Partner Mail VS 5.0 Backup 1

[pvision]

Does the backup function on the VS 5.0 backup just the programming, or the stored messages as well? If it does not backup messages, is there a way for an experienced PC technician to clone or image the HD periodically using a program such as Norton Ghost, as part of an overall disaster recovery plan?

Also, several people people have mentioned a way of doing VS 5.0 programming via a LAN or RS232 connection. Is this possible, and if so what software would I need to be able to do this?

 

[itpphoneguy]

Hi pvision,
The VS R5 backup restore card will save programming and greetings only, not messages. There is not computer based programming tools for that unit. The RS-232 port is for diagnostic info only. Possibly getting a configuration downloaded also.
The Partner Mail R1 and R6 provide a GUI for programming. The R6 can backup everything to a remote computer on the network. The RS-232 port exists to set the unit up on the network. You can do other things too, but that is what a tech would normally do. Everything else is then administered on a PC. The software is a free download from Avaya. New program for the R7 exists now.
You could administer a Partner Mail R1,6 or 7 remotely if you had a VPN connection.
-Chris

 

[pvision]

Thank you, Chris. I appreciate your quick response.

Since there's no easy way to back up messages, what about the drive cloning idea? We do a lot of PC drive cloning and imaging here, but I wasn't sure if this was a possibility for the VS 5.0 hard drive.

 

[itpphoneguy]

Hi pvision,
You can try Norton Ghost. I think the new VM units are running Linux, the old ones (ie Partner Mail stand alone, VS?) are running a version of concurrent CPM. I haven't had much luck there myself. VS R5 may be okay. I haven't checked.
Of course, Avaya fixed that in Partner Mail R6 (and the Magix). You can save the entire ball 'o wax on a computer on the same net (or routed).
-Chris