Agent deployment: what's the need of Advanced Open File Option?

[GCheaux]

Hi.

I tried to have a look at the documentation but I didn't come across something clear. I know that nowadays SBE is using VSS in order to backup open files. When deploying an agent on remote computers, two options are available:

1. Remote Agent for Windows Systems
2. Advanced Open File Option

If number 1 is quite easy to understand, I don't really see what the AOFO is about.

Is it the Symantec version installed and used in case the Microsoft VSS is not working?

Best regards.
G

[Hemant_Jain]

I wrote an article on AOFO some time ago:

https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/articles/advanced-open-file-option

It is similar to Microsoft offering of VSS. For Windows 2003 and above, Microsoft VSS should be your preferred provider. For older version of Windows, you may want to use AOFO.

Please mark it a solution if this is useful.

Thanks

[Ben_L_ · Accepted solution]

The only time the Symantec provider is installed for AOFO is if the system is Windows 2000 or lower.  So if your systems are all 2003 or higher you don't need to install AOFO on them.

[GCheaux]

Thanks Ben. It is now officially clear :)