Using 'Spread From Start Time (in Minutes)' with the NAL Application 'Schedule' setting.

  • 7006865
  • 17-Sep-2010
  • 30-Apr-2012

Environment

Novell ZENworks 6.5 Desktop Management Support Pack 2 - ZDM6.5 SP2
Novell ZENworks 7 Desktop Management Support Pack 1 - ZDM7 SP1
Novell Application Launcher (NAL)

Situation

1.  The random application spread is not across the entire application 'Schedule' availability but runs in a few minutes spread on all workstations and / or users.

2.  "Spread from Start " feature does not 'evenly' randomize the start time (each scheduled time varies, from one machine to hundreds).

Resolution

1.  ZDM 6.5 and 7 documentation was fixed March, 2006.
 
2.  'Spread from Start" feature does not 'evenly' randomize the start time (each scheduled time varies, from one machine to hundreds) is being investigated.
 
Fixed in ZENworks 7 Desktop Management Service Pack 1 Interim Release 4 Hot Patch 5, see KB 3484245 "Updates to Novell ZENworks 7 Desktop Management" which can be found at Novell Support

Additional Information

Formerly known as TID# 10100082
 
To spread the application random times across the entire time it is available, use the 'total' time of availability for the application for the 'Spread From Start Time (in Minutes)' value. 

Example:

The application is configured for Specified Days, M T W T F (1 business week -- 5 days), 8 AM - 5 PM (9 hours).

The equation will be 5 x 9 = 45 x 60 (minutes / hr.) = 2700 minutes to enter into 'Spread From Start Time (in Minutes)' value.  This will spread the random start times across the entire time (2700 minutes in the example) the application is available.  The same applies to Range of days.