Would you believe that it was as long ago as 2016, that the web administration console for MOVEit Automation was first released in version 9.0?
Eight years have since passed, witnessing new host connectors, security patches and even a solution name change from Central to Automation. But in all that time, users have had the choice of using the older administration client application; or embracing the newer web administration console.
Over those eight years, the choice of which to use has been up to the user. Splitting opinion like other great dichotomies such as iPhone vs. Android; beach breaks vs. city breaks; and olives vs… eating anything else. However, it would seem that choice is soon to come to an end, as it has been noticed in the released notes of the 2024 release that there are plans to retire the admin client in favour of web in earnest.
But what does that mean for you?
In this blog, I have collated eight of the most common questions I have encountered from customers moving between these two methods of administration to help you with the inevitable demise of the MOVEit Automation admin client.
1. Is the Web Admin Console Fully Featured?
Yes, although you are forgiven for asking this question as it has probably been shaped by earlier versions which were missing some capability. Over the past eight years, the Progress team have been adding to the web console incrementally, until a few versions ago when it reached parity with the admin console.
2. I don’t think I have the Web Admin Console – Where is it?
Unless you are working with a version of MOVEit Automation earlier than version 9.0 – and I hope you are not for both security and functionality reasons – then it is almost certainly the case that you have the web admin console.
It is possible to deselect it as part of installs and upgrades, but in my experience customers do not do this. If you are not familiar with it, it is more likely that it has been installed but you have continued to use the admin client.
Try opening a web browser on the MOVEit server and browsing to https://localhost/ or https://localhost:8443.
3. How do I Log Into the Web Console?
Using the same credentials which you use to log into the admin client. Access to MOVEit Automation is defined by membership of a local Windows group on the server called “MOVEit Admin”.
If you haven’t been authenticating, then you are probably on an older version and logging in via a remote desktop session to the server. In previous versions, this was permitted. However, this functionality was removed in the 2020.1 edition for security reasons.
4. What is Required to Migrate from Client to Web Console?
Nothing! Both administrative tools read from the same database and configuration file meaning they can be used simultaneously. Moving between them simply requires a little orientation or training to know where the various options, buttons and controls are now situated.
I believe that the web console is well architected and easy to navigate. There is also a range of documentation and guides on the Progress Community site to assist with the switch between the two.
5. Will the Admin Client be Automatically Uninstalled in 2024.1?
We are currently unaware of how this is to be implemented and await further information from Progress. It is unlikely that the console will be uninstalled and instead the admin client will probably refuse to make a connection.
Uninstall of the admin client is possible via the general uninstall utility and selecting the admin console from the options of software items to remove.
6. I want to Keep the Admin Client, What are my Options?
Your only realistic option in this case is to remain on the 2024.0 version or prior. The retirement of the admin client has been long in the making and now that it has been announced, unlikely to be deterred. Changing to a new web client might come with operational challenges around training and adoption, but we wouldn’t recommend avoiding upgrades for this reason. Upgrades keep the solution secure, run off the most efficient code-base and provide you with the access to the latest solution capabilities.
7. Are there Features which the Web Console has, that the Admin Client Doesn’t?
Since version 9.0 was released in 2016, it has been the policy of Progress to only introduce new capabilities and features for the web console. For example, you can view SharePoint Online and Azure Blob hots in the admin client, but they are only configurable from the web console. There are a few examples of this but the differences between them are not huge.
8. How can Pro2col help?
Pro2col have been trading as file transfer experts for more than twenty years, with Progress MOVEit being a core part of our portfolio for much of that. In that time, we have performed countless upgrades, migrations and consultative sessions to help MOVEit customers with a plethora of requirements and operational needs.
Get in contact with us today to understand more about the retirement of the MOVEit Automation administration client and how you can make the switch to the web console seamlessly.
