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Empirum 21.0 - Installation Manual

About Matrix42 Workplace Management

With Matrix42 Empirum, all networked devices and corporate software assets can be administrated efficiently and made available from a central management console. The modular structure of the software suite is completely database-based and allows for the intuitive handling of all functionalities; this way, it is possible to easily distribute, install or modify all components of a system – operating system, applications and personal settings and files – with Matrix42 Empirum. The secure deletion of all data at the end of the usage time is also a part of the functionality spectrum.

This life-cycle approach is combined with a mature, role-based configuration management. Via drag & drop, you may group corporate users and systems arbitrarily and then assign the appropriate software. These defined configuration standards can be inherited within an administration group and also allow for the creation of consistent, easy-to-maintain structures, even in decentralized IT environments. The completely integrated patch management protects devices and servers against attacks on known security gaps without increasing the administration effort. Comprehensive scaling and monitoring functionalities help to variably control and monitor installation and roll-out processes.

Matrix42 Empirum can be integrated with existing IT infrastructures and other IT management solutions – either completely or as a modular add-on. With its centralized inventory of all systems, combined with a consolidated reporting and alarm management, Matrix42 Empirum creates the basis to provide a maximum of transparency of the corporate IT infrastructure. An inventory history and alarm mechanisms inform the administrator in real time on events such as changes to the memory of a computer, failed installations or the latest Microsoft patches.

Knowledge Prerequisites

As a prerequisite, we assume that you are familiar with the basic functions of Windows. You should have knowledge of the registry (the registration database) and network functionality.

Manual Conventions

The following writing conventions are observed in this document:

  • Menus, folders, functions, hardware labels, switch settings, system messages, etc. are represented in italics.
    Example:
    Set the switch to off.
  • Menus, functions, and subfunctions are separated from each other with ">".
    Example:
    Select File > Open.
  • Keys that have to be pressed simultaneously are connected with a ”+” sign.
    Example:
    Press Alt+A.

Important Text Passages

Important text passages are marked with icons at the margin, which have the following meaning:

Contains information that must be observed in order to avoid hardware or software damages.

Contains important general or additional information on a specific topic.

Advises you of any prerequisites that need to be fulfilled to perform the subsequent steps.

Installation notes

The Matrix42 Empirum Products

Matrix42 Empirum is a homogeneous device management suite, consisting of four basic modules. All modules have been developed by Matrix42 AG and can be combined or used separately or in combination with other management tools arbitrarily. With the consistent further development of the technologies used, it is possible to integrate the Matrix42 Empirum modules much more deeply than would be possible through the integration of OEM products, as it is common in this market. Thus, a maximum benefit can be achieved when using a combination of the various modules.

 Software Management Enterprise-wide inventory of hardware and software, reporting, analysis of application usage and Device Discovery.
Inventory Enterprise-wide hardware and software inventory, reporting, application usage analysis and device discovery.
OS Installer Automated operating system installation and migration according to any scenarios and procedures, dynamic hardware detection.
Personal Backup Full disaster recovery of personal work environments at the push of a button, profile migration.
Boot Configurations Create WinPE based PXE boot images, or offline boot images (USB stick) for automated OS installation.
Variable 
Configurations
Freely definable sets of variables that can then be assigned to configuration or assignment groups.
View Designer Customized view of software packages for different target groups for simplified assignment.
Patch-Management Comprehensive solution to detect and fix security vulnerabilities for Microsoft and also non-Microsoft products.

Matrix42 Client Management Architecture

The whole suite is operated via the central Matrix42 Empirum Console (EMC). All modules communicate with each other via the underlying MS-SQL database. To ensure the high performance and scalability of the overall system, communications with the nodes (computers, users, handhelds) managed by Matrix42 Empirum have been decoupled from the database and shifted to control files, which makes it possible to administrate a multitude of systems simultaneously in one database, without risking a central communications bottleneck.

Matrix42 Empirum has been designed to allow customers to directly map and manage any existing infrastructure (network, locations, domains, ADS, ...) across multiple products, which simplifies communications with existing management systems considerably.

Acceptance of the License Agreement

Read this license agreement carefully before installing the software. By installing the software on a computer system, you declare that you accept the terms and conditions of this contract. If you do not accept the license agreement, you may not install the software. In this case, you should immediately return all parts of the purchased product, including the enclosed written material and the packaging, to Matrix42 or to the company from which you have purchased the product. If you do not accept the license agreement, you are not allowed to copy the software, to keep it, or use it.

System Requirements

On the Matrix42 installation DVD you will find a reference to our system requirements in the Manual directory. Make sure that you meet all the requirements described in this document before you begin with the installation.

How to Install Matrix42 Empirum

The following sections explain how to install Matrix42 Empirum on a server. These explanations assume that Matrix42 Empirum is installed for the first time.

Further Documentation

Further information may be found in the following documentations:

Matrix42 Online

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Install Matrix42 Client Management under Windows

Start the installation


When installing on a server (e.g. 2016/2019), the .NET 3.5 Framework must first be installed via Server Manager > Add Roles and Features. The .NET 4 Framework is installed automatically. After installing .NET Framework, a restart is required. After clicking the restart prompt, the autorun dialog is displayed again. There is no automatic restart!

  1. Mount the ISO file as a DVD. If the autorun function is activated for your DVD drive, the installation wizard is automatically started and leads you through the installation procedure. Alternatively, you can start the Matrix42 Empirum installation wizard by dragging and dropping the Autorun.cdz file in the source directory of the DVD onto the Autorun.exe file.
  2. Select the language version you want to install by clicking the respective flag.
  3. Click on Installation.
  4. Click Database Installation to check the system requirements and optionally install the MS-SQL Server 2014 Express database.


If both the Matrix42 Empirum automation components and Workplace Management components (Service Store) are used, we recommend that you do not use the Express Edition with enhanced services, since Service Store provides support for fully fledged SQL installations only. Please see the System Requirements.

  1. The program checks the necessary software and installs the Microsoft SQL Server 2014 Express with Advanced Services, confirm the update dialog with OK.
  2. Confirm the standard directory for the MS-SQL databases or enter a directory fixed by you.
  3. Confirm the dialog with OK.
    The Microsoft MS-SQL Server 2014 Express database is installed. The installation routine of MS-SQL Server 2014 Express shows the installed components.
    You will receive confirmation of successful installation of the components required for MS-SQL Server 2014.
  4. Go back to the installation dialog of Matrix42 Empirum v20.0 and click on the button Installation.
  5. Read the license agreement carefully.
  6. If you agree with the conditions of the license agreement, confirm this dialog box with Yes.
  7. Now you must specify the installation directory. You can either adopt the default setting or select another local drive (e.g., D:\Empirum). The destination directory must always be named Empirum; it will be created during the installation process.
  8. Click Next.
  9. Enter your company name and the license number into the respective fields. For a demo or test installation, enter the license key DEMO; in all other cases, enter the license key that has been provided to you.
  10. Click Next and the installation will start.
  11. After successful installation you will see a dialog which you confirm with OK.

Note on rights required for database creation

The SQL Server role sysadmin is not required when updating the database. The dbo role (Database Owner) is required only.
For the initial creation of databases (EmpLocations, location database) the server right CREATE ANY DATABASE or the role dbcreator is also required.

Creating the location management database (EmpLocations)

Under MS-SQL it is possible to choose between database authentication or Windows authentication.

Databases under MS-SQL with database authentication

  1. Start Matrix42 DBUtil via the desktop icon  Matrix42 DBUtil, or via Start > Programs > Empirum > Tools > Matrix42 DBUtil.
  2. Click Create to create the EmpLocations database.
    The EmpLocations database is used for location management. The names of the locations are stored in this database. These can then be displayed and selected in an additional window in the Matrix42 Client Management Console
  3. Confirm this dialog with Yes, so that the database EmpLocations with associated database system name (DSN) is created. The dialog for logging on to the database server appears.
  4. Specify here the parameters for creating the EmpLocations database:
    • Database Server\Instance Name:
      Host name (or IP address) of the database server with instance name
      Note: The instance name must be appended to the database server name; when using the MSSQL Express database, this is <ServerName>\Empirum.
    • Database Username:
      sa
    • Password:
      When installing with MS-SQL Server 2014 Express, the password is Matrix42.Empirum for the user sa, it can be changed later.
    • Windows Authentication
      If the checkmark in front of Use Windows authentication is ticked, the logon to Matrix42 DBUtil is generally only done via Windows authentication (see chapter Databases under MS-SQL with Windows authentication).
  5. If the database is located on a server other than the Matrix42 Client Management server, check Logon to remote computer and enter the Windows credentials. The user used here must have administrative rights on the target server's operating system.
  6. If the message Path to SQL data files could not be determined is displayed, confirm it with OK. You will then be prompted to specify the path to the data files. An attempt will then be made to create the databases.
    If you receive the error "SQL server does not exist or access has been denied", check your specified user data.
  7. To change the password for the sa user, proceed as follows:
    Log in with the user name sa and the default password Matrix42.Empirum via Matrix42 DBUtil. Then click Actions > User Management > EmpLocations.
    The dialog box of the user administration opens. Here you select the user sa and click on Edit. In the next dialog you have the possibility to change the password for the user sa.
  8. The EmpLocations database is created, you return to the Matrix42 DBUtil login window.
  9. Click Login to log in to the previously created EmpLocations database. The login of DBUtil is always done via the EmpLocations - DSN.
    The main dialog of Matrix42 DBUtil appears.
    Now you can create the database(s) for your Matrix42 location(s), create tables and functions, and install the Empirum services for the selected location.
  10. Select Menu Actions >  Create Location.
    You are requested to enter the database server for the new location.
    For the database username, enter sa and for the password, enter Matrix42.Empirum for the MS-SQL Server 2014 Express database.
    • Database Server\Instance:
      Host name (or IP address) of the database server followed by the name of the instance.
    • Database Username:
      sa
    • Password:
      When installing with MS-SQL Server 2014 Express, the password is Matrix42.Empirum for the user sa, it can be changed later.
    • Windows Authentication
      If the checkmark in front of Use Windows authentication is ticked, the logon to Matrix42 DBUtil is generally only done via Windows authentication (see chapter Databases under MS-SQL with Windows authentication).
  11. If the database is located on a server other than the Matrix42 Client Management server, check Logon to remote computer and enter the Windows credentials. The user used here must have administrative rights on the target server's operating system.
  12. Then enter the name for this location (e.g. Frankfurt) and optionally a description.
  13. Click Finish.
    The new location is now displayed in the location list. Now the tables and functions still need to be created in the database.
  14. Click Actions >  Create Tables.
  15. Select Local under Empirum Server and confirm with OK.
    • Local
      You are directly working with the first installed Empirum server (master, central database).
    • Remote
      You create additional location databases, the source files of these locations are located on a remote computer. Enter the hostname, Mac address and workgroup or domain of the server here!
      DBUtil now sets up the location database via SQL scripts, you can follow the progress in the status window.
      After the database is successfully created and set up, you will receive a message that all licenses have been assigned to this location. This means that the database is fully functional.
  16. Confirm the message with OK.
    Now the Empirum services must be installed.
    To do this, go to the chapter Installation of the Matrix42 Services.

Databases under MS-SQL with Windows authentication


Wndows authentication can only be used if your company uses Microsoft's Active Directory Services (ADS) to authenticate users.
If workgroups are used, authentication must be done via database authentication as before..

  1. Start Matrix42 DBUtil via the desktop icon  Matrix42 DBUtil, or via Start > Programs > Empirum > Tools > Matrix42 DBUtil.
  2. Click Create to create the EmpLocations database.
  3. Confirm this dialog with Yes.
    The dialog for logging on to the database server appears.
  4. Specify here the parameters for creating the EmpLocations database:
    • Database Server\Instance Name:
      Host name (or IP address) of the database server with instance name
      Note: The instance name must be appended to the database server name; when using the MSSQL Express database, this is <ServerName>\Empirum.
    • Database Username:
      sa
    • Password:
      When installing with MS-SQL Server 2014 Express, the password is Matrix42.Empirum for the user sa, it can be changed later.
    • Windows Authentication
      Set the checkmark in front of Use Windows authentication to switch on Windows authentication. The logon to Matrix42 DBUtil is then generally only done via Windows authentication. To be able to log in to Matrix42 DBUtil with dbo rights, one of the conditions mentioned must apply:
      • The logged-in user is a member of the Domain Admins group.
      • The logged-in user is registered in the Local Administrators group on the server running the SQL Server.
      • If the logged-in user is not in any of the above groups, Matrix42 DBUtil can be started via Run as.
  5. If the database is located on a server other than the Matrix42 Client Management server, check Logon to remote computer and enter the Windows credentials. The user used here must have administrative rights on the target server's operating system.
  6. The EmpLocations database is created, you return to the Matrix42 DBUtil login window.
  7. Click Login to log in to the previously created EmpLocations database. The login of DBUtil is always done via the EmpLocations - DSN.
    The main dialog of Matrix42 DBUtil appears.
    Now you can create the database(s) for your Matrix42 location(s), create tables and functions, and install the Empirum services for the selected location.
  8. Select Menu Actions >  Create Location.
    You are requested to enter the database server for the new location.
  9. Specify here the parameters for creating the location database.
  10. If the database is located on a server other than the Matrix42 Client Management server, check Logon to remote computer and enter the Windows credentials. The user used here must have administrative rights on the target server's operating system.
  11. Then enter the name for this location (e.g. Frankfurt) and optionally a description.
  12. Click Finish.
    The new location is now displayed in the location list. Now the tables and functions still need to be created in the database.
  13. Click Actions >  Create Tables.
  14. Select Local under Empirum Server and confirm with OK.
    • Local
      You are directly working with the first installed Empirum server (master, central database).
    • Remote
      You create additional location databases, the source files of these locations are located on a remote computer. Enter the hostname, Mac address and workgroup or domain of the server here!
      DBUtil now sets up the location database via SQL scripts, you can follow the progress in the status window.
      After the database is successfully created and set up, you will receive a message that all licenses have been assigned to this location. This means that the database is fully functional.
  15. Confirm the message with OK.
    Now the Matrix42 services must be installed.

Installation of the Matrix42 Services

  1. Click Actions menu >  Install/configure services.
    In the left window the General option is selected.
  2. Under Services server of the location, specify your Empirum server that is currently installed (e.g. NTEMP).
  3. Enter the operating system login name and the corresponding password. This user must have administrative rights on the server's operating system.
  4. In the left window, right-click Empirum-PXE. Select Add in the context menu, this will create a new PXE server location.
    Network information is required to configure the PXE service. If you call (cmd) ipconfig /all on the command line (cmd), you will get all the necessary information.
    • PXE-Server IP
      The IP address of the Empirum server on which the PXE service is to be installed.
    • PXE Subnet Mask
      The subnet mask of the Empirum server on which the PXE service is to be installed.
    • PXE Gateway
      The IP address of the standard gateway (router) responsible for this subnet in which the Empirum server is located. If no standard gateway is available, please enter the IP address of the Empirum server.
    • PXE DNS Server
      The IP address of the DNS server. If no DNS server is available, please enter the IP address of the Empirum server.
    • Server-Name
      The name of the server on which the PXE service is to be installed.
    • Servermode
      Select according to your network configuration:
      Incorrect selection and configuration of the Server mode options can have a negative impact on your entire network!
      • PXE/DHCP
        For networks with fixed IP addresses and without DHCP server. The Empirum PXE server distributes IP addresses to the DHCP requests of the PXE clients here.
      • PXE only
        A functioning DHCP server is required for error-free operation of the PXE service.
        A DHCP server must exist in your network.
      • Compatibility mode
        The Empirum PXE server and the DHCP server are located on the same server. In this case, the DHCP option 60 on the DHCP server must be set to PXEClient.
    • Servicemode:
      • Online
        The PXE service has a direct connection to the Matrix42 database (Default).
      • Offline
        The PXE service has no connection to the Matrix42 database and is controlled via files. This procedure is standard in the use of Subdepot Services.
    • Service Log On
      If the option is set, the configuration of a service user account is enabled in the Service login tab. The service is then started via this user account.
  5. After entering all parameters, click Apply, then click Install.
    (The Apply button will write your information to the database.)
  6. When selecting services, please activate all services except Empirum-LDAPSync, Empirum Location Sync and Empirum-DeviceDiscovery. Matrix42 Client Management is fully functional even without these services. For more information regarding the use of these services, please refer to the Matrix42 DBUtil documentation.
  7. Click Install.
  8. The Matrix42 services will be installed. After the installation is complete, please confirm the corresponding message window with OK.
  9. Now assign the licenses to this location. Click Actions menu > Licensing.
  10. Double-click your location in the right pane and enter the total number of available licenses (if you have not already done so). Repeat these steps for Matrix42 Remote Control, Matrix42 XenApp Management, Matrix42 Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Management, and Matrix42 Patch Management.
  11. Confirm all windows with OK.

Configure Reporting Services

Detailed instructions for configuring Reporting Services can be found at the following link: Configure Reporting Services

Matrix42 Empirum Management Console (EMC)

Starting the Matrix42 Empirum Management Console

  1. Start the Matrix42 Management Console on the Empirum Server either by double-clicking the  icon on the desktop or via Start > All Programs > Empirum > Matrix42 Management Console.
  2. In the database login dialog, select the DSN of your first location. Enter the corresponding user name and password and confirm with Login.
    Never select the DSN EmpLocations here!
    The main administration interface, Matrix42 Management Console, opens.

    You are in the navigation bar Management > Administration.

Installing and launching another Matrix42 Management Console

Matrix42 Management Console can be installed on additional remote computers (administrator computers). The console can be installed in 2 different ways. Either via the Matrix42 Software Depot or manually as a self-extracting package.

Prerequisite for the installation via the Matrix42 Software Depot is an installed Empirum Agent, which is opened by clicking on the icon  in the notification area on the target computer.

Installation via the Matrix42 Software Depot:

  1. Open the Matrix42 Software Depot.
  2. Select the Matrix42 Management Console 20.0 package (ticked) and click Install.
    Since the components installed on the Empirum Server are checked before the Matrix42 Management Console is installed, you do not need to make any additional settings. Only the modules of the console that are available on the Empirum Server are installed.
  3. Click Finish.
  4. After installation, start the Matrix42 Management Console either by double-clicking the desktop icon  or via Start > All Programs > Empirum > Matrix42 Management Console.
  5. Select the DSN of your first location, enter the corresponding user name and password and confirm with Login.
    The main administration interface, Matrix42 Management Console, opens.

    You are in the navigation bar Management > Administration.

Congratulations! You have successfully installed Matrix42 Empirum. Now we wish you success in your future work with Matrix42 and the achievement of time and cost savings.

For more information, please refer to the manual directory of the installation DVD and to http://helpfiles.matrix42-web.de/START/EN/M42_START.htm.

Configure Matrix42 Web Services

Matrix42 Empirum offers various functions that are provided via a WWW or FTP server. These include:

  • Software distribution via http/https over a subdepot
  • Linux or ESX OS Installation (FTP)

Matrix42 Client Management allows automatic configuration and installation using the Matrix42 Subdepot and Matrix42 Subdepot Webservice Configuration software packages. These install all necessary components and configure the depot servers for access via SMB, http(s) and FTP. Please refer to the Sync Depot Setup - How-to manual in the online help.

  1. Start the Matrix42 Management Console (EMC).
  2. Select Administration in the navigation bar under Management.
  3. Expand the Computer > Empirum Server tree and select your server or the configuration group that contains the server(s) there.
  4. Right-click the entry and select Variables from the context menu.
  5. Double click on the SUBDEPOT entry and then on SERVICES.
  6. Select the Web Service entry and click OK. To use FTP as well, check the FTPSERVICE box.
  7. Double-click on the USER_1 entry, uncheck the Empty value checkbox in the following dialog and enter a user name in the Value field. This user will be created on the subdepot server during the installation of the subdepot package and will also be referenced in the Empirum Agent template. For domain environments, select DOMAIN\USER, for workgroup environments select .\USER. Confirm the entry with OK.
  8. Double-click on the PASSWORD_1 entry, uncheck the Empty value checkbox in the subsequent dialog and enter the password for the above user in the Value field. Confirm the entry with OK.
  9. Double-click on the ROOTPATH entry, deactivate the Empty value checkbox in the subsequent dialog and enter the path where the files for the subdepot are to be stored in the Value field (e.g. D:\Empirum). Confirm the entry with OK.

FTP is only used for the OS installations of Linux, XenServer and VMware ESX.

 

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