How To Configure Apps Monitor for Transient Virtual Machines | v8.8+

Apps Monitor is now able to collate usage data generated using Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI).

The Certero agent collates information about the files & programs used on the device that the agent is installed on. Data concerning app usage is inventoried continuously, with a file scan being undertaken weekly.

The agent sends inventory data to the Endpoint Server in line with the frequency set in Global Settings > Frequencies > Client Actions > Inventory Frequency.

An inventory can also be requested manually, however by default, apps monitor file usage data will only be sent to the Endpoint Server daily.

There is also a rate limiter in the Apps Monitor component that means it will only look to upload data every 2 hours, even if the inventory frequency is set more frequently. This means that usage data will therefore usually be sent to the Endpoint Server on the first or second inventory after Midnight.

For non-persistent VDI, or any other transient VMs (e.g. VMs that can be spun up and down in less than a day), this can mean that Apps Monitor data is not sent to the Endpoint Server before the machine is spun down.

Configuration

From release 8.8.103.40205 onwards, an extra configuration file for the Certero Agent can be created to force Apps Monitor data to be sent, based upon the frequency set in Global Settings > Frequencies > Client Actions > Inventory Frequency, or every 2 hours if the frequency is lower.

Step 1: The configuration file LocalConfig.ini should be created in folder C:\Program Files\Certero\Client\Config\

Step 2: Add a line “ UploadMeteredExeDataDaily =false” to the file, as per the below example image.

Step 3: Optional depending on if you are deploying this change to non-persistent VDI. If so ensure that this file is present in your Golden Image.

NOTE: Note: If the option is set to true or the LocalConfig.ini does not exist then the agent will revert to sending the data daily.