Configure the Cherwell Service Host for a Local Scheduler

For SaaS customers, it is possible to configure the Cherwell Service Host to run the Scheduling Service on your local network. Configuration steps include creating a new Schedule Group and then associating that Group with the Cherwell Service Host. These steps can also be used in on-premises systems to run the Scheduling Service on a separate network from your main CSM installation.

Most environments have the Scheduling Service on the same network as the other CSM services. However, in some cases you may want to set up a second Scheduler on a separate network. A common use case for such a configuration in SaaS environments is setting up a schedule to run a report and save a PDF of the report on your local network. Another use case is setting up a schedule to import a locally generated file into CSM. For example, you might want to create a schedule that runs a PowerShell script on your local network, save the output as a .csv file, and then import that .csv file into CSM. In this case, the script can access resources on your local network that are not available to the CSM server. This type of configuration is less common in on-premises environments, but if your organization utilizes multiple networks, you may find it useful for similar reasons.

Requirement for 3-Tier Client Connection With Locally Installed RabbitMQ

Running a local Scheduler in a SaaS environment requires a 3-tier connection between the Cherwell Service Host and your SaaS connection (or your main CSM server in on-premises installations).

Also, to use the Scheduling Service in your local network, you must also configure the Cherwell Message Queue Service (RabbitMQ) so that it can communicate with the Cherwell Service Host on your local network. The Cherwell Service Host does not use the RabbitMQ that is installed on the CSM server that is hosted by Cherwell.

Create the Schedule Group

Schedule Groups allow you to set up schedules for a specific Cherwell Service Host.

The default Schedule Group ([Default]) is designed for running Scheduled Items in a SaaS environment only.

To create the Schedule Group:

  1. Open CSM Administrator, and select Scheduling > Edit Schedule.
  2. In the Scheduled Items window, select Add.
  3. Beside the Schedule group field, select the ellipses button to create a new group for Schedule Items that you want to run locally (example: MyLocalServer).
  4. Save your changes.

Configure the Cherwell Service Host

After you create the Schedule Group to run Scheduled Items in your local environment, you must enable the Scheduling Service in the Cherwell Service Host and configure it to point to the new Schedule Group.

To configure the Cherwell Service Host:

  1. Open the Cherwell Service Host (Start > All Programs > Cherwell Service Management > Tools > Server Manager).
  2. In the Cherwell Server Manager window, in the Server field, select Cherwell Service Host, and then select Configure.
  3. In the Cherwell Service Host window, select Advanced Settings.
  4. Select Scheduling Service, and then select the Schedule Group that you created earlier to run on your local network (example: MyLocalServer).
  5. Make sure that the Automation Process Service, Mail Delivery Services, and Email and Event Monitor Service are disabled, as they can cause problems by taking over from the main Cherwell Service Host.
  6. Select OK to save your changes.
  7. In the Cherwell Server Manager window, select Configure on the Message Queue line.
  8. Configure the Cherwell Message Queue Service to connect to your local RabbitMQ instance.
  9. Select Save to save your changes.

Now, the Cherwell Service Host will run only the Scheduled Items that are configured for your local Schedule Group.