3.4.0 Matrix Server Administration Guide

Chapter 2: Matrix Administration 18

Matrix Management Applications

Matrix Server provides two management applications: mxconsole, the

PolyServe Management Console, and mx, the corresponding command-

line interface. These applications can be run from either a matrix server or

a local machine outside the matrix.

On a local machine, the management applications download their

rendering and application logic from the servers in the matrix. To

minimize startup time, the downloaded software is cached on the local

machine. The local machine then uses the software from the cache

whenever possible. If for some reason the software version running on

the server cannot be identified, the applications use the latest version in

their cache.

When you invoke mxconsole or mx from a local machine, by default the

application checks the current software version on the server to which it

is being connected and then downloads the software only if that version

is not already in the local cache.

Manage a Matrix with the Management Console

The PolyServe Management Console can manipulate all entities in the

matrix, including entities that are currently down. For example, you can

change the configuration of a down server; it will learn its new

configuration when it comes back up and rejoins the matrix.

NOTE: For improved performance, the Management Console caches

hostname lookups. If your DNS changes, you may need to restart

the console so that it will reflect the new hostname.

Start the Management Console

To start the Management Console, select Start > Programs > PolyServe

Matrix Server > Management Console. The Matrix Server Connect

window then appears.