[sims] Installing from scratch

[36Degrees]

We have a company preparing our timetable for next year and they have asked for a test SIMS server to use. This sounds perfectly sensible to me but I have no idea how to install SIMS from scratch. I have a support net login but can't seem to find how to install from the very start.

 

Can anyone point me in the direction of an install guide, Capita produced or otherwise? Obviously I'll be using the existing data on our existing "live" server so any instructions on how to migrate this across would be greatly appreciated as well.

[RogerCorrigan]

You could grab a copy of the latest installable ISO, which I believe is Summer 2013. Then upgrade to the latest (Spring 2014). I can't remember if Summer 2013 installs SQL 2008 or 2012. If it is 2008, you may want to consider migrating it to 2012. Good Luck

 

Please don't hesitate to ask any questions.

[vikpaw]

KB article 112462 on SupportNet will help.

 

What are they creating the timetable on?

 

Why exactly do they need a dummy setup?

 

You can put a future timetable into your live system and it won't affect the current. You should already have started the rollover process to assist with this.

 

It doesn't sound like they have much confidence in what they are doing.

[Edu-IT]

Slightly related to original question, but I am wondering. In terms of licensing, are you allowed to have a 'test environment'?

[vikpaw]

Slightly related to original question, but I am wondering. In terms of licensing, are you allowed to have a 'test environment'?

 

I'm sure it was asked and okayed a long time ago. However it should stay on site and be for internal use.

[GREED]

I always did. I'm fact I had 2 one for training one for testing. I think SOLUS throws a bit of a fit but other than that...

[36Degrees]

What are they creating the timetable on?

 

Why exactly do they need a dummy setup?

 

In all honesty I don't know for certain. I was just asked if we had a test environment and the reasons he gave sounded sensible (something about big changes to the timetable for next year). As I have virtually 0 knowledge of SIMS I couldn't question it or offer an alternative solution.

[vikpaw]

I always did. I'm fact I had 2 one for training one for testing. I think SOLUS throws a bit of a fit but other than that...

Don't use SOLUS 2 with a test setup!!

As far as I recall it will mark it as done and then you'll need to get someone to re-release it to you.

Better to update with ISOs.

 

In all honesty I don't know for certain. I was just asked if we had a test environment and the reasons he gave sounded sensible (something about big changes to the timetable for next year). As I have virtually 0 knowledge of SIMS I couldn't question it or offer an alternative solution.

 

It's reasonable to have a test setup if you have the resources. I just get worried about what they are planning that could go wrong. To be fair, minor changes like to the cycle can be dangerous mid-year if done wrong, so it's not a bad idea to try things out first.

 

Slightly related to original question, but I am wondering. In terms of licensing, are you allowed to have a 'test environment'?

 

From the horses mouth - though i don't like that phrase - how about : According to consultation from my esteemed associate and learned friend http://www.edugeek.net/forums/mis-systems/73944-running-addional-sims-net-database-testing.html#post659679 - a test setup is fine. @36Degrees - that thread has some useful info on setup too, so worth a peek. Just don't expect support for the test setup or if you mix the two together somehow.

[36Degrees]

I'll probably have a go just so I can see how it is actually done if nothing else.

 

SIMS support is through the LEA so I knew I wouldn't get help from them for a test setup. Knew I'd get help from here though!