[SOLARIS] License in standalone mode versus server mode

[VAB]

Hello!

I am even more confused than usual... we are converting our Solaris clients from server mode to standalone mode, because we need to create and run jobs individually on each client. Standalone mode gives us more flexibility than protection groups, which would contain only one client and need to be created on the server.

Also, we have finally received a permanent license key. I am quite sure that when I converted some systems to standalone mode, I lost the license and needed to install it again on the local client. However, the agent will not let me do this now:

Code: Select all

$ veeamconfig mode info
Owner: Not set
Mode: Standalone

$ veeamconfig license install --path /tmp/Veeam-11instances-backup-entplus-rental.lic
License is managed by Veeam Backup & Replication server.

$ veeamconfig license remove
License is managed by Veeam Backup & Replication server.

The documentation (https://helpcenter.veeam.com/docs/agent ... tml?ver=40) seems to support this:

"If you use Veeam Agent for Oracle Solaris with Veeam Backup & Replication, you must install and manage the license in the Veeam Backup & Replication console or in Veeam Backup Enterprise Manager."

So it seems I will need to ask our service provider to add the license to the server. Has this changed recently? Or am I doing something wrong?

Thanks!

[rovshan.pashayev]

Hello VAB,

What is the version of VAOS? Furthermore, how was the agent mode "converted"? Was the machine also removed from the PG?

[VAB]

Hi Rovshan!

What is the version of VAOS?

I have passed this question on to the server owners and will report back as soon as I have information on the VAOS version.

Furthermore, how was the agent mode "converted"?

By using "veeamconfig mode reset" and then manually adding vbrserver and repository.

Was the machine also removed from the PG?

Probably not. Is this a prerequisite for standalone mode?

Thanks!

[VAB]

Oops, it seems I misunderstood VAOS to mean the server version. Sorry! The agent version is 4.1.1.1423 -- should have mentioned that right away.

[rovshan.pashayev]

Hello VAB,

Try this: After resetting the mode, first install the license, then add the VBR Server and repository.

[VAB]

This sounds very sensible, and I will try this as soon as I have another client to convert. However, ATM I have only clients that are in standalone mode already:

Code: Select all

$ veeamconfig mode reset --force
Current operation mode is already set to Standalone.

I will ask our service provider (who manages the backup server) to remove the affected clients from the protection groups. Will that change anything?
Obviously, I could completely remove and then reinstall the Veeam Agent, but I would like to avoid that if possible, as I assume the existing backups will then be orphaned.

[rovshan.pashayev]

However, ATM I have only clients that are in standalone mode already:

For now just try steps, which I previously provided.

In case of Pre-Installed mode, once you reset mode, machine will be removed from PG.
In case of Individual mode, once you reset mode, but Rescan PG, VBR will attempt re-add it.

[VAB]

In case of Pre-Installed mode, once you reset mode, machine will be removed from PG.

Well, my current problem is that the reset itself does not work. It seems I need to find the file where the agent state is recorded.

[rovshan.pashayev]

Hi VAB,

Here is more detailed explanation of licensing:
The local license can only be utilized if the Standalone agent is not connected to VBR.
Once a connection to VBR is established, the license is taken from VBR. If you assign the license to VBR, all agents will obtain and utilize it from there.
Alternatively, if you prefer to utilize a local license, you must detach the agents from the VBR connection.

[VAB]

Thanks Rovshan! That is a clear and precise explanation. Is this explicitly mentioned in the documentation somewhere? If so, could you give me a link to the relevant page?

[rovshan.pashayev]

Hello VAB,

Currently, in the User Guide, I can direct you to the following pages:

General info here: https://helpcenter.veeam.com/docs/agent ... tml?ver=40
IMPORTANT section here: https://helpcenter.veeam.com/docs/agent ... tml?ver=40

However, there is no detailed explanation as previously described. We will evaluate this for further improvements to the User Guide.

Thanks