The App Manager is a web-based tool for installing, updating and managing apps on the NETx BMS Platform. Apps are optional add-ons – such as drivers for additional field-level interfaces or functional modules – that extend the capabilities of the Core Server. The App Manager downloads apps from the central repository hosted by NETxAutomation and keeps them up to date, so you can add new functionality without a manual installation.

Opening the App Manager

The App Manager runs as a background service and provides a web interface. Due to security reasons, it is only available locally via localhost. The URL is

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As an alternative, you can open it also via the Service Control:

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Open it in your web browser using the address of your BMS server.

Overview

After opening the App Manager, the main page lists all apps that are currently installed or available for your system. For each app you can see its name, the installed version, the release channel and its current status.

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The status of an app tells you what is currently happening:

• Ready – the app is installed and active.

• Installation pending – the app has been selected for installation and will be installed on the next Core Server restart.

• Update pending – a newer version has been downloaded and will be applied on the next Core Server restart.

• Disabled – the app is installed but currently not loaded by the Core Server.

• Marked for deletion – the app will be removed on the next Core Server restart.

Installing an app from the repository

Apps published by NETxAutomation are offered directly in the App Manager. An internet connection is required to download them.

1. Move to the tab ADD APP

2. Locate the app you want to add in the list of available apps.

3. Click Install for that app. The app is downloaded and marked for installation.

4. Restart the Core Server to complete the installation (see Applying changes below).

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Importing an app from a file

If an app is not available in the repository or your server has no internet access, you can install it from a local app file.

1. Click Import.

2. Select the app file provided by NETxAutomation from your computer.

3. The App Manager validates the file, checks the version compatibility and schedules the app for installation.

4. Restart the Core Server to complete the installation.

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Updating apps

When a newer version of an installed app becomes available in the repository, the App Manager indicates that an update is available.

• Click Update for the app to download the new version. It is applied on the next Core Server restart.

• Enable Auto-update for an app to let the App Manager keep it on the latest version automatically.

Enabling and disabling apps

You can temporarily deactivate an app without removing it. A disabled app stays installed but is no longer loaded by the Core Server. Use the enable/disable control on the app to switch its state; the change takes effect after the next Core Server restart.

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Deleting an app

Click Delete for an app to mark it for removal. The app is removed on the next Core Server restart. As long as the server has not been restarted, you can undo a pending deletion.

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Applying changes: restarting the Core Server

Installations, updates, enabling or disabling and deletions are prepared by the App Manager and only take effect after the Core Server has been restarted. Whenever a restart is required, the App Manager shows a corresponding notice and lets you restart the Core Server directly from the interface.

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Version compatibility

Each app defines the minimum Core Server version it requires. Before an app is installed or imported, the App Manager verifies that your Core Server meets this requirement. If it does not, the installation is blocked and a message shows the required and the current version. When importing an app from a file, the App Manager also prevents accidentally replacing an installed app with an older version (downgrade protection).

Article applies to the following products:

• NETx BMS Platform R3

Changelog