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Where is the "Notes" variable located?

I am experimenting with the ability of Orion NPM to alert on NCM events. In the canned alert, the results of the script execution and/or the download of the configuration are supposed to be stored in the ${Notes} variable.

I can't seem to locate this variable. What table is it in, and is it in the NCM database or the NPM database?

Once again, the documentation is very insufficient in answering a basic question.

Thanks.

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patriot

Actually, I may have found the answer. There is a Notes field in the AlertStatus table of the Orion NPM database. is this the correct one?

If so, the NCM Admin Guide is incorrect. Page 191 states, "....., the results of this download are written to an alerts table in the Orion database...."

Also, while we're on the subject. I am testing the default alert and the data is not being written to this table. It is empty.

patriot

Anyone, please?

MarieB

Hi Patriot--

We are researching this and will get back to you.

docwhite

patriot,

Page 191 of the NCM Admin Guide includes the information that

"When the alert triggers, the results of the NCM action are stored in the Orion database (in

${Notes}) and used as part of runtime processing of an alert..."

and

"...the results of this [alert-driven] download are written to an alerts table in the Orion database and this data is used when an alert is processed."

While those statements are both true, we might provide more useful information in saying that the output of an alert-driven NCM action is stored in the Orion NPM database in the AlertNotes field of the AlertStatus table.

As for the function of the NCM default alert, when you run a test, and assuming the alert triggers, are the results of the relevant NCM action(s) displayed when you view the alert details?

Thanks.

Doug

patriot

When I test the alert I see entries in the AlertLog table for the actions taken, but there is no entry in the AlertNotes field in the AlertStatus table.

The alert action, which in this case is an email does take place.

patriot

One more thing... I tested this alert a second time and nothing happened. No test log entries, no email, nothing.

I see this happen a lot. It seems that the alert functionality, or at least the testing of alerts is very hit and miss.

Is there some particular procedure for proper use of the Test button? Do I need to Reset or Refresh the alert manager between tests?

docwhite

patriot,

You won't see anything in the database if sending an email is the only trigger action defined for the alert. NCM has to touch the device in some way for something to be written into $(Notes).

Try setting up an advanced alert with 'Execute an NCM Action: Execute Config Script' as the trigger action; type 'show version' in the Command Script to Execute text field.

Even if NCM were unable to log onto your alert-triggering device you would still see the logon error in alert details of the triggered alert.

patriot

Actually, the email is one of three trigger actions configured. It is also supposed to Execute Config Script and Show Last Config Changes and Stor in ${Notes}. Shouldn't there be something in the ${Notes} field of the AlertStatus table then?

patriot

docwhite?

docwhite

If there's no data resulting from the execution of the config script--the script executes and the device issues no message, for example--there wouldn't be anything in notes. If you are just trying to verify that the NCM alert mechanism alerts I would suggest executing a 'show version' command when the Orion Advanced Alert is triggered. In that case you definitely should see the results of that action stored in the $Notes variable. More important would be to validate that the results of the command are actually included in the alert notification. Are you saying neither thing is happening, no data in $Notes and no NCM generated information included in the alert notification?

patriot

Exactly. I just tested the alert again, and I can see the steps being taken and completed. But, the Notes field in AlertStatus is empty and the email is empty.

IS there an alert log that I can check?