Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Don't backup programs handle open and in-use files?
Not necessarily. Most backup programs skip open and in-use files. Others force the backup of open and in-use files causing corrupt data, which shows up as log file errors.
Can't I kick users off the network at backup time?
First, you'll be a hero by not having to do that. Furthermore, some systems (email, transaction servers, intranet, Internet and database servers) should never be taken off-line.
Which backup software programs work with Open File Manager?
All Windows and NetWare backup software packages are supported.
What if I change backup packages?
No problem, you can continue to use the same Open File Manager license.
Does Open File Manager work with Exchange, Lotus Notes, SQL, Oracle, GroupWise, etc.?
Yes. Open File Manager supports all applications.
How is Open File Manager licensed?
One license is required per machine. Multi-license serial numbers are available, simplifying license management.
Does Open File Manager mirror my files or need a lot of extra disk space?
No. Open File Manager only caches data necessary to ensure an accurate image of open files for backup and does so in 1Kbyte increments, thus minimizing the amount of empty disk space required.
How do I evaluate the product?
The fifteen-day live trial is a full working product that can be installed on an unlimited number of systems. You only need a day or so to test Open File Manager: simply install it , which takes less than 20 minutes, then run your backup program overnight and look at your backup log files in the morning. You'll see that skipped open files are the thing of the past.
Is this a new product?
Open File Managere has been shipping since early 1996. Over 300,000 licenses are installed worldwide.
How long will it take for Open File Manager to support new backup application releases?
Open File Manager can be configured very quickly to support new backup releases, and in most cases support is available at the same time the backup package is released. Because we are completely application-independent you never have to worry about supporting new applications or incurring additional cost.
Why do I need Open File Manager if l already have an application-specific agent?
To effectively cover your file system you would need application specific agents for every type of data in your enterprise including, databases, mail system, fax servers, and web servers. Most of these applications don't have agents available, and if they did, they would likely cost more than Open File Manager. In addition, you would have to purchase, install and maintain a separate agent for each application. With Open File Manager, you have one solution that works across all applications, saving you time, money and hassle.
Can I administer Open File Manager from a single system?
Yes - Open File Manager can be administered from a single Windows workstation. The Open File Manager Server component can be installed, initiated, stopped, and removed using the Control Component loaded on any system.
Does Open File Manager provide cluster support?
Yes. Under the "Enterprise" license, Open File Manager provides support for Microsoft's Cluster Servers technology, including automatic detection of dynamic volume mounts and dismounts for con open file protection in fail-over and fail-back scenarios.
Am I covered by Microsoft's Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS)?
Yes you are, but only if all your applications are VSS-aware. VSS-aware means the application has been updated to recognize the VSS command and act accordingly. Our research indicates there are only a few applications that are VSS-aware. Even some of Microsoft's legacy applications such as FoxPro are not scheduled to be updated to VSS support. If you attempt to back up a legacy application with only VSS, you will only be covered to what Microsoft deems a "crash consistent state". In this sense, VSS is specific to only those applications it recognizes.
However, with Open File Manager, you are now assured complete coverage of all applications during the VSS backup process, whether they are VSS-aware or not.
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