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10.1.1 Plugin Repository
A plugin is a package of code that provides additional functionality to Sentinel; ESM leverages two
types of plugins called Collectors (Scripts) and Connectors. Implementing these features as plugins
allows Novell to deliver enhancements to our event collection system without the need to deliver a
new version of the Sentinel platform.
Collector: The Collector plugin adds the ability to parse raw data from an Event Source. This
is similar to the Collector in Sentinel 5, however in Sentinel 6 the plugin also provides
additional meta-data to enable the ESM panel to prompt the user for parameter values as well
as enable ESM to automatically select supported connection methods that work well with the
Collector. This meta-data is added to the Collector plugin by the plugin developer. Collectors
are written using JavaScript or our legacy scripting language and as such are sometimes called
"Scripts."
Connector: In Sentinel 6, all Connectors are pluggable. A Connector plugin contains both the
implementation of the connection mechanism used to gather data from an event source as well
as the GUI screens needed to configure the Connector. This allows for a user to easily add
additional Connectors to Sentinel.
Hot Fixes and New Functionality: In the future, some Sentinel enhancements and defect
fixes might be available as plugins.
After you import a plugin into Sentinel, it is centrally stored in the Plugin Repository. The
appropriate Sentinel component on other machines automatically starts using the plugin.
Auxiliary Files
Some plugins, such as database Connectors, require one or more auxiliary files in order to function.
Auxiliary files are typically files that can not be shipped by Novell within the standard plugin such
as user-specific configuration files or third party libraries that require specific licenses. In all cases
the documentation for the plugin will include detailed instructions about which auxiliary files are
necessary and where they can be obtained.
To add an Auxiliary File to a specific plugin:
1 Select the plugin to which the Auxiliary file will be added and then click Add Auxiliary File.
2 A wizard guides users through the process of importing the Auxiliary file.
10.2 Introduction to the User Interface
The ESM Live View and Scratchpad are independent windows. This allows you to work on other
tabs in Sentinel simultaneously as you work on ESM.
The Event Source Management windows include:
A Menu Bar with the ESM menus
A Tool Bar which helps you execute the functions of ESM
Several different types of frames to display ESM data
Display Health Monitor frame with graph and table views where you can perform your
activities
180 Sentinel 6.1 User Guide
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