Multiple adTempus Server Instances

New feature iconThis feature is new for adTempus version 4.

Beginning with version 4, you can run multiple instances of adTempus on the same computer. Each instance is a separate copy of the adTempus service, with its own database, settings, and other data, that runs independently of all other instances.

For example, if your main adTempus instance is running your production jobs, you could create a second instance for testing new versions of jobs. You can then use the Export tool to copy jobs from the test instance to the production instance.

If you need to have two different major versions of adTempus running on the same computer (e.g., 3.x and 4.x), see the Side-by-Side Installation topic.

Multiple instances differ from side-by-side installation because all of the instances use the same version of the adTempus software.

The first instance of adTempus that was installed by the setup program is called the "Default" instance.

What is an Instance?

Each adTempus instance runs as a separate copy of the adTempus service (each adTempus instance appears as a separate service in the Windows Service Manager). Because each instance runs as a separate service, it is isolated from other instances: you can stop or start each instance independently without affecting the other instances. Each instance also has its own database and other data.

While each instance runs as a separate service, all instances share the same installed version of the software. Therefore if you apply a software update, it will affect all instances.

Requirements for Multiple Instances

You can create as many instances on a single computer as your hardware can support. The practical limit will depend on memory and processor power.

In order to allow all instances to use the same port number for communications, you must enable and start the Net.Tcp Port Sharing Service, which is installed but disabled by default. To do this:

  1. Open the Windows Services tool.
  2. Locate the Net.Tcp Port Sharing Service and open its properties.
  3. If the Startup type is not set to "Automatic," change it to "Automatic."
  4. Apply the settings change, then start the service.

Managing Instances

To manage instances, run the Instance Management tool from the Start menu (adTempus 4adTempus Server Tools > Instance Management) or run the "adtservertools" program from the adTempus program directory and select the Instance Management option.

Instances are not created or removed using the adTempus setup program. It is not necessary to rerun setup to manage instances.

Creating Additional Instances

To create a new instance, enter a name for the instance.The instance name can be any combination of letters, numbers, and underscores. Other characters are not allowed.

Generally you will want to use the default adTempus port. Beginning with version 4, adTempus instances can share the same port number so there is no need to use a different port for an instance.

Click Create to create the new instance. This creates a new adTempus service for the instance, named adTempus$instancename where instancename is the name you gave the new instance.

Once the instance is created, the tool will prompt you to run the database configuration wizard to create a database for the new instance. Each instance must have its own database.

Once the database has been created, you can start the new service and begin using the new instance (see Connecting to Instances below).

Removing Instances

To remove an instance, select it from the instances list and click Delete. The tool will stop the instance's service and delete the service. The database and registry settings will not be deleted, so you can re-create the instance later if necessary.

Connecting to Instances

To connect to an instance other than the Default, specify the instance name in the Server Connection Properties window when you create a new Server Connection in the Console.