Hello, 

We have a client who wants to perform the daily backup of IBMi data to Azure Windows VM. We checked on the below approach: 

1. Save the library data into the save file. 
2. Move the save file to Azure Windows VM using ssh protocol. 

We have tested moving the save file to windows or Linux VMware VMs through ssh protocol and it works fine. But it doesn't work with Azure windows VM. 

When following the Azure VM ssh documentation - Connect using SSH to an Azure VM running Windows - Azure Virtual Machines | Microsoft Learn , this is applicable when we are trying to ssh to Azure VM from workstation either Linux/Windows OS. 

Another document - Use SCP to move files to and from a VM - Azure Virtual Machines | Microsoft Learn  - is applicable to file movement to and from workstation. 

Looking for suggestions here, if we can use SCP to move IBMi OS data to Azure VM. Or if any third-party tool is available, please let us know. 

Regards,

Vinit Kumar

Dear Vinit

Please check if this article (it also has a video) provides an alternative to setting up Azure VM for SSH:  SSH into Azure VM : Absolute Guide for Cloud-Hosted Servers at https://adamtheautomator.com/ssh-into-azure-vm/               

You also need to set up SSH client in IBM i as well:  Remote Command Execution from IBM i to Microsoft Windows Open SSHD - Part 2: IBM i SSH Client Setup  at   https://mediacenter.ibm.com/media/Remote+Command+Execution+from+IBM+i+to+Microsoft+Windows+Open+SSHD+-+Part+2A+IBM+i+SSH+Client+Setup/1_qb5hn399/172218552   (additional videos on the right side of the web page, for example on how to create key par and how to automate and debug SSH operations - there are 6 videos in all on this topic)

Hello, 

We have a client who wants to perform the daily backup of IBMi data to Azure Windows VM. We checked on the below approach: 

1. Save the library data into the save file. 
2. Move the save file to Azure Windows VM using ssh protocol. 

We have tested moving the save file to windows or Linux VMware VMs through ssh protocol and it works fine. But it doesn't work with Azure windows VM. 

When following the Azure VM ssh documentation - Connect using SSH to an Azure VM running Windows - Azure Virtual Machines | Microsoft Learn , this is applicable when we are trying to ssh to Azure VM from workstation either Linux/Windows OS. 

Another document - Use SCP to move files to and from a VM - Azure Virtual Machines | Microsoft Learn  - is applicable to file movement to and from workstation. 

Looking for suggestions here, if we can use SCP to move IBMi OS data to Azure VM. Or if any third-party tool is available, please let us know. 

Regards,

Vinit Kumar

Dear Vinit

Please check if this article (it also has a video) provides an alternative to setting up Azure VM for SSH:  SSH into Azure VM : Absolute Guide for Cloud-Hosted Servers at https://adamtheautomator.com/ssh-into-azure-vm/               

You also need to set up SSH client in IBM i as well:  Remote Command Execution from IBM i to Microsoft Windows Open SSHD - Part 2: IBM i SSH Client Setup  at   https://mediacenter.ibm.com/media/Remote+Command+Execution+from+IBM+i+to+Microsoft+Windows+Open+SSHD+-+Part+2A+IBM+i+SSH+Client+Setup/1_qb5hn399/172218552   (additional videos on the right side of the web page, for example on how to create key par and how to automate and debug SSH operations - there are 6 videos in all on this topic)

------------------------------
Satid S

Original Message:
Sent: Mon July 15, 2024 02:12 AM
From: Vinit Kumar
Subject: Moving data from IBMi OS to Azure VM (Windows/Linux OS)

Hello, 

We have a client who wants to perform the daily backup of IBMi data to Azure Windows VM. We checked on the below approach: 

1. Save the library data into the save file. 
2. Move the save file to Azure Windows VM using ssh protocol. 

We have tested moving the save file to windows or Linux VMware VMs through ssh protocol and it works fine. But it doesn't work with Azure windows VM. 

When following the Azure VM ssh documentation - Connect using SSH to an Azure VM running Windows - Azure Virtual Machines | Microsoft Learn , this is applicable when we are trying to ssh to Azure VM from workstation either Linux/Windows OS. 

Another document - Use SCP to move files to and from a VM - Azure Virtual Machines | Microsoft Learn  - is applicable to file movement to and from workstation. 

Looking for suggestions here, if we can use SCP to move IBMi OS data to Azure VM. Or if any third-party tool is available, please let us know. 

Regards,

Vinit Kumar

------------------------------
Vinit Kumar
------------------------------

Hello, 

We have a client who wants to perform the daily backup of IBMi data to Azure Windows VM. We checked on the below approach: 

1. Save the library data into the save file. 
2. Move the save file to Azure Windows VM using ssh protocol. 

We have tested moving the save file to windows or Linux VMware VMs through ssh protocol and it works fine. But it doesn't work with Azure windows VM. 

When following the Azure VM ssh documentation - Connect using SSH to an Azure VM running Windows - Azure Virtual Machines | Microsoft Learn , this is applicable when we are trying to ssh to Azure VM from workstation either Linux/Windows OS. 

Another document - Use SCP to move files to and from a VM - Azure Virtual Machines | Microsoft Learn  - is applicable to file movement to and from workstation. 

Looking for suggestions here, if we can use SCP to move IBMi OS data to Azure VM. Or if any third-party tool is available, please let us know. 

Regards,

Vinit Kumar

Since you are referring to backing up files on a regular basis; I would recommend GoAnywhere Automated Advance Workflows to assist.

GoAnywhere Advance Workflows:

1. Create an Azure Blob Storage Resource within GoAnywhere to connect to the account and container using HTTP/S and use simple tasks like a COPY task to copy files.  

Or

2. Create the SSH (SFTP) resource within GoAnywhere connecting to the Azure VM server.  (Azure to host an SFTP server – then use SFTP tasks like Push, Pull, etc.)

Or

3. Create an Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 Connector (GA Cloud Connector) and use tasks like Create Filesystem, Upload and Download Files, Rename Files, Delete Files, etc.

Or

4. Use a GoAnywhere Agent; Agents make an outbound connection to GoAnywhere MFT and this is another great way to automate the pushing and pulling of files (Copy tasks) to a remote server like the Azure VM server as described.

Note:  In researching I found this same thread you are mentioning ALONG with a response on how to setup the Azure environment to allow the SSH connection of which may be needed depending on the connection needed:  https://adamtheautomator.com/ssh-into-azure-vm/ .  If you  install a GA Agent in their Azure environment, you should not need to create/configure the server to allow inbound SSH and in-fact; they will not need to open any inbound ports into their Azure VM server as the Agents make an outbound connection into GA.  For this configuration; I would recommend GoAnywhere MFT, GoAnywhere Gateway, and GoAnywhere Agent.

Hello, 

We have a client who wants to perform the daily backup of IBMi data to Azure Windows VM. We checked on the below approach: 

1. Save the library data into the save file. 
2. Move the save file to Azure Windows VM using ssh protocol. 

We have tested moving the save file to windows or Linux VMware VMs through ssh protocol and it works fine. But it doesn't work with Azure windows VM. 

When following the Azure VM ssh documentation - Connect using SSH to an Azure VM running Windows - Azure Virtual Machines | Microsoft Learn , this is applicable when we are trying to ssh to Azure VM from workstation either Linux/Windows OS. 

Another document - Use SCP to move files to and from a VM - Azure Virtual Machines | Microsoft Learn  - is applicable to file movement to and from workstation. 

Looking for suggestions here, if we can use SCP to move IBMi OS data to Azure VM. Or if any third-party tool is available, please let us know. 

Regards,

Vinit Kumar

Dear Tom, 

Thank you for sharing so many options. I went through the short descriptions about the available options. The options to use GoAnywhere MFT, GoAnywhere Gateway, and GoAnywhere Agent seems to be better choice considering the fact IBMi servers will be behind DMZ. 

As of now personally, I have not used or worked on GA MFT yet. However, I will surely recommend the same to the client users. It will help them automate most of the file movement across servers with single GUI console to manage.

Regards,

Vinit 

Since you are referring to backing up files on a regular basis; I would recommend GoAnywhere Automated Advance Workflows to assist.

GoAnywhere Advance Workflows:

1. Create an Azure Blob Storage Resource within GoAnywhere to connect to the account and container using HTTP/S and use simple tasks like a COPY task to copy files.  

Or

2. Create the SSH (SFTP) resource within GoAnywhere connecting to the Azure VM server.  (Azure to host an SFTP server – then use SFTP tasks like Push, Pull, etc.)

Or

3. Create an Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 Connector (GA Cloud Connector) and use tasks like Create Filesystem, Upload and Download Files, Rename Files, Delete Files, etc.

Or

4. Use a GoAnywhere Agent; Agents make an outbound connection to GoAnywhere MFT and this is another great way to automate the pushing and pulling of files (Copy tasks) to a remote server like the Azure VM server as described.

Note:  In researching I found this same thread you are mentioning ALONG with a response on how to setup the Azure environment to allow the SSH connection of which may be needed depending on the connection needed:  https://adamtheautomator.com/ssh-into-azure-vm/ .  If you  install a GA Agent in their Azure environment, you should not need to create/configure the server to allow inbound SSH and in-fact; they will not need to open any inbound ports into their Azure VM server as the Agents make an outbound connection into GA.  For this configuration; I would recommend GoAnywhere MFT, GoAnywhere Gateway, and GoAnywhere Agent.

Hello, 

We have a client who wants to perform the daily backup of IBMi data to Azure Windows VM. We checked on the below approach: 

1. Save the library data into the save file. 
2. Move the save file to Azure Windows VM using ssh protocol. 

We have tested moving the save file to windows or Linux VMware VMs through ssh protocol and it works fine. But it doesn't work with Azure windows VM. 

When following the Azure VM ssh documentation - Connect using SSH to an Azure VM running Windows - Azure Virtual Machines | Microsoft Learn , this is applicable when we are trying to ssh to Azure VM from workstation either Linux/Windows OS. 

Another document - Use SCP to move files to and from a VM - Azure Virtual Machines | Microsoft Learn  - is applicable to file movement to and from workstation. 

Looking for suggestions here, if we can use SCP to move IBMi OS data to Azure VM. Or if any third-party tool is available, please let us know. 

Regards,

Vinit Kumar

Vinit,

I think you should think of this as a backup.

SSH is just a protocol, but the point on your backups is to be able to restore when needed. 

Commvault and Falconstor VTL can save right into Azure BLOB.

If you just need to upload a couple of SAVE Files, as Tom has said, the right way is Azure BLOB.

Azure BLOB can use SSL, as secure as SSH.

Can you upload SAVE FILES with a CL to Azure BLOB? Yes

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-backup-your-ibm-i-virtual-tape-upload-azure-blob-diego-kesselman

Remember, you can also use SFTP to upload files to Azure BLOB, with a cost.

Good luck!

------------------------------
Diego KESSELMAN BARRIONUEVO
General Manager
ESSELWARE Soluciones, SA de CV
CDMX

Original Message:
Sent: Wed July 17, 2024 02:11 AM
From: Vinit Kumar
Subject: Moving data from IBMi OS to Azure VM (Windows/Linux OS)

Dear Tom, 

Thank you for sharing so many options. I went through the short descriptions about the available options. The options to use GoAnywhere MFT, GoAnywhere Gateway, and GoAnywhere Agent seems to be better choice considering the fact IBMi servers will be behind DMZ. 

As of now personally, I have not used or worked on GA MFT yet. However, I will surely recommend the same to the client users. It will help them automate most of the file movement across servers with single GUI console to manage.

Regards,

Vinit 

------------------------------
Vinit Kumar

Original Message:
Sent: Tue July 16, 2024 04:17 PM
From: Tom Huntington
Subject: Moving data from IBMi OS to Azure VM (Windows/Linux OS)

Since you are referring to backing up files on a regular basis; I would recommend GoAnywhere Automated Advance Workflows to assist.

GoAnywhere Advance Workflows:

1. Create an Azure Blob Storage Resource within GoAnywhere to connect to the account and container using HTTP/S and use simple tasks like a COPY task to copy files.  

Or

2. Create the SSH (SFTP) resource within GoAnywhere connecting to the Azure VM server.  (Azure to host an SFTP server – then use SFTP tasks like Push, Pull, etc.)

Or

3. Create an Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 Connector (GA Cloud Connector) and use tasks like Create Filesystem, Upload and Download Files, Rename Files, Delete Files, etc.

Or

4. Use a GoAnywhere Agent; Agents make an outbound connection to GoAnywhere MFT and this is another great way to automate the pushing and pulling of files (Copy tasks) to a remote server like the Azure VM server as described.

Note:  In researching I found this same thread you are mentioning ALONG with a response on how to setup the Azure environment to allow the SSH connection of which may be needed depending on the connection needed:  https://adamtheautomator.com/ssh-into-azure-vm/ .  If you  install a GA Agent in their Azure environment, you should not need to create/configure the server to allow inbound SSH and in-fact; they will not need to open any inbound ports into their Azure VM server as the Agents make an outbound connection into GA.  For this configuration; I would recommend GoAnywhere MFT, GoAnywhere Gateway, and GoAnywhere Agent.

------------------------------
Tom Huntington
EVP of Technical Solutions
Fortra
Eden Prairie
9523349940

Original Message:
Sent: Mon July 15, 2024 02:12 AM
From: Vinit Kumar
Subject: Moving data from IBMi OS to Azure VM (Windows/Linux OS)

Hello, 

We have a client who wants to perform the daily backup of IBMi data to Azure Windows VM. We checked on the below approach: 

1. Save the library data into the save file. 
2. Move the save file to Azure Windows VM using ssh protocol. 

We have tested moving the save file to windows or Linux VMware VMs through ssh protocol and it works fine. But it doesn't work with Azure windows VM. 

When following the Azure VM ssh documentation - Connect using SSH to an Azure VM running Windows - Azure Virtual Machines | Microsoft Learn , this is applicable when we are trying to ssh to Azure VM from workstation either Linux/Windows OS. 

Another document - Use SCP to move files to and from a VM - Azure Virtual Machines | Microsoft Learn  - is applicable to file movement to and from workstation. 

Looking for suggestions here, if we can use SCP to move IBMi OS data to Azure VM. Or if any third-party tool is available, please let us know. 

Regards,

Vinit Kumar

------------------------------
Vinit Kumar
------------------------------

Hello Diego,

The requirement came from client to move set of 6 libraries to Azure Windows VM  daily basis. Only Azure Windows VM. They don't want to spend money on any new products which involves IBMi. Earlier I shared the option to use Falconstar VTL with Azure BLOB considering the save/restoration time but no response. 

So I thought to use save file transfer of libraries using scp to Azure windows VM. GoMFT will help them automate not just IBMi file transfers but also other OS file transfers. I can only suggest. Client will take the final call. Let's see. 

Thanks for the response.

Regards,

Vinit

------------------------------
Vinit Kumar

Original Message:
Sent: Wed July 17, 2024 08:47 AM
From: Diego KESSELMAN BARRIONUEVO
Subject: Moving data from IBMi OS to Azure VM (Windows/Linux OS)

Vinit,

I think you should think of this as a backup.

SSH is just a protocol, but the point on your backups is to be able to restore when needed. 

Commvault and Falconstor VTL can save right into Azure BLOB.

If you just need to upload a couple of SAVE Files, as Tom has said, the right way is Azure BLOB.

Azure BLOB can use SSL, as secure as SSH.

Can you upload SAVE FILES with a CL to Azure BLOB? Yes

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-backup-your-ibm-i-virtual-tape-upload-azure-blob-diego-kesselman

Remember, you can also use SFTP to upload files to Azure BLOB, with a cost.

Good luck!

------------------------------
Diego KESSELMAN BARRIONUEVO
General Manager
ESSELWARE Soluciones, SA de CV
CDMX

Original Message:
Sent: Wed July 17, 2024 02:11 AM
From: Vinit Kumar
Subject: Moving data from IBMi OS to Azure VM (Windows/Linux OS)

Dear Tom, 

Thank you for sharing so many options. I went through the short descriptions about the available options. The options to use GoAnywhere MFT, GoAnywhere Gateway, and GoAnywhere Agent seems to be better choice considering the fact IBMi servers will be behind DMZ. 

As of now personally, I have not used or worked on GA MFT yet. However, I will surely recommend the same to the client users. It will help them automate most of the file movement across servers with single GUI console to manage.

Regards,

Vinit 

------------------------------
Vinit Kumar

Original Message:
Sent: Tue July 16, 2024 04:17 PM
From: Tom Huntington
Subject: Moving data from IBMi OS to Azure VM (Windows/Linux OS)

Since you are referring to backing up files on a regular basis; I would recommend GoAnywhere Automated Advance Workflows to assist.

GoAnywhere Advance Workflows:

1. Create an Azure Blob Storage Resource within GoAnywhere to connect to the account and container using HTTP/S and use simple tasks like a COPY task to copy files.  

Or

2. Create the SSH (SFTP) resource within GoAnywhere connecting to the Azure VM server.  (Azure to host an SFTP server – then use SFTP tasks like Push, Pull, etc.)

Or

3. Create an Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 Connector (GA Cloud Connector) and use tasks like Create Filesystem, Upload and Download Files, Rename Files, Delete Files, etc.

Or

4. Use a GoAnywhere Agent; Agents make an outbound connection to GoAnywhere MFT and this is another great way to automate the pushing and pulling of files (Copy tasks) to a remote server like the Azure VM server as described.

Note:  In researching I found this same thread you are mentioning ALONG with a response on how to setup the Azure environment to allow the SSH connection of which may be needed depending on the connection needed:  https://adamtheautomator.com/ssh-into-azure-vm/ .  If you  install a GA Agent in their Azure environment, you should not need to create/configure the server to allow inbound SSH and in-fact; they will not need to open any inbound ports into their Azure VM server as the Agents make an outbound connection into GA.  For this configuration; I would recommend GoAnywhere MFT, GoAnywhere Gateway, and GoAnywhere Agent.

------------------------------
Tom Huntington
EVP of Technical Solutions
Fortra
Eden Prairie
9523349940

Original Message:
Sent: Mon July 15, 2024 02:12 AM
From: Vinit Kumar
Subject: Moving data from IBMi OS to Azure VM (Windows/Linux OS)

Hello, 

We have a client who wants to perform the daily backup of IBMi data to Azure Windows VM. We checked on the below approach: 

1. Save the library data into the save file. 
2. Move the save file to Azure Windows VM using ssh protocol. 

We have tested moving the save file to windows or Linux VMware VMs through ssh protocol and it works fine. But it doesn't work with Azure windows VM. 

When following the Azure VM ssh documentation - Connect using SSH to an Azure VM running Windows - Azure Virtual Machines | Microsoft Learn , this is applicable when we are trying to ssh to Azure VM from workstation either Linux/Windows OS. 

Another document - Use SCP to move files to and from a VM - Azure Virtual Machines | Microsoft Learn  - is applicable to file movement to and from workstation. 

Looking for suggestions here, if we can use SCP to move IBMi OS data to Azure VM. Or if any third-party tool is available, please let us know. 

Regards,

Vinit Kumar

------------------------------
Vinit Kumar
------------------------------

Hi Vinit, 

How large are the 6 libraries? 

If they are relatively "large" , your recovery point objective needs to be quick and the data is of utmost importance, then I would advise your client rather to consider VTL with offsite backup to cloud. 

A good option to consider with great storage savings is Data Domain VTL / CyberNetics VTL. 

Another option is to "roll your own" with Media Catalogue, which can then "offshift" the image catalog to the cloud as Diego mentioned prior.

Hello Diego,

The requirement came from client to move set of 6 libraries to Azure Windows VM  daily basis. Only Azure Windows VM. They don't want to spend money on any new products which involves IBMi. Earlier I shared the option to use Falconstar VTL with Azure BLOB considering the save/restoration time but no response. 

So I thought to use save file transfer of libraries using scp to Azure windows VM. GoMFT will help them automate not just IBMi file transfers but also other OS file transfers. I can only suggest. Client will take the final call. Let's see. 

Thanks for the response.

Regards,

Vinit

------------------------------
Vinit Kumar

Original Message:
Sent: Wed July 17, 2024 08:47 AM
From: Diego KESSELMAN BARRIONUEVO
Subject: Moving data from IBMi OS to Azure VM (Windows/Linux OS)

Vinit,

I think you should think of this as a backup.

SSH is just a protocol, but the point on your backups is to be able to restore when needed. 

Commvault and Falconstor VTL can save right into Azure BLOB.

If you just need to upload a couple of SAVE Files, as Tom has said, the right way is Azure BLOB.

Azure BLOB can use SSL, as secure as SSH.

Can you upload SAVE FILES with a CL to Azure BLOB? Yes

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-backup-your-ibm-i-virtual-tape-upload-azure-blob-diego-kesselman

Remember, you can also use SFTP to upload files to Azure BLOB, with a cost.

Good luck!

------------------------------
Diego KESSELMAN BARRIONUEVO
General Manager
ESSELWARE Soluciones, SA de CV
CDMX

Original Message:
Sent: Wed July 17, 2024 02:11 AM
From: Vinit Kumar
Subject: Moving data from IBMi OS to Azure VM (Windows/Linux OS)

Dear Tom, 

Thank you for sharing so many options. I went through the short descriptions about the available options. The options to use GoAnywhere MFT, GoAnywhere Gateway, and GoAnywhere Agent seems to be better choice considering the fact IBMi servers will be behind DMZ. 

As of now personally, I have not used or worked on GA MFT yet. However, I will surely recommend the same to the client users. It will help them automate most of the file movement across servers with single GUI console to manage.

Regards,

Vinit 

------------------------------
Vinit Kumar

Original Message:
Sent: Tue July 16, 2024 04:17 PM
From: Tom Huntington
Subject: Moving data from IBMi OS to Azure VM (Windows/Linux OS)

Since you are referring to backing up files on a regular basis; I would recommend GoAnywhere Automated Advance Workflows to assist.

GoAnywhere Advance Workflows:

1. Create an Azure Blob Storage Resource within GoAnywhere to connect to the account and container using HTTP/S and use simple tasks like a COPY task to copy files.  

Or

2. Create the SSH (SFTP) resource within GoAnywhere connecting to the Azure VM server.  (Azure to host an SFTP server – then use SFTP tasks like Push, Pull, etc.)

Or

3. Create an Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 Connector (GA Cloud Connector) and use tasks like Create Filesystem, Upload and Download Files, Rename Files, Delete Files, etc.

Or

4. Use a GoAnywhere Agent; Agents make an outbound connection to GoAnywhere MFT and this is another great way to automate the pushing and pulling of files (Copy tasks) to a remote server like the Azure VM server as described.

Note:  In researching I found this same thread you are mentioning ALONG with a response on how to setup the Azure environment to allow the SSH connection of which may be needed depending on the connection needed:  https://adamtheautomator.com/ssh-into-azure-vm/ .  If you  install a GA Agent in their Azure environment, you should not need to create/configure the server to allow inbound SSH and in-fact; they will not need to open any inbound ports into their Azure VM server as the Agents make an outbound connection into GA.  For this configuration; I would recommend GoAnywhere MFT, GoAnywhere Gateway, and GoAnywhere Agent.

------------------------------
Tom Huntington
EVP of Technical Solutions
Fortra
Eden Prairie
9523349940

Original Message:
Sent: Mon July 15, 2024 02:12 AM
From: Vinit Kumar
Subject: Moving data from IBMi OS to Azure VM (Windows/Linux OS)

Hello, 

We have a client who wants to perform the daily backup of IBMi data to Azure Windows VM. We checked on the below approach: 

1. Save the library data into the save file. 
2. Move the save file to Azure Windows VM using ssh protocol. 

We have tested moving the save file to windows or Linux VMware VMs through ssh protocol and it works fine. But it doesn't work with Azure windows VM. 

When following the Azure VM ssh documentation - Connect using SSH to an Azure VM running Windows - Azure Virtual Machines | Microsoft Learn , this is applicable when we are trying to ssh to Azure VM from workstation either Linux/Windows OS. 

Another document - Use SCP to move files to and from a VM - Azure Virtual Machines | Microsoft Learn  - is applicable to file movement to and from workstation. 

Looking for suggestions here, if we can use SCP to move IBMi OS data to Azure VM. Or if any third-party tool is available, please let us know. 

Regards,

Vinit Kumar

------------------------------
Vinit Kumar
------------------------------