Centos EOL

[Anonymous user]

Most likely this question has been asked before, so my apologies for asking again, but I couldn't find it in the forum.

Just installed the powerchute network shutdown 4.2 appliance. This appliance is based on CentOS 5, which is end of life and therefore no longer updated. From a security perspective not something you want in your network.

Can anyone tell me if there is a newer version or alternative? Couldn't find it with Google 😞

[BillP]

Hi,

There is no update at this time for the PCNS 4.2 Appliance. If you are concerned about the end of life for CentOS 5.11 you can install PCNS 4.2 on VMware vMA. See Schneider Electric FAQ FA313604

[fcoa_apc]

Does APC have a timeline on the next appliance release date?  The current OS is nearing 9 months past it's EOL.

[BillP]

Hi,

There is a new version of the PCNS Appliance available on apc.com that incorporates CentOS 7. 

Please note that with this version there is an issue with setting static IP address during the installation that will be corrected in our next release. In the mean time Schneider Electric FAQ FA332022 "How do you assign a static IP address to the PCNS 4.2 CentOS 7 virtual appliance?" is available with instruction as to how to resolve the static IP issue. 

[fcoa_apc]

That's great news! Some additional questions...

1. Is the version number still 4.2, and is this the correct download page?
2. Is there an upgrade path for the 4.2 with CentOS 5 and the version with CentOS 7?

Suggestion: If the download page above is correct, APC might want to update the release date on the Software & Firmware tab --which indicates the file hasn't been updated since August 2016-- AND provide an indication of the CentOS version. 

[BillP]

Hi,

Sorry for the inconvenience. 

On 12/19/2017 9:04 AM, Franklin said:

Is the version number still 4.2, and is this the correct download page?

Yes.

On 12/19/2017 9:04 AM, Franklin said:

Is there an upgrade path for the 4.2 with CentOS 5 and the version with CentOS 7?

No. However you can copy the pcnsconfig.ini, EvenLog.txt file from the older VM to the new one. You would need to stop the service / daemon copy the files into /opt/APC/PowerChute/group1 and then restart the service. That way the old config and event data will be available in the new install. 

On 12/19/2017 9:04 AM, Franklin said:

Suggestion: If the download page above is correct, APC might want to update the release date on the Software & Firmware tab --which indicates the file hasn't been updated since August 2016-- AND provide an indication of the CentOS version. 

 On the download page next to the download button the date of the file is displayed For the new Appliance the date is 11/08/17 That is the date of release. The CentOS info is displayed during install. I will suggest the info is noted for the download. 

[fcoa_apc]

Excellent!  Thank you much!  

Another issue to report on this new CentOS 7 OVA...

I downloaded this new OVA and ran the basic setup. Unfortunately, attempting to patch this version via "yum update" resulted in the following lack of storage error:

"At least 287MB more space needed on the / filesystem". 

Looking at the file system with "df", it appears the "/" partition is 99% full on this fresh install (24MB available). 

[BillP]

Hi,

Sorry for the inconvenience. I will test the update and report our finding to engineering.

[fcoa_apc]

Any update to report on the storage space issue with the new appliance? 

[BillP · Accepted solution]

Hi,

The issue has been resolved in the latest release. http://www.apc.com/us/en/tools/download/software_comp.cfm?sw_sku=SFPCNS42-V