Symantec Management Platform (Notification Server)

Hello,

Scenario:
Notification Server latest version 6.0 SP3 + R8
SWD solution 6.1 SP3
Task Synchronization Agent 6.1.1030
Software Delivery Solution Agent 6.1.1016
I have enabled a sequential software delivery task, which consists of two software delivery programs.
The programs were part of two separate software delivery tasks. I have scheduled the sequential task to run at certain date and time once. The SWD task containing the programs are enabled and set to manual (not scheduled). Both the sequential task and SWD tasks target the same collection.

Result:
Most of the computers have run the sequential task, as expected. However, ~ 10-15% of tne machines did not run the sequential task. The sequential task is in the Altiris agent properties - SWD tab, but under the "Next Run" column is listed as "not scheduled".

The result means to me that 85% of the computers followed the schedule of the sequential task, while the rest - followed the schedule of the individual SWD task, which is manual = not scheduled.
In addition, instead of two entries in the "Application tasks" section in the Altiris agent properties - SWD tab, there are 4 tasks. Every tasks appears twice.
If I disable the individual SWD tasks. the number of Application tasks in the sequential task reduces to 2, but still stays "not scheduled".

So, what is the recommended way of doing this:
- Should I enable both the sequential task and the SWD delivery tasks used with the same schedule?
- If I do that, will Altiris follow the sequential task order or rely on the indivudual task schedule, defeating the purpose of dependencies?

Thank you so much,
Peter

Hello Peter,
A wanted to clear up a few things first. Sequential tasks do not need an additional (and will ignore) any other software delivery - meaning the manual - tasks you have created. They do allow you to use packages and programs and set dependencies, as you have mentioned. Sequential tasks are not designed to be run manually, the scheduling options are geared towards a mandatory 'push'.
Also I would ensure the machines that failed have the latest task sync agent, and even look here: https://kb.altiris.com/article.asp?article=44427&p=1, for a possible resolution. Of course, you can always look at the Altiris Agent logs on a system that didn't run the job to see if an issue can be determined.

HTH,

Jim