Types of program tools

A tool is a script that is typically invoked in response to a notification. Such a response might be to ping an affected device or to open a trouble ticket. Tools can also be invoked on topology elements. Service Assurance supports three types of tools:

• Server tools

• Client tools

• Automated tools

  Server and client tools are associated with a user profile and invoked by an operator using the Global Console. Two tool submenus, Server Tools and Client Tools, appear in a pop-up menu when an operator right-clicks a notification or a device. Access to server and client tools can be controlled by associating or not associating tools to user profiles:

• The Server Tools menu in the Global Console displays a list of available server tools. Server tools are invoked by the Global Manager and available to any console user. For the tools to be available for a user, the user’s profile must include the tools. “Security considerations for tools” on page 142 provides additional information.

• Client Tools are invoked on the host where the Global Console is running, which requires that the tool scripts are installed on the host where the console is running. The Client Tools menu displays a list of available client tools, provided the user’s profile includes the tool.

  Note:

  Client tools can also be invoked from the web console. The VMware Smart Assurance Service Assurance Manager Dashboard Configuration Guide describes how to configure client tools for the web console and the Business Dashboard.

• An automated tool is a type of server tool that is invoked by an escalation policy or an adapter. Automated tools are not visible to users of the Global Console.