well, the ante has been "up'd"...

[inkedmn]

i mentioned awhile back that i'm going to be doing more programming where i work (as opposed to networking stuff). my first project is going to be a network monitoring software (similar to the one some of us are working on in python). i've had a couple of meetings with the boss, etc. lately and there've been some MAJOR changes in the project scope, and i thought i'd share them with you all...

so, initially it was going to be pretty straightforward: make sure the server was up, check resource utilization, make the current data viewable from the web (not too complicated).

NOW, they've decided to change the job description (if you will) to include several other things, including:
- Tape Backup checks (read: figure out how to interface with Veritas BackupExec)
- All the data will be saved in local MS-SQL databases (on the server being monitored) and then inserted into a master SQL database on the querying machine.
- A whole pantload of things that i can't remember right now (i don't have the meeting notes with me) and will have a HELL of a time figuring out and integrating into the app.

So, when all is said and done (about 7-9 months from now, i figure), this thing will be an enterprise caliber monitoring/cataloging solution.

oh, and btw, i'm BARELY starting to learn java right now (the language this will be written in).

so, am i totally effed?

[Strike]

From an optimist point of view, it's not entirely out of the question as long as they don't lump a bunch of other crap on you as well (which is known to happen). From a more realistic point of view, I think you'll pull it off, but I don't know about "enterprise caliber" :) It is a bit steep, but I have faith in ya ;-)

[kmj]

I know you can do it; it will be hard work, but the experience will be invaluable. So get kickin'!!!

[vomjom]

Originally posted by inkedmn
NOW, they've decided to change the job description (if you will) to include several other things, including:
- Tape Backup checks (read: figure out how to interface with Veritas BackupExec)

Well, we use Veritas at work too, and there is something you might want to consider as an alternative:
There are notifications in Veritas. You can have failures appear in the Windows Event Log, or you can report failures and/or successful backups via e-mail (which is how we have it going at work). Your boss or IT person might prefer the e-mail system.

- All the data will be saved in local MS-SQL databases (on the server being monitored) and then inserted into a master SQL database on the querying machine.

Well, it is somewhat questionable how difficult this will be. You should definately make use of triggers when syncing up the master database. Honestly, I don't see it being _that_ difficult, or taking over 1 day, but I may be prematurely optimistic. Just make use of JDBC.

Can you tell us what this "other stuff" is? Maybe we can give suggestions.

[inkedmn]

i'll fill you in on the remainder of the details when i get home (at the in-laws right now), but thanks for the encouragement :)

[inkedmn]

alright, here's a more complete list of what my software will have to do:

- OS Service Pack Levels and Alerts
- Hardware Firmware checking
- Application Patch/Update checking
- 3 Different backups (one being veritas)
- Monitor several VPN tunnels
- Monitor hardware (routers, switches)
- Setup a custom alert system using email and pagers.

so, yeah.

/me wets his pants

[edit]
oh yeah, and i have to keep track of backup tape rotations and email the client when it's time to change the tapes or the rotation...

[Danger Fan]

Inkedmn: You're gonna smack this project around like it's your bit........ You know what I mean.

I see 5 votes for "your a genius" and 1 for "It's gonna be close". You're all set man. You'll have it done before the deadline, and you'll also be a java guru by the end. Then you can get a 6 figure salary working a java coder. Life will then be sweet.


And if you get frustrated at any point, pop in "Jane Doe", get out of you're seat, throw the arms and legs around a bit, then sit back down and try again. This usually works for me.

[gufmn]

Well you know I think you can do it. Just thank the Lord that the Ralph's up the street sells Boddington's! (and Advil)

And don't be afraid to call me up to vent out your frustrations ;)

[inkedmn]

you guys ownz0r :)

[Dru Lee Parsec]

Um, it seems to me that if we started a company that wrote a piece of software that does everything you've listed then we could be a Dot Com!.

We might even make some money.

[gufmn]

Originally posted by Dru Lee Parsec
Um, it seems to me that if we started a company that wrote a piece of software that does everything you've listed then we could be a Dot Com!.

We might even make some money.

Interesting note.....

I spoke to inkedmn last night and it turns out that he was never asked to sign ANYTHING giving up rights to ANYTHING created while working for his employer.

/me scratches his head and thinks about what type of bonus this will be worth to inkedmn :)

[inkedmn]

/me starts writing a small python program that will automatically copy java source files from his work pc to inkedmn.net... ;)

you know, in order to avoid copyright laws, we'd only have to change 10 percent of the code. i'm DEFINITELY saving this code when i leave there.

oh, i emailed Veritas (makers of Backup Exec) and asked if they had an SDK or some documentation on how to interface with their software programmatically. they said that there was no SDK and that all the info was stored in one main database and they couldn't tell me any more than that. SWEET!

[Bradmont]

Originally posted by inkedmn
/me starts writing a small python program that will automatically copy java source files from his work pc to inkedmn.net... ;)



use cvs.

[vomjom]

Originally posted by inkedmn
/me starts writing a small python program that will automatically copy java source files from his work pc to inkedmn.net... ;)

you know, in order to avoid copyright laws, we'd only have to change 10 percent of the code. i'm DEFINITELY saving this code when i leave there.

oh, i emailed Veritas (makers of Backup Exec) and asked if they had an SDK or some documentation on how to interface with their software programmatically. they said that there was no SDK and that all the info was stored in one main database and they couldn't tell me any more than that. SWEET!

I still think you should use Backup Exec's notification features. They have more than just e-mail, you know.

You'll be able to do it, trust me :)

Either that, or you'll get a higher paying job offer from another company and just leave :tu:

[inkedmn]

i'm thinking (as far as Veritas goes) that i'll be forced to just parse their log files for the data i need...

anyway, the head developer guy and i talked over some things a couple days ago (going over the basic model for the application, db structure, etc.) and i'm feeling a little better about it, just because i'm getting more into the "one piece at a time" mode.