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Software Installation / Upgrades

TasksAssumptions & Dependencies
Product License Size ChangeNo outage will occur for License SIZE upgrades or changes.
Product Release/Version ChangeWith version upgrade, there will be an outage period during the version change.
Download SolarWinds product binariesPlease download all SolarWinds product binaries prior to the engagement in the interest of saving valuable time for more critical tasks.
Software upgrades – Core modulesEnsure there is adequate storage for the database and TempDB. Database size can temporarily grow 25-50% during the upgrade process.

Migration

TasksAssumptions & Dependencies
Download SolarWinds product binariesPlease download all SolarWinds product binaries to the new servers prior to the engagement in the interest of saving valuable time for more critical tasks.
Migrate SQL DatabaseRequires SA rights on both MS SQL platforms to back up and then restore the database. Confirm disk space available for backup and restore of database.
Migrate ApplicationAdministrator rights on designated servers. Local administrator rights recommended. Administrator rights to the Orion system.
Transfer License KeysAccess to the SolarWinds customer portal for the purpose of obtaining current activation keys. If temporary keys are in use on the new SolarWinds servers, please note that the production license keys will need to be transferred prior to the 30-day temp license window expiring.

With all migrations, there will be an outage period during the changeover. The amount of time varies based on size of existing database, typically 1 hour.

For migrations where the new application server will have a new IP and hostname please refer to this link.

For migration where the application server will use the existing IP and hostname please refer to this link.

For migration of the SolarWinds database, please refer to the this link.

Health Check

The Loop1 Health-Check is scheduled in two parts:

  • The first session, Loop1’s engineer will be online reviewing the client environment and gathering needed data for the documented deliverable. A dedicated resourceis requested for this portion of the engagement but not mandatory, as long as a resource is available if needed and the Loop1 engineer has full administrative access into the SolarWinds and SQL servers.
  • The second session, Loop1’s engineer will discuss the findings from the first session assessments and consult on future options to make sure optimal setup and best practices are met. This time will also address any specific goals or expectations the client has for SolarWinds allowing for Loop1 and client to lay out a comprehensive plan for moving forward.

If it is an onsite engagement the client will need to provide the Loop1 Engineer a place to work for the first half of the day so he can prepare the health check documentation including recommendations for the client environment.

Environment Configuration / Access

Client must provide the following for installation and application administration
DeliverableRequirementsModule
SolarWinds Software License and Portal AccessValid software key for SolarWinds Products has been purchased and is accessible. SolarWinds server has direct access to the internet and desktop access or Remote Desktop to the SolarWinds server is provided. If no direct internet access is available an alternative method for transferring license activation files is available.ALL
SolarWinds Application AccessSolarWinds Admin Level AccountALL
SolarWinds Server AccessRDP session to the SolarWinds Application server(s), and a local administrator account.ALL
SolarWinds Server AccessIf this is a remote engagement the Loop1 Systems engineer will need VPN access to the client’s environment unless access can be established via the remote meeting session. Client should be available as needed during the engagement to facilitate any access needs for the scope of work to be completed within the scheduled time.ALL
Email AlertingIf email based alert actions are wanted, the Orion server(s) must be given permissions within the client’s Exchange server or other email relay.ALL
SolarWinds DB Server AccessRDP session to the MS SQL server where the Orion database resides

Provide access to the SQL application to analyze the state of the Orion database via SQL Server Manager Studio with SA rights		NPM, NTA, NCM, SAM, IPAM, VNQM, WPM, UDT
NMS Authentication for InstallationProvide a local account with local admin rights to the SolarWinds Application servers for installation of the applicationNPM, NTA, NCM, SAM, IPAM, VNQM, WPM, UDT
Orion and SAM Service AccountsWMI credentials are available for Windows-based nodes to be monitored via WMI – Windows service acct with permissions to access WMI and Perfmon.

Any necessary credentials (SQL, Oracle, SSH, WMI, RPC) for Server & Application Monitor (SAM) are created and available.		NPM, SAM, NCM, IPAM

SAM
NetFlowCLI credentials for NetFlow configuration, or NetFlow should be configured to export to the application server IP using port 2055 prior.NTA
NetFlow Export to Host IPNetFlow: Devices that export NetFlow should be configured to export to the designated data collector IP Address. The default port is 2055, but this can be configured globally.NTA
NMS Authentication for SNMP & WMINodes to be monitored must be SNMP enabled and valid SNMP Read Community Strings for those devices are available.

All ACLs/Firewalls must have the proper rules in place to allow Orion access to poll devices via SNMP/ICMP/WMI (where applicable)		NPM, NTA, NCM, SAM, IPAM, VNQM, UDT, Kiwi CatTools
UDT Service AccountFor UDT if you want to track user logins we must have a service account with Event LogReader permission privileges on the domain controllersUDT
VNQM Service AccountFor the Cisco CallManager servers please provide an account with AXL permissionsVNQM
VNQM Service AccountFor records (CDR/CMR) an account with read/write/modify access to the FTP server where the records are stored is requiredVNQM
VNQM / IPSLACLI Credentials and RW community strings for IPSLA capable devices.VNQM
Device AuthenticationDevice CLI credentials are available (SSH/Telnet) for Network Configuration Manager (NCM)NCM, Kiwi CatTools
SSL Cert. & Local Admin AccountServ-U
Install WPMAdministrator access to the Orion NPM Servers and to the Orion system. RDP Access.WPM
Install WPM Recorder/PlayerAdministrator access for the designated record/playback host machine. Accounts must have access to the remote administrator share. Update root certificates. UAC must be disabled, or the built in Administrator account must be used for the deployment. RDP Access.WPM
Remote Player Port RequirementsTCP Ports: 135, 445, 17777, 17781WPM
Install Database Performance AnalyzerLocal administrator access on the DPA server and SA rights on the DPA Repository serverDPA
DPA Port RequirementsTCP 1433(MS SQL) OR TCP 1521(Oracle) open between DPA application server and DPA Repository server. Communication ports (typically 1433 & 1521, but can vary based on environment configuration) open between DPA Application Server and target database serversDPA
DPA database service account requirementsMS SQL – SYSADMIN / Oracle – SYS / Sybase – SA_ROLE / IBM DB2 – SYSADMDPA
DPA supported databasesFor a current list of supported databases, please refer to the DPA Admin GuideDPA
ServiceNow Integration (optional)Admin access to the ServiceNow instance to add the SolarWinds Integration App.
Port 443 open from the SolarWinds server to the ServiceNow instance.

Network Performance Monitor (NPM)

TasksAssumptions and Dependencies
Generate and populate custom properties.A list of desired custom property values has been created or determined during the review phase.
Create Users and Account LimitationsA list of Orion Administrators and Users has been provided; user roles and desired view limitations have been captured in the requirements phase.
Customize Dashboard and Menu BarsCustom menu bar links and dashboard views have been identified as part of the requirements phase.
Generate MapsCurrent Visio drawings and/or geographic information for building maps is provided or alternate desired map views have been identified during the requirements phase. Additionally, if World Map is desired, latitude and longitude for each site will be required.
Generate AlertsEmail distribution group addresses for personnel receiving alerts and SMTP server settings have been provided.

Alert Recipients - know what individuals or Distribution Lists alerts will go to

Escalation Procedures - Orion provides for alert escalation. If this is a desired feature, please have these available prior to the engagement.
Generate Reports, Configure Report SchedulerReporting requirements have been established during the requirements phase. Email distribution groups or addresses have been provided for Report Scheduler, and SMTP server settings have been provided.
Generate Custom MIB PollersCustom polling requirements have been established; the target device has been added to Orion and is accessible for verification of polled values.
Generate Pass-through Authentication with Active DirectoryDomain and user information is provided (Should the Client require pass-through authentication with Active Directory.)
Create DependenciesNecessary node and/or group relationships have been defined.
Quality of ExperiencePacket capture location(s) and/or network ports have been identified. For deployment considerations for QOE, please refer to this link
NetPath servicesNetPath probe locations and path definitions have been identified. For NetPath probe deployment requirements, please refer to this link
Configure F5 iControlA local account with F5 iControl API access as well as SNMP have been configured on F5 BIG-IP devices running TMOS version 11.6 and later. Please note that TACACS/Active Directory accounts are not supported.

Orion Server and Application Monitor (SAM)

TaskAssumptions & Dependencies
Creating Custom TemplatesDesired applications to be monitored have been identified as part of requirements phase.
Deployment of SAM agentsTarget servers have been identified, and a service account with adequate permissions for installation has been provided. Agent installation requires remote access to target servers; please refer to the SAM Admin Guide in the SolarWinds Success Center
Assignment of SAM templatesNecessary administrative credentials have been created for use by SAM job engine in performing data collection (Windows and/or Unix/Linux).
Define Application ThresholdsDefine thresholds for metrics such as CPU, Memory and/or Statistics related to monitored applications.
Configure Server Hardware Health collectionNecessary vendor SNMP or WBEM agents have been installed (Dell OpenManage, HP Insight, IBM Director)
Generate AlertsAlert Recipients - know what individuals or Distribution Lists alerts will go to.

Escalation Procedures - Orion provides for alert escalation. If this is a desired feature, please have these available prior to the engagement.

Email distribution group addresses for personnel receiving alerts and SMTP server settings have been provided.
Generate Reports, Configure Report SchedulerReporting requirements have been established during the requirements phase. Email distribution groups or addresses have been provided for Report Scheduler, and SMTP server settings have been provided.
Generate and populate custom properties.A list of desired custom property values has been created or determined during the review phase.
Create Users and Account LimitationsA list of Orion Administrators and Users has been provided; user roles and desired view limitations have been captured in the requirements phase.
AppInsight ApplicationsA list of MS SQL, MS IIS, and MS Exchange Mailbox servers and appropriate credentials have been provided.
Cloud instance monitoringAppropriate credentials have been provided for each instance. For supported instance types and credential requirements, please refer to this link

Netflow Traffic Analyzer (NTA)

TasksAssumptions & Dependencies
NetFlow SettingsData retention and reporting needs have been identified as part of requirements phase.
Verify Active FlowsFlow exporters have been configured on source devices.
Define IP Address GroupsDesired subnets have been identified during requirements phase.
Define Custom ApplicationsDesired applications have been identified.
Generate Custom ViewsDesired views have been identified.
NTA Flow Storage Database (NTA version 4.2.3 or earlier only)Additional server that meets system requirements has been provided.
NTA database (NTA version 4.4 or later)Additional MS SQL 2016 SP1 instance that meets system requirements has been provided.

Orion Network Configuration Manager (NCM)

TasksAssumptions & Dependencies
Populate inventory from OrionOrion Database is fully populated with desired nodes for import.
Generate scheduled JobsSchedules have been defined for backup frequency, purge frequency; any other recurring jobs desired have been identified.
Generate policy reportsApplicable policies for compliance verification have been identified.
Enable Real Time Change Detection NotificationAppropriate email distribution lists have been identified, email server settings are defined, and syslog system to be used is defined.
Enable ApprovalsAppropriate user roles for staff are defined.
Build Connection ProfilesSSH /Telnet / SNMP credentials have been provided for all devices to be managed by NCM. Devices must be configured to allow the Orion server to communicate with the managed network devices via the preferred protocol.
Configure Cisco Smart Net Adviser ConnectorConnector has been downloaded from Customer Portal
Desired reports have been identified (list of available reports can be found Link

Orion IP Address Manager (IPAM)

TasksAssumptions & Dependencies
Add MS, Cisco, or ISC DHCP Servers and ScopesCredentials with adequate permissions have been created for use by IPAM to connect to target DHCP servers. For ISC DHCP servers please see the following link.
Import IP AddressesA list of IP addresses with groups of subnets or supernets have been provided.
Add DNS ServersProvide DNS administrator credentials to DNS servers
Generate AlertsAlert Recipients - know what individuals or Distribution Lists alerts will go to

Escalation Procedures - Orion provides for alert escalation. If this is a desired feature, please have these available prior to the engagement.

Email distribution group addresses for personnel receiving alerts and SMTP server settings have been provided.

VoIP & Network Quality Manager (VNQM)

TasksAssumptions & Dependencies
Define IP SLA OperationsTarget nodes must be Cisco devices which support IP SLA (refer to Cisco documentation for device capabilities) For supported devices information, please refer to the following link.

For automated operation management all target devices are configured with a READ/WRITE SNMP community string.

Telnet or SSH access including login credentials are available for viewing, modifying or verifying IP SLA operations on all target nodes.
Add Call Manager NodesProvide Call Manager credentials with AXL read only permissions

Provide FTP server access for retrieval of CDR/CMR files.

Provide a list of voice gateways/routers

Provide a list of Call Manager servers. For supported devices information, please refer to the following link.
Generate AlertsAlert Recipients - know what individuals or Distribution Lists alerts will go to

Escalation Procedures - Orion provides for alert escalation. If this is a desired feature, please have these available prior to the engagement.

Email distribution group addresses for personnel receiving alerts and SMTP server settings have been provided.

Network Topology Mapper (NTM)

TasksAssumptions & Dependencies
Create Network MapsA list of subnets with SNMP community Strings has been provided

Engineer's Toolset

TasksAssumptions & Dependencies
Toolset TrainingToolset integration settings are defined for appropriate users.

User Device Tracker (UDT)

TasksAssumptions & Dependencies
Adding switches and ports to be monitored.A list of desired switches and ports to be monitored. SNMP communications must be enabled between the target devices and the Orion application server.
Adding Active directory servers for user tracking.A list of domain controllers and credentials with ‘Event LogReader’ permissions and access to the following WMI namespaces: CIMV2, directory, and RSOP have been provided.
Create UDT watch list (optional)Mac addresses of machines to be added to watch list.
Generate AlertsAlert Recipients - know what individuals or Distribution Lists alerts will go to.

Escalation Procedures - Orion provides for alert escalation. If this is a desired feature, please have these available prior to the engagement.

Email distribution group addresses for personnel receiving alerts and SMTP server settings have been provided.
Generate Reports, Configure Report SchedulerReporting requirements have been established during the requirements phase. Email distribution groups or addresses have been provided for Report Scheduler, and SMTP server settings have been provided.

Patch Manager

TasksAssumptions & Dependencies
Third Party Update ConfigurationRegistration and downloads of third party installers has been completed, if necessary.
Build Patch Manager Computer GroupsA list of desired groups has been provided.
Deploy WMI ProvidersThe target devices requiring WMI providers have been identified.
Generate AlertsAlert Recipients - know what individuals or Distribution Lists alerts will go to.

Escalation Procedures - Orion provides for alert escalation. If this is a desired feature, please have these available prior to the engagement.

Email distribution group addresses for personnel receiving alerts and SMTP server settings have been provided.

Firewall Security Manager (FSM)

TasksAssumptions & Dependencies
Adding firewalls to be monitored.A list of desired firewalls to be monitored, and required access. (varies based on the type of device)
Enable Change AdvisorAppropriate user roles for staff are defined.
Import device configsConnect directly to a Cisco or Juniper NetScreen device, connect to a Check Point management server, import configuration files from your company's file system, or import from NCM if available.
Orion IntegrationAppropriate credentials for installation will be required for the Orion application server.
Generate AlertsAlert Recipients - know what individuals or Distribution Lists alerts will go to

Email distribution group addresses for personnel receiving alerts and SMTP server settings have been provided.

Web Help Desk (WHD)

TasksAssumptions & Dependencies
Integration with LDAP/Active Directory ServiceClient provides any necessary service accounts and identifies any account properties that will be carried over to WHD client accounts (such as contact information or title). For Hosted deployment ensure the necessary firewall rules are in place to allow the WHD source addresses through to the LDAP server. Web Help Desk will connect to your LDAP server from one of the following IPs:
64.62.138.188, 64.62.138.186, 72.13.84.171
Configure Web Helpdesk Email OptionsClient provides email account for Web Helpdesk.
Create Technician Users and Client AccountsA list of WHD users has been provided; Tech user roles and desired limitations have been captured in the requirements phase. The client has identified Client (non-tech WHD users) administrators/approvers for any necessary approval processes.
Configure Request TypesA list of desired Request Type values has been provided prior to or during the review phase.
Configure Priority TypesClient identifies any Priority Types that would be needed beyond the out-of-the-box configuration.
Configure Status TypesClient identifies any Status Types that would be needed beyond the out-of-the-box configuration.
Status AlertsClient identifies any alert criteria prior to or during implementation.
Configure Processes for approval or automated action rulesClient identifies any status types that require approval processes, or special action rules.
Configure Location, Company, and/or DepartmentClient has identified any necessary company, location, or department designations.
Create Tech GroupsDefine the desired groups to be created and/ or grouping hierarchy to be established.
SurveysClient has identified any surveys that should be created during implementation.
Assets, Parts, and BillingClient has identified any compatible asset management software and will provide service account or other necessary access, or has provided a list of assets in supported format. For the hosted instance Web Help Desk will connect to your endpoint from one of the following IPs:
64.62.138.188, 64.62.138.186, 72.13.84.171
ReportsClient has identified any reports that should be created during implementation.

Web Performance Monitor (WPM)

TasksAssumptions & Dependencies
Install Web Performance Monitor PlayerClient provides server locations or Cloud based server to install the WPM player(s).
Produce sample recording, and import to Orion NPM for monitoring.Client provides web site and instruction on valid recording. Sites to be monitored must comply with any requirements for WPM functionality.
Customize Dashboard and Menu BarsCustom menu bar links and dashboard views have been identified as part of the requirements phase.
Generate AlertsAlert Recipients - know what individuals or Distribution Lists alerts will go to

Escalation Procedures - Orion provides for alert escalation. If this is a desired feature, please have these available prior to the engagement.

Email distribution group addresses for personnel receiving alerts and SMTP server settings have been provided.

Log And Event Manager (LEM)

TasksAssumptions & Dependencies
Deploy LEM Agents for Event Log collectionNecessary system access for local install or credentials and access for remote install are provided.
Provision syslog data to LEMConfigure Sources to forward syslog data to LEM server as desired.
Generate AlertsEmail distribution group addresses for personnel receiving alerts and SMTP server settings have been provided.

Alert Recipients - know what individuals or Distribution Lists alerts will go to.
Build Example RulesDefine rules or actions for detected security events.
Assign Connector ProfilesProvide a list of all devices / servers for application of Connector Profiles.
Email AlertingIf email based alert actions are wanted, the LEM appliance must be given permissions within the client’s Exchange server or other email relay.
vCenter CredentialsEnsure the availability of credentials to allow for deployment of the virtual appliance via VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hyper-V. These credentials should allow for deployment of an OVF Template (VMware) or Importing Virtual Machine (Hyper-V).
SolarWinds Application AccessAdmin level access to the LEM web console and Admin level access to the LEM CMC console.

Virtualization Manager (VMAN)

TasksAssumptions & Dependencies
Add vCenter to Virtualization ManagerFor VMware environments, no agents are needed at all. vCenter administrative credentials are required and a vCenter service account dedicated to Profiler VMware data collection will be needed.
Generate AlertsEmail distribution group addresses for personnel receiving alerts and SMTP server settings have been provided.

Alert recipients - know what individuals or Distribution Lists alerts will go to.
vCenter CredentialsEnsure the availability of credentials to allow for deployment of the virtual appliance via VMware vSphere or Microsoft Hyper-V. These credentials should allow for deployment of an OVF Template (VMware) or Importing Virtual Machine (Hyper-V).

Storage Resource Monitor by Profiler (SRM Profiler)

TasksAssumptions & Dependencies
Deploy, configure and tune additional data collectorsA list of servers where additional (optional) data collectors are to be installed on has been created or determined during the review phase. Details for such servers have been gathered such as IP Addresses, DNS names, administrative credentials, etc.
Create Users and Account LimitationsA list of Profiler Administrators and Users has been provided; user roles and desired view limitations have been captured in the requirements phase.
Setup email (SMTP) server settingsSMTP server details have been provided (IP address, DNS name and authentication parameters if needed).

Email alert customization parameters (from address, email subjects) have been defined.
Generate AlertsEmail distribution group addresses for personnel receiving alerts and SMTP server settings have been provided.
Generate Reports, Configure Report SchedulerReporting requirements have been established during the requirements phase. Email distribution groups or addresses have been provided for Report Scheduler, SMTP server settings have been provided.
Optional: Generate Pass-through Authentication with Active DirectoryDomain and user information is provided (Should the Client require pass-through authentication with Active Directory.)
Create Targets in Storage ProfilerA list of Storage Arrays to be monitored has been gathered during the requirements phase. Administrative credentials to the array(s) will be required.

IP Addresses for all storage processors have been identified during the requirements phase.

For most arrays, downloading a vendor-supplied SMI-S Provider is required prior to configuring the array in Profiler.
Download and install SMI-S Providers (not all arrays)Computers where this component is to be installed have been identified during the requirements phase. Local administrative credentials to these systems will be required.

DameWare (DM)

TasksAssumptions & Dependencies
DameWare Service AccountRemote Access to workstations and servers or User with Domain Admin Role
Port RequirementsUDP 137, 138 and TCP 139,445 and WMI (135, 10,000+)

Kiwi Syslog

TasksAssumptions & Dependencies
Provision syslog data to Kiwi Syslog serverConfigure Sources to forward syslog data to Kiwi Syslog server as desired.
Configure Log ManagementDesired log management policies for splitting, archiving and / or forwarding are defined.
Configure Log Monitor Views/ FiltersDesired log filtering views are defined.
Configure Log AlertsDesired alerts are defined.

Enterprise Operation Control (EOC)

TasksAssumptions & Dependencies
Create Users and Account LimitationsA list of Orion Administrators and Users has been provided; user roles and desired view limitations have been captured in the requirements phase. Accounts need to be created on all Orion environments that will be brought into EOC.
Add Orion instances to EOCA list of all Orion servers and an Admin Orion account will be required. Must use IPv4, there is currently no IPv6 support. If adding by hostname, the names must adhere to standard DNS naming conventions.
Generate MapsCurrent Visio drawings and/or geographic information for building maps is provided or alternate desired map views have been identified during the requirements phase.
Generate Custom ViewsThese can include maps, charts, summary lists, reports, events, and links to other resources. Having a general idea of what you'd like to see ahead of time will make the process much more efficient. Also, it's extremely important to have custom properties & groups already in place and populated in your Orion environments if you plan on utilizing them for filtering your EOC views.

Classroom Connectivity: VPN or Web Portal

TasksAssumptions and Dependencies
Confirm Connectivity to Loop1 Classroom Environment:
One of the two options provided need to be tested and confirmed by the client at booking or a minimum of 30 days prior to the engagement start date.
VPN or Web Portal Test connection details will be provided by your project manager

Please contact Ben Penney at Ben.Penney@loop1.com at least 3 weeks prior to the start of this engagement if you require assistance to test the connectivity to the Loop1 Classroom Servers.

If this test is not carried out and connectivity issues occur delaying class no additional time will be given if all topics cannot be covered.
VPN Connectivity:
(Loop1 Providing Laptops)		Internet Access
VPN Connectivity:
(Client Providing own Hardware)		Hardware must be running Windows 7 or a later version
Internet Access
Web Portal Connectivity:
(Loop1 Providing Laptops)		Internet Access
Web Portal Connectivity:
(Client Providing own Hardware)		Hardware must be running Windows 7 or a later version (most up to date remote desktop client)
Internet Access must be via Internet Explorer
Loop1 Engineer Needs:Training Facility, Internet Access, Projector