BRMS Web Interface Strategy

Introduction & Strategy

IBM and Fortra have developed a roadmap for the BRMS product, including delivering a new graphical interface in a phased approach while continuing to balance the delivery of other customer enhancement requests.

Non-GUI Equivalent Functionality Delivered in BR1 and BR2

The BRMS team has ensured that functionality which was previously only available in the heritage Navigator is available via commands, APIs, and SQL services.

Web Interface Roadmap

The BRMS team has delivered significant functionality in the new modern web interface, and continues to deliver the functionality on an ongoing basis. The delivery of the web interface is divided into key themes:

📊SQL Service - Serve as functionality that provides immediate value to BRMS users and serve as the foundation that the web interface builds on.

🔎Web UI Monitoring - Provides the ability to view information.

🛠️Web UI Management - Provides the ability to manage BRMS.

The web interface also has new functionality that was not previously available in any interface. This functionality is indicated by a ✨icon.

^{IBM’s and Fortra's statements regarding plans, directions, and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice at our sole discretion. Information regarding potential future products is intended to outline our general product direction, and it should not be relied on in making a purchasing decision. The information mentioned regarding potential future products is not a commitment, promise, or legal obligation to deliver any material, code or functionality. Information about potential future products may not be incorporated into any contract. The development, release, and timing of any future features or functionality described for our products remains at our sole discretion.}

BRMS Web Interface Phases

Phase I - Foundations Delivered in Br1 and BR2

BRMS has had a web-based graphical interface for many years which was an optional plug-in to the IBM Navigator for i interface. Over the years, this interface was enhanced and extended with functionality not originally accessible via other interfaces.

The first phase involved ensuring that any functionality which was only available via the heritage Navigator is available via commands, APIs, and SQL services. For additional information on BRMS SQL services see: BRMS SQL Services.

New equivalent replacements have been delivered in the latest BRMS PTFs.

Phase II - Modern Graphical Interfaces Delivered in Br2

The initial BRMS Web Interface is available, for more details reference Configuring the BRMS Web Interface.

Similar to other interfaces such as Digital Certificate Manager, PowerHA and Db2 Mirror, a bookmark to the new BRMS Web Interface is available in the Navigator for IBM i, reference Navigator PTFs that include the BRMS bookmark.

Phase III - GUI Enhancements Continuous Delivery in BR2

The BRMS team continues to leverage feedback to prioritize and incrementally deliver enhancements. This strategy ensures that the BRMS product continues to be the trusted backup and recovery solution for IBM i customers.

Heritage Navigator for IBM i

IBM announced the new navigator in September of 2021, built on new technologies leveraging SQL services. The original plan was to have the new Navigator and heritage Navigator running alongside each other for a transition period.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, heritage Navigator was withdrawn much earlier than initially planned. Refer to heritage Navigator in the IBM i Security Bulletin. Because of this change, the BRMS team’s immediate focus switched to delivering function that was only available in heritage Navigator.