HP Systems Insight Manager - Manual (Page 208)

E Data Collection
After HP SIM collects data initially during the identification process, you can schedule a Data
Collection task to specify systems and run the task with different schedules. In addition to the default
Initial and Bi-Weekly Data Collection tasks built in to HP SIM, you can set new data collection
tasks targeting specific
managed systems . If you are scheduling to Overwrite existing data set (for
detailed analysis), formerly known as Single Instance Data Collection task in Insight Manager 7,
having it run once per week (smaller networks) to once per month (larger networks) should be
adequate. If you are scheduling to Append new data set (for historical trend analysis), it might be
beneficial to run data collection more frequently, perhaps once per hour for your most important
systems, realizing it consumes database storage space.
To create a Data Collection task from the toolbar, select Options
→Data Collection.
NOTE: To enable data collection to collect data from any of the protocols used by HP SIM, the
corresponding protocol must be enabled, and the appropriate protocol settings and credentials
must be specified, globally or for the specific target system.
NOTE: To enable collection of WMI data from WMI-instrumented systems, a WMI Mapper Proxy
must have been set and specified through Options
→Protocol Settings→WMI Mapper Proxy.
Append new data set (for historical trend analysis)
The Append new data set (for historical trend analysis) option maintains trend information in
separate historical entries. You can use the historical perspective for trend and usage analysis
because records change over time. Information gathered by data collection is used in Snapshot
Comparison and reports and can be used as criteria in system collections. With Append new data
set (for historical trend analysis), data detailing the system history is collected. Use Append new
data set (for historical trend analysis) sparingly to track problem systems or problem usage times.
Do not overuse this task because it can create a considerable amount of data to be stored.
CAUTION: Do not delete the standard data collection task without replacing it with a substitute
task that achieves a similar result. For example, removing the Data Collection task removes the
capability for historical analysis and updating any information shown in reporting tables. You must
refresh the page to see new data in reports.
Overwrite existing data set (for detailed analysis)
The Overwrite existing data set (for detailed analysis) option overwrites any previous information
collected.
You can view the current Data Collection report from the Tools & Links tab of the System Page,
which you can reach by selecting a system in a collection.
Running data collection consumes noticeable network resources. Proper scheduling might be
appropriate.
IMPORTANT: Multiple instances of the same Status Polling or Data Collection tasks do not run
simultaneously.
Initial data collection
The Initial Data Collection task is used to collect information from many systems that have SNMP
or WBEM running (for example, serial numbers and model numbers). This task is set to run by
default when a new system or event meets the search criteria. You can view the Data Collection
Report for a system after data has been collected by selecting it from the system table view page.
This action displays the System Page, where you can select the Data Collection Report link from
the Tools & Links tab. Other report formats are available from the Reporting tool.
208 Data Collection