Why Use the Automated Merge Tool?
The Automated Merge Tool streamlines the process of managing configuration files, ensuring minimal manual intervention. It achieves this by automating the backup and merging tasks of configuration files, thus enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of system updates. It is specifically tailored to the needs of BI administrators responsible for managing the Web Tier in the BI Platform.
Streamlining SAP BusinessObjects Updates with the Automated Merge Tool
Maintaining SAP BusinessObjects (BOE) systems, particularly during updates or upgrades, often involves extensive manual processes that can be time-consuming and error-prone. The Automated Merge Tool significantly simplifies this workflow by automating critical tasks related to configuration file management, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of system updates. It is specifically tailored to the needs of BI administrators responsible for managing the Web Tier in the BI Platform.
Key Functionalities and Workflow:
Automated Backups:
Prior to initiating an update, the Automated Merge Tool performs essential backups, safeguarding configurations such as property files (*.properties), security contexts, and SAML configurations.
Seamless Merging:
Post-update, the tool efficiently merges backed-up configurations with new versions, ensuring consistency and accuracy.
Installation and Initial Setup:
To successfully deploy the Automated Merge Tool:
- Establish Connection: Connect remotely to the server hosting the SAP BusinessObjects Web Tier.
- Directory Creation: Create a dedicated directory, for example, “AutomatedToolToBackupAndMerge”.
- Transfer and Unzip: Transfer and unzip the AutomatedMergeTool.zip file into this directory.
- Set JAVA_HOME: Configure the JAVA_HOME environment variable to point to your bundled SAP JVM.
Detailed Configuration and Customization:
Configuration settings are managed through the AppConfig.xml file located within the “ConfigFiles” folder. Through this configuration file, administrators can:
- Define BOE installation paths.
- Enable or disable plugins selectively based on operational requirements.
Plug-in Architecture and Functionalities:
The Automated Merge Tool leverages a plugin mechanism, providing flexibility and specific task management:
- boe.custom.properties: Manages backup for all custom property files but does not support merging.
- boe.securityContextFile & biprws.securityContextFile: Handle backups and merges for the Tomcat SecurityContext.xml files for BOE and biprws web applications, respectively.
- boe.saml.config.files & biprws.saml.config.files: Handle backups and restoration of SAML configuration files including XML and keystore files.
- dswsbobje.webservices.axis: Responsible for handling backups and merging specifically for Axis configurations.
- dswsbobje.properties: Responsible for handling backups and merging for dsws properties.
- fioriBI.custom.css: Specifically manages backups and restoration of Theme designer files.
Plugin-Based Flexibility:
The tool operates based on a modular plugin architecture, each designed for specific tasks such as backup, merge, copy, and restore. Administrators can enable or disable individual plugins via AppConfig.xml to precisely align with their update requirements.
Execution Commands:
- Backup Command: Creates a backup and copies files to specified locations and the tool’s backup folder.
java -jar AutomatedMergeTool.jar backup <log_level>- Merge Command: Merges configurations post-update to ensure integration of customized settings.
java -jar AutomatedMergeTool.jar merge <log_level>Logging and Debugging:
Detailed logs can be generated with various verbosity levels (INFO, DEBUG, WARN, etc.) to aid troubleshooting and auditing.
Availability:
The Automated Merge Tool is conveniently accessible within SAP BusinessObjects official resources, specifically within the Collateral folder provided during installation.
Important Usage Guidelines:
Always execute the Backup command before updates to secure configuration files.
Avoid deleting crucial files such as lastBackupTakenTime.properties, essential for the merge operation.
Conclusion:
The Automated Merge Tool significantly enhances the efficiency, reliability, and accuracy of SAP BusinessObjects system updates by automating critical backup and merging tasks, minimizing downtime, and reducing manual effort.
