Startup TOOLS: Migration process for release 6.0 and newer
Version 6.0.0.0
When updating the Startup TOOLS from an older version than Release 6.0, a migration process is necessary. There is a fundamental change in the software architecture. As of Release 6.0, the Startup TOOLS include the product GENIUS TOOLS Starter as configuration solution. The conversion results in additional effort in the update planning and execution.
Please note: Please refer to the document Startup TOOLS Migration to version 6.pdf for information on the impact of the new version. |
The most important changes in philosophy are:
–Conversion from network drive to synchronization
–License conversion to standard technology FLEXNET
New architecture without network drive: Everything is synchronized locally.
Tip: The migration / update process can be performed in parallel. This means that the previous Startup TOOLS installation can still be used! |
Please also read: Important information for updating Startup TOOLS
Overview of important changes
The configuration database of the Startup TOOLS 20xx is transferred to a SQLite DB. All settings (projects, users) are retained. The basic mechanisms for handling configuration files (PRO, UI) and batch files continue to work as usual. Nevertheless, the following changes have been made, which may have significant effects in individual cases.
Local storage requirements
Local storage space is required on each application computer that hosts the synchronized operating environments.
–A operating environment corresponds approximately to the previous stools directory.
–The typical size of a operating environment is approximately 1-5 GB (only required data). Backup copies made according to the previous process (setups, directory copies) should no longer be stored in this memory area.
–With several operating environments (productive and test environment) the storage space requirement multiplies accordingly.
GENIUS TOOLS License Manager
Install the GENIUS TOOLS License Manager (FLEXNET service) for licensing. In most cases, the GENIUS TOOLS License Manager will be installed on the computer running the PTC License Manager as well. The two services can be used in parallel without additional configuration.
Configuration databases
Only one configuration database is supported per working environment.
Local copying with administrator rights is no longer possible.
There is no Startup TOOLS WEB-Server anymore.
–There is no WEBLink TOOLBOX anymore. The functionality was replaced by the toolkit application GENIUS TOOLS for Creo.
–There is also no additional support to force WEBLink registration or to create entries in the trusted sites of IE. By default, WEBLink works via the config.pro entry web_enable_javascript = on.
–MS ACCESS databases connected via PHP can be converted to SQLite. If this is not possible, it is necessary to install a separate WEB server with PHP API (e.g. XAMPP).
Consolidation of BATCH files
–Of the previous file types, only start*.bat and stop*.bat are still supported.
–The file types env*.bat and runonce*.bat have been removed.
–Additionally, prestart*.bat files can be used.
New environment variables from GENIUS TOOLS Starter
–In future, the environment variables of GENIUS TOOLS Starter will be used in the Startup TOOLS. They all start with GTS_.
–There are alternatives in the GTS format for the previous Startup TOOLS variables (except SUT_WEBSERVER and SUTPROEVER).
–GENIUS TOOLS starter continues to generate the old variables so that the variables do not have to be changed in all batch, configuration and other files. However, it is strongly recommended to switch to the new variables.
Ghostscript PDF
Ghostscript PDF output is no longer available.
New configuration dialog
GENIUS TOOLS for Creo come with the new administrative tool Configuration Utility.
–The configuration settings of the GENIUS TOOLS for Creo toolkit application can now be comfortably edited and saved using a graphical user interface.
–The configuration settings are now combined in 2 files, which can be located at the configured locations (4 layers - APP, UNIT, PROJECT, USER). The files should only be edited via Configuration Utility and contain only changed options. The file gt_main.cfg remains in use. All other files are combined into the file gt_modules.cfg.
Advantages of the Startup TOOLS from version 6.0
–Any number of Startup TOOLS releases and versions can be used in parallel in different operating environments.
–Operating environments can also be created as production, test, development or other environments.
–All relevant data is stored locally and is synchronized with the server. This has the following advantages:
–Fastest possible Creo Parametric start.
–Business units with slow network connection can be included without parallel installations (e. g. at distributed locations).
–Convenient offline operation.
–Standard licensing via FLEXNET, licenses can be borrowed.
–Simple message system from administrator to user.
–Additional PTC desktop applications can be launched.
–Working with satellites, i.e. servers with a mirror image of one or more operating environments of a central main server, is possible, allowing for faster connection (from version 7.0.1.0).