LifeCycle Manager architecture

LifeCycle Manager is a framework that helps in installing, managing, and maintaining several M3 and Lawson products, service packs, fix packs, and fixes.

It is comprised of these components:

  • LifeCycle Manager Server – contains the database, product packages, and associated scripts

  • LifeCycle Manager Service – contain the installed services that are administered with the help of LifeCycle Manager Server

  • LifeCycle Manager Client – contains the product plug-ins

The LifeCycle Manager Client connects to the LifeCycle Manager Server, which, in turn, connects to each LifeCycle Manager Service as shown in this diagram:

LifeCycle Manager Server

A LifeCycle Manager Server must first be installed in the network before a service can be installed. A LifeCycle Manager Service is installed on all servers that are managed using LifeCycle Manager, such as application servers and database servers.

LifeCycle Manager Service

A LifeCycle Manager Service receives scripts and packages from the LifeCycle Manager Server, then executes the scripts. The progress and logs are sent back to the LifeCycle Manager Server, which, in turn, forwards the information to the client.

The Service also exposes local resources to the client. For example, the Service allows the client to browse certain folders and read log files.

Note: When you upgrade the LifeCycle Manager Server, the services will be updated as well.

LifeCycle Manager Client

LifeCycle Manager Client is the user interface for the LifeCycle Manager Server. The Client can browse the content on the servers, and enable LifeCycle Manager Server to perform tasks, for example, install service pack A for product B installed on server C.

The LifeCycle Manager Server then performs the task by copying scripts and packages to a LifeCycle Manager Service, which executes the scripts and send progress and logs back to the client. Each script requires certain input. It is the responsibility of the client to retrieve this input, for example, by executing a wizard.

The clients can receive new plug-ins that enable them to administer new products and update existing products.