DOCUMENT:Q125931 31-JUL-2001 [sms] TITLE :SMS Server Selection Using Appstart PRODUCT :Microsoft Systems Management Server PROD/VER:winnt:1.0,1.1,1.2 OPER/SYS: KEYWORDS:kbnetwork kbDatabase smsdatabase ====================================================================== ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The information in this article applies to: - Microsoft Systems Management Server versions 1.0, 1.1, 1.2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY ======= You can run shared applications from Systems Management Server version 1.0 by using the Appstart program to select an appropriate application server. There are three ways Appstart locates a server (in order): - Existing Share - Existing Server - Random Existing Share -------------- If an existing connection to a needed share exists, Appstart piggy-backs or reuses the existing share connection. Appstart assumes that a previous attempt to connect was made, and, during that attempt, these same rules were followed. This is done to maximize load balancing on the initial connection, and minimize the total number of distinct connections a client makes. Existing Server --------------- If there is already a session established with the server providing the desired share and a connection to the share does not already exist, Appstart connects to this server and share. Quite often a local connection will exist to the SMS Windows NT logon server (and SMS_SHR) that authenticated the logon. For this reason, the majority of Appstart requests will go to a Windows NT (or LAN Manager) domain controller local to the client computer. Random ------ If no shares or servers are connected that have the desired resources, Appstart will randomly pick from the list in the network accounts database (NAD). Random selection is rarely performed after either the existing share or server methods have been used. They are oriented to the local subnet, while the random method acts as a safety net. The random selection will most likely be made on the local subnet, but it cannot be guaranteed in SMS version 1.0. That is why the existing share and server methods are attempted first. To ensure a local connection, you can add a NET USE command to a local distribution server in the logon script. Then you guarantee a session because Appstart will always check for an existing server before choosing randomly. Additional query words: sms prodsms ====================================================================== Keywords : kbnetwork kbDatabase smsdatabase Technology : kbSMSSearch kbSMS100 kbSMS110 kbSMS120 Version : winnt:1.0,1.1,1.2 ============================================================================= THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY. Copyright Microsoft Corporation 2001.