways of activating objects. The originator of the activation is referred to as the superordinate task (parent).. Keep this in mind when you use scriptA particular Automation Engine object type. elements that retrieve parentThere are different ways of activating objects. The originator of an activation is referred to as the superordinate task (parent). See also: Child; Children values (e.g.: SYS_ACT_PARENT_NAME). The agent group container and the task have the same name but each one has its own RunIDShort for "run number". It is a number that provides unique information about a task's execution. The RunID can include 7 to 10 digits. It is assigned by the Automation Engine component ..
The Detail Window of the agent group's statistical record shows how tasks have ended. "0" signals that all tasks have ended successfully, "1" that some tasks were canceled and "2" that no task has ended successfully.
The Activity Window provides several commands for agent groups which can be called using the context menu. One of the available commands opens a monitor which displays tasks executions that took place because of the agent group.
The task changes to the status "Waiting for Host" if no agent could be retrieved at the time of task execution (such as all agents were inactive or the agent group filters did not supply results). The system regularly checks whether agents are available and active.
The administrator can specify this interval in the variable UC_SYSTEM_SETTINGS using the key AGENTGROUP_CHECK_INTERVAL.
Task start is initiated as soon as a host could be selected for the task. Workflows contain additional options allowing you to specify that those tasks that use the same agent group should run on the same agent. Without this option, there is the possibility that in particular modes or if agents become inactive or active, different agents are selected because tasks are started at different times.
Use the script function GET_ATT to retrieve the agent on which the task will run.
If a task is restarted, it runs on the agent group agent that has originally been selected.
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