ActiveBatch from Advanced Systems Concepts in New Jersey is IT workload automation software.
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Control-M
Score 9.3 out of 10
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Control-M from BMC is a platform for integrating, automating, and orchestrating application and data workflows in production across complex hybrid technology ecosystems. It provides deep operational capabilities, delivering speed, scale, security, and governance.
Any large business or organisation that wants to manage their workload effectively and with the least amount of room for error might choose the ActiveBatch Automation tool. Being a consultant I feel that It aids in task automation and has the flexibility to change in response to varying company requirements. It helps to save huge time by doing all the repetitive tasks on daily basis. During the patching activity the schedulers can be stopped. It also help by alerting us if any system/job is down so that SLA can be saved. Overall ActiveBatch Automation stands as a dependable cornerstone for ensuring the seamless operation of our tasks.
Scenarios where it's well suited are where you're running jobs across platforms. We have processes on our mainframe that have to complete our daily batch processing and the controlling handles the scheduling of the daily batch processing. Then once that's done, it moves into executing stuff on servers like SQL loads and transferring files to load into SQL and then also running reporting on the SQL servers when the data's been loaded and is available. It makes for a really smooth transition of the overnight processing the bank has to go through. That's our main function that we use it for currently. It handles it very well.
Workload change manager is one of our favorite features of this product. It enforces standards, which is a huge benefit. Users don't just make crazy changes that cause issues with other jobs. It does great promotions from one environment to another, transforming all the data to match the next environment.
String handling / parsing. I find myself using PowerShell to do a fair amount of text parsing (particularly if manipulations are needed) - not necessarily a bad thing, but certainly a place where ActiveBatch could be improved.
Debugging - or lack of it! With no stepping debugger, it can be a longer process than many other programming / scripting environments: rather than simply stepping through and observing state changes, I find myself inserting logging steps to excess, then having to clean them up once the error is found.
The perennial - Documentation! While a near-universal complaint for *any* software, ActiveBatch's developer documentation is somewhat spotty - just where I need detail, I find summary-level info. There is lots of documentation (as there should be for a tool with such a wide range of applications), but it is in mixed formats (some PDF, some CHM), and the descriptions of specific fields within job steps is often little more than I can get in a tool-tip in the GUI. Allowable ranges, expected formats for string data, and similar helpful details are inconsistent.
The KnowledgeBase at ASCI's web site often has examples which answer the questions I have, but not always - and not always under the search terms one would think to use.
Certificate on all levels: Each agent uses different keystrokes for different functions, such as AI, web service calls, and MFT.
It's really hard to manage these keystrokes.
Trust stores, in case control-m, act as servers; it should be simple to implement certificates from a corporate CA.
Some functions must be performed in the fat client, while others can only be performed through the web interface. This should be streamlined as soon as possible.
Control-M integrates with DevOps toolchains to automate the deployment of applications and updates. It supports Jobs-as-Code, allowing developers to define workflows programmatically, which accelerates development cycles and improves deployment consistency1.These use cases highlight how Control-M can streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and support critical business functions across various domains.
We can easily add new plans/jobs in our batch schedules. Also, coordination with reporting and QA jobs is simple to do. Building schedules, restarting jobs, triggering dependencies is easy to understand. The system is very stable and allows us to easily see overall processing times.
Since it is GUI-based, it is not hard to use, although all new programs have a learning curve. The color scheme is easy to use to find the status of different Batch jobs. The check-in and check-out feature of job definitions is easy to use and avoids problems with users trying to use the same resource at the same time.
Secondary Instances: Control-M supports the installation of a secondary instance of the entire Control-M environment, Control-M/EM, or Control-M/Server.Automatic & Manual Failover: In case of a failure on the primary host, Control-M can automatically failover to the secondary host if using Oracle or MSSQL databases. Manual failover is also an option, enabling a controlled switch during planned maintenance.Fallback: After resolving the issue on the primary host, you can easily fall back to it, or even designate the secondary host as the new primary. Database Replication: For high availability, Control-M leverages database replication from the primary site to a disaster recovery site. While replication is essential, its implementation and maintenance are the user's responsibility.
good page load times, efficient report completion, and minimal impact on integrated systems. Specifically, the well-designed GUI contributes to a positive user experience, and the platform's ability to automate various stages of the workflow, including Big Data processes, is highlighted as a key strength. Fast Page Loads: Control-M is reported to have a responsive user interface with fast page load times, allowing users to quickly navigate and manage their workflows
He contactado varias veces con el soporte de BMC y ha sido bastante bueno, siempre han sabido darme una solución a lo que he pedido. Esta vez quiero hacer alguna nueva pregunta, pero no se si se me podrá contestar, ya que es algo que tal vez fuera de otro rango y no pertenezca a ellos.
Very knowledgeable instructors provide a hands-on, collaborative learning experience and can interact directly with instructors to develop our Control-M skills. This format allows for immediate feedback, in-depth discussions, and tailored guidance, leading to a deeper understanding of Control-M concepts and practical application. Face-to-face interaction fosters higher engagement and a more dynamic learning environment.
Simple and easy to use web based, well paced. Available any time. All online courses are simple and easy to access and use. Very practical everyday use scenarios and solutions. Incorporates software simulations, learning games, and built-in assessments to enhance comprehension and engagement. Online subscriptions are regularly updated with the latest product information, ensuring users have access to the most current knowledge.
As HA we have depend on the external DB, why don't we have HA feasibility with embedded DB. As with external DB, there are performance issues and fine tuning the DB. As if its embedded DB, Control-M it self take care of the functionality.
The workload automation solution is based on the specific needs of an organization, as well as the features, capabilities, and costs of various solutions. A thorough evaluation process and consideration of these factors can help ensure the selection of a solution that aligns with overall business objectives and meets the specific needs of the organization.
I met him as a Control-M consultant, performing migrations from CA to BMC. I knew the product and interface were not as friendly or intuitive as Control-M's and could not integrate new technologies and external applications. One of CA's excellent capabilities was the ability to incorporate executions with Java Scripting to obtain variable values or to order processes natively in the application using its utilities.
awesome product.Control-M delivers advanced operational capabilities easily consumed by Dev, Ops, data teams, and lines of business.Control-M Workflow InsightsApplication and data workflow observability: Increased confidence that SLAs are being met for Control-M users and IT leadersComprehensive control and management capabilities: Enhanced dashboards and reporting with constant telemetry and intelligent analysis on executing workflowsSelf-service visibility: In-depth reporting to help teams work autonomously
ActiveBatch can automate intricate procedures and minimise manual involvement, which can boost an organization's production and efficiency.
Organisations can save money by using ActiveBatch to automate operations, which lowers the expenses of manual labour and potential mistakes.
Implementing ActiveBatch could come with hefty up-front expenses including licencing, instruction, and consultancy fees, which could have a short-term negative impact on ROI.
Control-M has improved service delivery times, reliability and quality of batch processing.
It has simplified the management of the operation and the use of the alert system has made it possible to act in a coordinated and efficient manner to solve problems.
The implementation of policies has made it possible to make greater use of Control-M and thus reduce development costs that are generated unnecessarily when the potential of the system is not considered.
