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Introduction

SkySync is an Enterprise Content and Data Integration platform capable of managing file/data transfer and synchronize operations across a myriad of different storage management platforms at scale. It offers significant business flexibility around all aspects of Enterprise Content and Data Integration including:

Solution Architecture

The SkySync platform is built on a pluggable, content–streaming architecture that enables highly–automated file/data transfer and synchronization capabilities for up to billions of files. File bytes stream in from one connection endpoint (defined by the administrator), across a customer owned and operated network and/or cloud service, and then stream out to a second connection endpoint. Content can also flow bidirectionally across two endpoints rather than solely from a "source" to a "destination."

SkySync is a "security–neutral" model, fully utilizing your existing infrastructure and security schema. Content and data bytes only exist in SkySync memory in chunks, which are immediately streamed from one endpoint (through SkySync) and out to another endpoint. Both incoming and outgoing bytes are transferred using the most secure protocol available for each connector. For example, SkySync will use SSL or TLS encryption along with OAuth (token–based) authorization for most cloud service connectors.

SkySync Platform Components

SkySync Server

The server component of SkySync runs as a background service on at least one server. The SkySync service can also be deployed on multiple server nodes in a cluster.

Database Server

SkySync utilizes an embedded PostgreSQL database as part of its standard installation process. Additional options include Microsoft SQL Server or hosted PostgreSQL. SkySync requires network connectivity with the database to function properly in all cases.

SkySync Connectors

SkySync's Platform Connectors provide storage endpoint integration. Each storage connector has been carefully developed to implement all of the available security features via its native API. The connectors themselves can be deployed to execute in the context of the primary SkySync Server or in the context of one or more SkySync Remote Sites depending on the deployment model selected.

SkySync stores connection information such as the authenticated security token, URL, and UNC, and in some cases such as network file–shares, the user name and password are encrypted within the database. SkySync Connectors utilize all the default ports based on the platform's required communication protocol.

Security White Paper

SkySync Platform | Security Whitepaper

System Locale

Region Settings must be set to English (United States).

  1. Go to Control Panel > Clock and Region.

  2. Select Region > Administrative tab.

  3. Select Change system locale.

  4. Set current system local to "English (United States)"

SkySync Processing Servers (1 - 10 per server farm)


If using a cloud server, the following templates are recommended: 

SkySync servers should be installed in the same data center as the data repository or as close to the source as possible to reduce latency.

SQL Server Database Server (1 server per farm or availability group)


If using a cloud server, the following templates are recommended: 

Supported Operating Systems

Server/Manager and Remote Sites

Supported Databases

Server/Manager and Remote Sites

Browser Support

Supported: Google Chrome
Unsupported: Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Internet Explorer, and Safari

Communication Ports

Application Services/Processes

Administrator Password Requirements

Passwords must meet the following requirements: 

Languages

SkySync Platform Application

The login screen will display in English (UK).

Foreign Language

SkySync is a North American Language-based software solution that supports Unicode; however, it is neither localized or internationalized. In order to support our international customer base, we recognize that support for non-English language is required. As such, we have made significant investments in developing a solution that accepts and migrates a vast majority of data for most languages. While we continue to make added investments to ensure our solution will enable the migration of non-English language files and folders, it cannot account for all idiosyncrasies/caveats.

Other Recommendations

SkySync strongly recommends leveraging the following tools:

Firewall

SkySync Service Account

These are the general account best practices when running a SkySync Platform clustered install.

Proxy Server

SkySync supports proxy server environments and utilizes the proxy settings from the underlying host Operating System; however, additional prerequisites may be necessary for a fully functional implementation. Note that proxy servers may introduce some latency in the transfer process. If a proxy is utilized, ensure that the SkySync servers have the manual proxy setup configured correctly. Proxy server environments add a layer of complexity and additional management that may impact troubleshooting, rate limiting, and overall performance.

  1. Log in to SkySync server(s) with the SkySync Service Account.

  2. Go to Windows Settings > Proxy Settings

  3. Enable the "Use a proxy server..." setting.

  4. Update the Address and Port with the applicable proxy values.

  5. Select Save

Review Database Options

Determine which database you will use:

Default Database | Embedded PostgreSQL

  • Ideal for those less familiar with managing separately installed databases

  • Does not require a paid license, free to use

Optional | Hosted PostgreSQL

  • During installation, you may configure a hosted PostgreSQL database that you can manage separately.

Optional | SQL Server

You can optionally create the database before running the installer. Note that SkySync requires SQL Server 2016 SP1 (or higher) standard.

  1. Log into SQL Server Management Studio.

  2. Create a new database

    • Set the name appropriately, ie. SkySyncV4

    • Set the recovery mode to simple

    • Add the Windows Service Account User or SQL Login to the database

      • Security >  Logins >  {Windows Service Account User} >  properties >  User Mapping >  SkySyncV4 >  db_owner


Initial Install

Database Option

If you intend to install Microsoft SQL Server, you may use the following Powershell command to skip parts of the install process.

  1. In powershell, navigate to the directory where skysync-{OS Type}-{Version}.exe exists.

  2. Run .\skysync-{OS Type}-{Version}.exe --install-pgsql 0

Verify Installer Properties

In some instances, Windows will flag an executable as "untrusted" and block it. If this happens with the SkySync installer, there will be issues with the installation or upgrade. Therefore, before you begin, review the installer properties to verify the correct settings.

  1. Right-click on the installer and select Properties.

  2. You need to verify the settings below.

    1. Read-only should not be selected.

    2. Hidden should not be selected.

    3. Unblock should be selected.

  3. Click Apply to apply the changes.

  4. Click OK.  

Run as Administrator

To install a new instance of SkySync, follow the steps below.

  1. Place the installer in a folder on the computer's hard drive (i.e. C:\SkySync), then right-click and select Run as administrator.

  2. If prompted, allow the installer to make changes to your computer.

  3. Select Next on the Welcome screen.



Installation Directory

Specify Installation and Configuration directories. This can be any local path, but we recommend the following default settings.


Configure Windows Service

Configure which Windows user will run the SkySync service.


Begin Installation

If you are using SQL Server with Windows Authentication, ensure that the SkySync service account is a DB Creator. (See Prepare for Installation section.)

Select Next to begin installation.

PostgreSQL program files will be installed by default. This is intended. You may choose a different database further along in the installation process.

Once complete, leave Launch SkySync selected and select Finish.


Welcome to SkySync Configuration Wizard

A new browser window will launch with the configuration wizard. If your browser doesn't immediately load to this screen, the SkySync service might still be starting. Your browser will continue to check until the website is started. Select Get Started.

Select Continue on the following screen.


Configure Your Database

Default Database | PostgreSQL

  • Ideal for those less familiar with managing separately installed databases

  • Does not require a paid license; free to use

If you are using a PostgreSQL database, it must be configured to use English for messages. This is required for SkySync to properly deploy the server. 

Here, you can begin building your desired database.

Use Default Database | Embedded PostgreSQL 

If you select to use the default PostgreSQL database, select Create Database to continue.


Use a Different Database | Microsoft SQL Server

If you select to use a different database, the configuration wizard will ask you to select a database provider. Select Microsoft SQL Server from the list.

Important | Please Review SQL Server Encryption

After selecting a database provider, you will be prompted for connection details.

  1. Add the Server name and Database name and select the Authentication.

  2. Select Test Connection when complete to validate your configuration.

    1. You will see a “Connection Successful” message if the database is detected.

    2. If the database is not detected, a warning message will display to indicate that it will be created.

Use a Different Database | Microsoft SQL Server| Use Specific Credentials (Optional)

If you select Use specific credential under Authentication, you will see two additional fields: User name and Password. This allows you to enter the credential required to connect to the database.

Configure your Database | Summary

The information provided for your selected database displays. Review it to ensure it is correct. Select Create database to continue.

Use a Different Database | Hosted PostgreSQL 

If you do not use the default database, the configuration wizard will ask you to select a database provider. Select PostgreSQL from the list.

Select Hosted and enter the database information. Make sure you test the connection.


Optional Database Connection | Enter Manual Connection String

SkySync supports SQL Server and PostgreSQL databases. For complex database scenarios, SkySync allows you to supply the connection string with the applicable options and format necessary for your database environment. However, these connection strings can be modified with additional platform parameters and values. 

If connectivity to the database cannot be made with default database configuration options, you may need to utilize the connection string to specify the correct parameters. For example, it is a common enterprise practice to change the default SQL Server port from 1433 to another port, requiring the use of a connection string.


SQL Server Connection Strings

SQL Server | Integrated Authentication (Windows Authentication)

Server=SqlServerMachineName;Database=SkySyncV4;Integrated Security=true

SQL Server | Use Specific Credentials (SQL Authentication)

Server=SqlServerMachineName;Database=SkySyncV4;User ID=SqlServerUserName;Password=MyPassword

SQL Server | Always On - Availability Group Listener with Multi-Subnet

Server=tcp:AGListenerName,1433;Database=SkySyncV4;IntegratedSecurity=SSPI;MultiSubnetFailover=True

Azure SQL DB Standard Connection

Server=tcp:[ServerName].database.windows.net;Database=SkySyncV4;User ID=[LoginForDb]@[ServerName];Password=MyPassword;Trusted_Connection=False;Encrypt=True

PostgreSQL Connection Strings

PostgreSQL Standard Connection

dbProvider=npgsql,dbConnectionString=User ID=PostgreSqlUserName;Password=MyPassword;Host=ServerName;Port=5432;Database=SkySyncV4


Validate Your License

After configuring your database, SkySync will ask you for your license key. Your SkySync license will be provided to you after purchase. It should look something like this: 01234567-0123-0123-0123-0123456789ab.

If you do not have your license key, please contact SkySync Support.

Select Get started.

Enter your license key and select Activate. (this button is disabled until you enter a license.) You will see a green “License Activated” message indicating the license was activated successfully. Congratulations! You've now successfully licensed SkySync.

Select Next to continue.


Validate Your License | Troubleshooting

If something goes wrong, an error message will be displayed in a box below the Activate button.

Verify your license key was entered correctly and try to activate again.

Common causes of failure include:

If you continue to have issues validating the license, please contact SkySync Support


Validate Your License | Accept End-User License Agreement

Select Next and then Create Database. A loading screen will appear stating that your database is being configured. Once complete, you will be asked to restart SkySync.

This will not restart your computer. Only the SkySync service will be restarted.


Create an Administrator Account

Create your first SkySync global admin account now. This user is granted all permissions by default. You can add more users later and set up different permissions, groups, and functionality.

Select Get started.

Create your administrator user for SkySync. By default, this user has access to everything in the application.

When complete, click Next and review the settings on the following page.

If you are satisfied with your credentials, click Create.

You will then be prompted to "Restart and launch." The restart and launch may take a few seconds to process. No loading icon is present during this time, but the browser will reload once the restart is complete.

This will not restart your computer. Only the SkySync service will be restarted.

Log in with your Administrator credentials and begin using SkySync!


Upgrade

The new installer also helps facilitate product updates. Follow the steps below to complete the upgrade process.

  1. Stop the SkySync service on all machines in your cluster.

  2. Place the installer in a folder on the computer's hard drive (i.e. C:\SkySync). Then, right-click and select Run as administrator.

  3. Click Next to begin upgrading SkySync's program files.

  4. If any database updates are required, your browser will display a "We need to update" screen. Follow the prompts to update the database.

  5. Once complete, select Finish, and SkySync will launch.