Polaris Server Migration (August 2023)

On August 27, 2023, Innovative Support will be moving our Polaris servers to a new environment.  During the migration, all Polaris services will be unavailable and once we are on the new server, some applications will need to be reconfigured.

Migration Timing / Logistics

Sunday 8/27 6:00 PM - Monday 8/28 9:00 AM

At this time, Innovative Support plans to take the server down at 6:00 PM on Sunday 8/27 when all of our libraries are closed.  The data copy and QA testing is expected to take between 10 and 12 hours, so we expect essential Polaris services to be re-enabled by 9:00 AM on Monday 8/28.  

During the migration, project updates will be provided via the PinAll mailing list.

Discontinuing the Full RDP

For security reasons, Innovative/Clarivate will be discontinuing access to Polaris via the "Full RDP."  Instead, all connections to the client will need to be configured via RemoteApp.  The Full RDP option is what was originally configured for all member libraries during our initial migration to Polaris, but since 2015, many of our libraries have been using the RemoteApp. As of 2023, we still have some libraries/certain staff still using the Full Remote Desktop application. 

The easiest way to determine which version is being used is to compare them visually. The "Full RDP" creates an entire virtual desktop, with a large black background.  All Polaris windows function inside of this window and cannot be relocated.  Conversely, the RemoteApp blends Polaris windows with all other programs open on the computer.

Once connected, Polaris functions exactly the same in both the Full RDP and the RemoteApp.

These changes do not affect the Leap, the browser-based web application. Library staff can continue using Leap without any changes.

New RemoteApp Shortcuts

To connect to the RemoteApp on the new server, libraries will need to configure a new connection.  This configuration file has been provided to IT staff at each library. It can be configured before the migration, but it cannot be used until after we're back up on August 28.

SIP2 Connections

All external connections to Polaris via SIP2 will need to be updated.  Pinnacle and library IT staff are collaborating to update all the necessary vendors.

This list represents library services that Pinnacle is aware of. There may be others in-use at the library that need to be changed.

Other IT-Specific Questions

Will the hostname/ gateway be changing?

• Yes, this will change. The exact name will be provided as we get closer to the migration.

Will there be a delay with DNS propagation?

• Libraries should not notice a delay with the new server since Innovative staff makes the change to the DNS as they start the project.  It usually takes about 30-60 minutes to propagate down, so it should be completed before the data load has finished.