4.4 Managing Multiple Instances of PlateSpin Protect and PlateSpin Forge

PlateSpin Forge includes a Web-based client application, the PlateSpin Forge Management Console, that provides centralized access to multiple instances of PlateSpin Protect and PlateSpin Forge.

In a data center with more than one instance of PlateSpin Forge, you can designate one of the instances as the manager and run the management console from there. Other instances are added under the Manager, providing a single point of control and interaction.

4.4.1 Using the PlateSpin Forge Management Console

To begin using the Management Console:

  1. Open a Web browser on a machine that has access to your PlateSpin Forge instances and navigate to:

    https:// <IP_address | hostname> /console

    Replace <IP_address | hostname> with either the IP address or the hostname of the Forge VM that is designated as the Manager.

  2. Log in with your username and password.

    The console’s default Dashboard page is displayed.

Figure 4-4 The Management Console’s Default Dashboard Page

4.4.2 About PlateSpin Forge Management Console Cards

Individual instances of PlateSpin Protect and PlateSpin Forge, when added to the Management Console, are represented by cards.

Figure 4-5 PlateSpin Forge Instance Card

A card displays basic information about the specific instance of PlateSpin Protect or PlateSpin Forge, such as:

  • IP address/hostname

  • Location

  • Version number

  • Workload count

  • Workload status

  • Storage capacity

  • Remaining free space

Hyperlinks on each card allow you to navigate to that particular instance’s Workloads, Reports, Settings, and Tasks pages. There are also hyperlinks that allow you to edit a card’s configuration or remove a card from the display.

4.4.3 Adding Instances of PlateSpin Protect and PlateSpin Forge to the Management Console

Adding a PlateSpin Protect or Forge instance to the Management Console results in a new card on the Management Console’s dashboard.

NOTE:When you log in to the Management Console running on an instance of PlateSpin Protect or PlateSpin Forge, that instance is not automatically added to the console. It must be manually added.

To add a PlateSpin Protect or Forge instance to the console:

  1. On the console’s main dashboard, click Add PlateSpin Server.

    The Add/Edit page is displayed.

  2. Specify the URL of the PlateSpin Server host or Forge VM. Use HTTPS if SSL is enabled.

  3. (Optional) Enable the Use Management Console Credentials check box to use the same credentials as those used by the console. When it is selected, the console automatically populates the Domain\Username field.

  4. In the Domain\Username field, type a domain name and a username valid for the instance of PlateSpin Protect or PlateSpin Forge that you are adding. In the Password field, type the corresponding password.

  5. (Optional) Specify a descriptive or identifying Display Name (15 characters max), a Location (20 characters max), and any Notes you might require (400 characters max).

  6. Click Add/Save.

    A new card is added to the dashboard.

4.4.4 Managing Cards on the Management Console

To modify the details of a card on the Management Console:

  1. Click the Edit hyperlink on the card that you want to edit.

    The console’s Add/Edit page is displayed.

  2. Make any desired changes, then click Add/Save.

    The updated console dashboard is displayed.

To remove a card from the Management Console:

  1. Click the Remove hyperlink on the card you want to remove.

    A confirmation prompt is displayed.

  2. Click OK.

    The individual card is removed from the dashboard.