User's Manual

10
Frequently Asked Questions
This section has the following types of frequently asked questions:
• FAQ — About Lasso
• FAQ — Passwords and Security
• FAQ — Dealing with errors
FAQ — About Lasso
• What is Lasso?
– Lasso is a stand alone collection utility that automates the collection of all pertinent hardware and
software configuration details from the target SAN attached servers, Dell Storage Arrays, Fibre
Channel, and Ethernet and FCoE Switches.
• What is Wrangler?
– Wrangler is a program that gathers the data collected by Lasso, parse the data, and build a SAN
object that is uploaded to the Dell database accessed by Dell employees.
• What are the uses of Lasso?
– Lasso helps to automate data collection from a number of devices, and can decrease the overall
time taken to perform the collections. Example: Lasso can be used efficiently to collect data from
3 arrays, 4 switches, and 20 hosts. The collections are run in parallel and hence collected
efficiently.
NOTE: The data collection by Lasso can also be done manually.
NOTE: The configuration of the SAN environment will assist Lasso to collect the data
successfully.
.
• Which language is used to develop Lasso?
– The Lasso user interface and the collection logic is developed in Java. The parser component is in
C#.
• Which third party software is used by Lasso?
– Lasso uses open-source and free software to complete various tasks. Lasso also uses programs
such as GPG, GNU zip/unzip, EMCReport, and various EMCGrab scripts.
• Where should Lasso be installed?
– Lasso can be installed on any Windows OS that has IP connectivity to the SAN with the following
caveats:
* For EMC SANs, install on a computer that is not attached to the SAN.
NOTE: Use a workstation whose credentials match with the SAN server credentials. This
results in automatic discovery and validation of Windows Hosts and saves time.
* EqualLogic SANs are sometimes in an isolated network, and may require connecting a
computer to that network to run Lasso.
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