I created too many important workflows on Commvault. The use cases where I used workflows are as follows:
- Repetitive restore tests,
- Conditional backup that makes some operations before it,
- Create snapshots and mount snap disks to hosts from Hitachi, EMC, and HPE storages.
- They have been working without problems for years. So, I would like to talk about the advantages of using a Workflow.
First of all, the biggest advantage is the central management. Usually, snap scripts are distributed on different folders in different management servers. You can find them in “Task Scheduler” or “Crontab” if you are a little bit clever and lucky. But, it is a big deal in some environments. Also, the second deal is to find related files and figure out connections. If you use Commvault Workflow, all authorized employees can find and change scripts easily. And, to understand and see the big picture is very easy. You need a little time ( maybe minutes) to understand. On the other hand, in normal scripts, it can take hours, maybe days.
Secondly, security is very important every time. Normally, employees in “server team” can access your management server. Maybe, the other teams can also access your management server. So, they can access and change your script. But, if you use a workflow, only authorized employees can find and change scripts. On the other hand, you can encrypt and hide passwords used in the scripts and even authorized employees can’t see passwords of important service users that are embedded in the script.
Thirdly, you don’t have to think about logging, mailing, catch errors, create alarms, etc. So you must only write pure codes. All the other stuff is ready. Normally, if you want to write a good script, you have to think about this stuff that most of the code consists of these. So, it’s hard to read and find something in the code like this. However, in Commvault Workflow, you can focus on pure code.
Finally, It can be integrated with CommVault features like IntelliSnap®, backup, restore, etc. Therefore, currently, the biggest problem is to create a consistent snap. And you can solve this problem easily with IntelliSnap® integrated scripts. Also, if you need periodically backup and restore scripts, you have all needs in the tool.
Consequently, Workflow in Commvault has many advantages and I only mentioned the most important ones here, but there are more. As well, you can use ready-made scripts. You can find more information on the links below.
http://documentation.commvault.com/commvault/v11/article?p=features/workflow/workflow_overview.htm
http://documentation.commvault.com/commvault/v11/article?p=features/workflow/getting_started.htm
You can find this article on Youtube:
Commvault Workflow Examples:
Useful activities for Commvault Workflow:
Commvault workflow design:
