Job Management Partner 1/Software Distribution Client Description and User's Guide

1.3.1 Organization of JP1/Software Distribution Client functions

The functions provided by JP1/Software Distribution Client can be broadly classified as client services, generator tools, and distributor tools. These three types of functions differ in various ways, including their file structure and user interface. It is important to understand the differences in order to use the functions properly.

The features of the three types of functions are outlined below.

Client services

Client services provide the functionality for operation as a relay system, destination system, or packager (system at which packages are registered). These services normally launch automatically at machine startup and are available as resident services.

Generator tools

Generator tools are additional capabilities that enable JP1/Software Distribution Client to function as a distribution-destination system. The generator tools launch automatically to install packages distributed remotely by the manager tools of JP1/Software Distribution Manager. The generator tools are extensions of the client services and offer more precise control over the installation of distributed packages.

Distributor tools

Distributor tools are managing server functions that operate under JP1/Software Distribution Client. Only when you wish to use JP1/Software Distribution Client as a managing server, you use a command to start and use this function. The distributor tools of JP1/Software Distribution Client are valid only for a system (JP1/Software Distribution Client) that is connected directly via a LAN. Note that when JP1/Software Distribution Client is used as a managing server, a distribution-destination name exceeding 64 bytes cannot be used.

The role of JP1/Software Distribution Client in a JP1/Software Distribution system differs depending on whether only the client services or the distributor tools as well are being used. The client services are used to implement the functions of a relay system or a distribution-destination system, and the distributor tools are used to implement the functions of a managing server. Table 1-2 shows their differences in functions, and their user interfaces (command or GUI).

Table 1-2 Differences in client services and distributor tool functions

Major classification	Minor classification		Supported/unsupported
			Client services	Distributor tools
Software distribution	Software registration		S*	U
	Package management		U	S
	Package distribution	Distributing the packages	U	S
		Installing the received packages	S	U
Remote collection	Registration of attributes of files to be collected		S	U
	Execution of the file collection job		U#	U
	Using collected files		U	U
Management of the distribution-destination system	System configuration management		U#	U
	Management of the inventory		U#	U
	Grouping the distribution-destination	Grouping the distribution-destination systems	U	S
		Registering the local system in the group	S	U

Legend:

S*: Executable (Command and GUI)

S: Executable (Command)

U: Cannot be executed

#

The local system does not perform these client services as the core functions. However, the local system transfers files during remote collection, and uploads configuration information and resource information as a system being managed.

Also, the generator tools only cover the installation related services of the distribution-destination system of the client services. For details on the role of the generator tools, see 2.5 Package installation.

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