Issue
Does I/NET 2000 launch "EqualCli" automatically?
Environment
I/NET 2000
Cause
File equalization is required if you have more than one host workstation which will need access to any of the above files. One host workstation is designated as the filemaster. This designation is performed in the Configure program and is maintained in the configuration profile. When you select the Set as filemaster option, Configure automatically completes the filemaster name field with the Computer name (found in the Identification tab under Windows Network settings). The filemaster name field is read-only on the filemaster station and cannot be changed.
Resolution
Yes, EqualCli will launch automatically. For more information see TCON 209, The Filemaster, 1-13.
When the workstation is designated as the filemaster, I/NET stores a master copy of each equalized file in the \MSTR directory. It is important that the designated workstation be constantly powered and that the EqualSrv program be running. EqualSrv will dock an icon in the system tray to indicate it is active. Both EqualSrv and EqualCli are launched automatically by I/NET on the filemaster workstation and stay running as background tasks, even when I/NET is shut down. If necessary, you can manually shut down EqualSrv from the system tray icon menu.
Warning: If the filemaster workstation is powered off, or if EqualSrv is not available, file equalization cannot occur. Furthermore, other host workstations will not be able to modify any of the equalized files. It is recommended that the filemaster workstation be powered by a uninterruptable power supply (UPS).
All other host workstations must enter the Computer name of the filemaster workstation in the Filemaster name field. I/NET launches the EqualCli program on the host workstations automatically.
Before any host workstation can access an equalized file, the EqualCli program contacts the EqualSrv program running on the filemaster station to ensure that any modifications can be passed to the filemaster copy. If, for some reason, EqualCli cannot make contact with EqualSrv, the operator will receive an error message and will not be able to access the equalized file. This ensures that no updates to the file are lost.
If EqualCli makes contact with EqualSrv, the operator is permitted to access and modify the equalized file. EqualCli passes the updates to EqualSrv, who then updates the filemaster copy. If the update is successful, EqualSrv will make the file available to all the host workstations.
There are three events which trigger the file equalization procedure.
- When I/NET is launched on any host workstation.
- When an operator attempts to access an equalized file.
- When any operator successfully updates an equalized file.
