AirWatch Cloud Connector Installation
AirWatch Cloud Connector Installation
AirWatch Cloud Connector Installation
The AirWatch Cloud Connector (ACC) provides organizations the ability to integrate AirWatch with their back-end
enterprise systems. This document describes setting up ACC for a SaaS deployment, which is when certain AirWatch
components, including the ACC, are hosted in the cloud.
The ACC runs in the internal network, acting as a proxy that securely transmits requests from AirWatch to the
organization's critical enterprise infrastructure components. This allows organizations to leverage the benefits of
AirWatch Mobile Device Management (MDM), running in any configuration, together with those of their existing LDAP,
certificate authority, email, and other internal systems. For a diagram that illustrates this refer to ACC Deployment
Model.
The following components are only available if you purchased the PKI Integration add-on, which is available separately:
Microsoft Certificate Services (PKI)
Simple Certificate Enrollment Protocol (SCEP PKI)
Third-party Certificate Services (On-premise only)
In This Guide
Before You Begin This section covers topics and prerequisites you should familiarize yourself with so you can get
the most out of using this guide.
Architecture & Security This section lets you see the basic architecture type for your deployment.
Prerequisites for ACC Connectivity in SaaS Environments This section details all of the prerequisites for running
ACC in a SaaS environment.
ACC Installation This section details the installation process for the ACC and how to enable it in the AirWatch
Admin Console.
EIS to ACC Migration This section provides instructions on how to migrate from the legacy EIS to ACC.
Appendix A Upgrading ACC This section gives instructions on how to upgrade the ACC from a previous version
and how to set up automatic updates.
Appendix B Regenerating Certificates This section tells you how to regenerate certificates for the ACC.
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Before You Begin
Overview
Before configuring the AirWatch Cloud Connector (ACC), you should consider the following prerequisites, requirements,
supporting materials, and helpful suggestions from the AirWatch team. Familiarizing yourself with the information
available in this section will help prepare you for configuring the ACC.
Requirements
For a complete listing of all requirements for installing ACC in a SaaS environment, refer to the Prerequisites for
ACC Connectivity in SaaS Environments.
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Prerequisites for ACC Connectivity in SaaS Environments
Status Requirement Notes
Checklist
Hardware Requirements
Note: ACC traffic is automatically load-balanced by the AWCM component it does not require a separate load
balancer. To accommodate additional users as part of your sizing requirements you can deploy multiple ACCs, which will
all be load balanced by AWCM.
Number of Users Up to
10,000 to 50,000 50,000 to 100,000 100,000 to 200,000
10,000
2 load-balanced servers 2 to 3 load-balanced servers 2 load-balanced servers
CPU Cores 2
with 2 CPU Cores with 2 CPU Cores with 4 CPU Cores
General Requirements
Remote access to Windows Recommended to setup Remote Desktop Connection Manager for multiple
Servers available to AirWatch server management, installer can be downloaded from
and Administrator rights http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/confirmation.aspx?id=21101
See General Requirements.
Services accounts for Validate AD connectivity method using LDP.exe tool (See
authentication to backend http://www.computerperformance.co.uk/ScriptsGuy/ldp.zip)
systems LDAP, BES, PowerShell, etc.
Software Requirements
Network Requirements
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Source Destination Component Protocol Port Verification
Component
Note: An outbound proxy or any other connection management software or hardware must not terminate or reject the
outbound connection from the ACC. In other words, the outbound connection required for use by ACC must remain
open at all times.
General Requirements
Remote Access to Servers
Ensure that you have remote access to the servers that AirWatch is installed on.
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Architecture & Security
Overview
The AirWatch Cloud Connector (ACC) is a Windows service that can be installed on a physical or virtual server running
Windows 2008 R2 or higher. It operates from within your internal network and can be configured behind any existing
Web Application Firewalls (WAF) or load balancers. By initiating a secure HTTPS connection from ACC to the AirWatch
Cloud Messaging Service (AWCM), ACC can periodically transmit information from your internal resources such as AD,
LDAP, etc. to the AirWatch Admin Console without any firewall changes. If you plan on proxying ACC traffic through an
outbound proxy, then there are settings in ACC that will allow for proxying (see Proxy Information).
In This Section
Supported Configurations See the supported configurations for the ACC.
ACC SaaS Deployment Model See a SaaS deployment model for ACC.
Supported Configurations
Use ACC in the following configurations:
Using HTTPS transport
Supporting HTTP traffic through an outbound proxy
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ACC Installation
Overview
Install the AirWatch Cloud Connector (ACC) by first enabling it in the AirWatch Admin Console and then downloading
and running the installer executable file onto the server that will host the service. Installing the ACC includes the
following tasks:
Enabling the use of ACC in the AirWatch Admin Console.
Generating certificates for the AirWatch server and ACC.
Configuring the ACC to communicate with the Enterprise and AirWatch services.
Downloading the ACC installer and installing it.
Verifying the installation was successful and communications have been established between the AirWatch server
to AWCM and the AWCM to ACC.
In This Section
Enabling ACC from the AirWatch Admin Console Enable and configure ACC settings that apply to your deployment.
Running the ACC Installer Follow these step-by-step instructions by running the installer on the server that will
host ACC.
Verifying a successful ACC installation Verify ACC is installed correctly and communicating with AWCM.
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Establishing Communications with AWCM
The following steps apply to both SaaS and on-premise deployments. Establishing communications with AWCM allows
you to configure an AirWatch instance to use a particular AWCM server.
1. Navigate to Groups & Settings All Settings System Advanced Site URLs to view the AirWatch Cloud
Messaging section.
Note: If you are a SaaS customer and do not see this page in the system settings, then these settings have already
been configured for you.
2. Select the Enable AWCM Server check box. This allows the connection between the AirWatch Admin Console and
the AWCM server.
3. Enter the AWCM Server External URL in the field. This field allows you to enter the servername used by external
components and devices (e.g., ACC) to securely (via HTTPS) communicate with AWCM. An example of an ACC URL is:
Acme.com.
Note: Do not add https:// since this is assumed by the application and automatically added.
4. Enter the port in the AWCM External Port field. This is the port that is being used by the servername above to
communicate with AWCM.
Note: For secure external communications, use port 443. If you are bypass offloading SSL, then you want to use an
internal non-secure communications port, which is by default 2001 but can be changed to other port numbers.
5. Enter the AWCM Server Internal URL in the field. This URL allows you to reach AWCM from internal components
and devices (e.g., Admin Console, Device Services, etc.). Examples of AirWatch URLs are:
https://Acme.com:2001/awcm or http://AcmeInternal.Local/awcm.
Note: If your AWCM server and AirWatch Admin Console are internal (within the same network), and you want to
bypass offloaded SSL, there is no need for a secure connection, so you can use http instead of https. For example,
http://AcmeInternal.Local:2001/awcm. This example shows the server resides within the internal network and is
communicating on port 2001.
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Enabling ACC from the AirWatch Admin Console
Prepare for the installation by enabling ACC, generating certificates, and selecting enterprise services and AirWatch
services by performing the following steps.
Note: Perform the following steps on the server running ACC. Do not download the installation program onto another
computer and copy it to the ACC server.
1. Navigate to Groups & Settings All Settings System Enterprise Integration Cloud Connector.
2. Select the Enable Cloud Connector checkbox to enable ACC and display the General tab.
3. Enable ACC to automatically update when a newer version is available. If you want more information regarding
auto-update, refer to ACC Auto-Update Option.
4. Select the Advanced tab, then select the Generate Certificates button to generate a certificate for the ACC and
AirWatch server. Certificates are generated for both and displayed under ACC and AirWatch certificates.
Note: Once certificates are generated, the button changes to Regenerate Certificates. For more information about
Regenerating Certificates, refer to Appendix B - Regenerating Certificates.
5. Select each checkbox to enable or disable Enterprise Services. The services you select (enabled) will integrate with
ACC.
SMTP (Email Relay)
Note: AirWatch SaaS offers email delivery through its own SMTP, but you can enable ACC to use another SMTP
server here. Enter SMTP servers settings for email in Groups & Settings All Settings System Enterprise
Integration Email (SMTP).
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Simple Certificate Enrollment Protocol (SCEP PKI)
OpenTrust CMS Mobile (third-party certificate services)
Entrust PKI (third-party certificate services)
Symantec MPKI (third-party certificate services)
Note: Since there is no need to go through ACC for cloud certificate services, if you want to integrate with
certificate services (like Symantec MPKI) by selecting one of the checkboxes in the screen below, the service you
select must be on-premise, not in the cloud (SaaS).
6. Select each checkbox to enable or disable AirWatch Services. The AirWatch components you select (enabled) will
integrate with ACC.
Device Services (Admin Console and all services required for it to operate, including related Windows services)
Device Management (Enrollment, App Catalog, and related Windows services)
Self-Service Portal (including related Windows services)
All Other Components (including related Windows services)
10. Select Download and save the Cloud Connector x.x Installer.exe file on the ACC server for use later in Running the
ACC Installer.
Note: SaaS customers should ensure the server you are installing ACC on can reach AWCM by browsing to
"https://awcmXXX.awmdm.com/awcm/status". (Replace 'XXX' with the same number as used in your environment URL,
for example, '100' for cn100.) You should see the status of the AWCM with no SSL errors. If there are errors, resolve
them before continuing or the ACC will not properly function.
1. Open the installer on the ACC server. When the Welcome screen appears select Next.
Note: If a previous version of EIS is installed, the installer auto-detects EIS and gives you the option of migrating all
EIS settings to ACC. For more information on migrating, see EIS to ACC Migration. If a previous version of ACC is
installed, the installer auto-detects it and offers the option to upgrade to the latest version. For more information
on updating ACC, see Appendix A - Upgrading ACC.
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5. If you plan on proxying ACC traffic through an outbound proxy, then select the check box and provide proxy server
information. If needed, enter the Username and Password credentials and then select Next.
6. When the installation screen appears, select Install to begin the installation.
Note: The installer displays a checkbox for auto-updating ACC. For more information on auto-update, see the ACC
Auto-Update Option.
7. Select Finish.
If a message displays saying AirWatch cannot communicate with AWCM, then this is not an ACC issue. This is an
AWCM issue, and you should consult with your AirWatch representative .
If a message displays saying AirWatch can communicate with AWCM but ACC is not responding, then this is an issue
with ACC. It probably means there is a certificate issue with ACC, or ACC cannot reach the AWCM server. You could
try regnerating the ACC certificate, uninstalling ACC, deleting all ACC folders, re-downloading ACC, and re-installing
it.
3. If migrating, determine which features are new in ACC and test the new functionality to verify the migration was
successful.
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EIS to ACC Migration
Overview
The AirWatch Enterprise Integration Service (EIS) has been divided into two products AirWatch Cloud Connector (ACC)
and Mobile Access Gateway (MAG). There are many benefits with the architecture of these new products and simplicity
of integrating them into your enterprise. Both products can be used separately, yet complement each other when used
together, but neither can be used with EIS. AirWatch will continue to support the existing functionality of EIS in future
releases of the AirWatch Admin Console, although, customers who are planning on utilizing any of our latest integration
features such as the MAG will need to migrate to ACC.
In This Section
Prior to Migrating from EIS to ACC SaaS customers should follow these steps before attempting to migrate from
EIS to ACC.
Migrating Procedure Follow these instructions to perform the migration process.
Migrating Procedure
To enable migration from the EIS to ACC:
1. Navigate to Groups & Settings All Settings System Enterprise Integration Enterprise Integration Services.
The following message displays at the top of the screen:
2. Read the disclaimer regarding ACC replacing EIS and select Transfer Settings.
Note: While EIS is migrating to ACC, your AirWatch server will not be able to connect to any external systems such
as AD, CAs, etc. All devices will continue to check into AirWatch, and other MDM functionality will remain
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operational, as expected. Please prepare for this downtime. The ACC migration process should only take less than 30
minutes.
3. Navigate to Groups & Settings All Settings System Enterprise Integration Cloud Connector. All EIS setting
should have been transferred to ACC.
4. Select Generate Certificates. The Download Cloud Connector Installer link appears at the bottom of the screen.
5. Verify all ACC settings are correct. See examples below:
6. Run the ACC installer on the EIS server as noted in Running the ACC Installer.
Note: AirWatch recommends installing ACC on the EIS server in case you need to restore EIS. It is much easier to
restore if both reside on the same server. The ACC installer will not delete or overwrite EIS. Once the ACC installer is
launched, EIS recognizes the migration process and disables EIS.
7. After the ACC installation is complete, select Test Connection on the Cloud Connector screen.
Note: A successful test (Cloud Connector is Active) means AirWatch, AWCM, and ACC are actively communicating
and you have migrated from EIS to ACC.
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Appendix A Upgrading ACC
Overview
Upgrade the AirWatch Cloud Connector (ACC) from the AirWatch Admin Console to take advantage of the latest bug
fixes and enhancements. This process can be automated using the ACC auto-update option, or performed manually for
situations where administrative control is a priority.
In This Section
ACC Auto-Update Option See the benefits of the ACC auto-update option and how the process operates.
ACC Manual Update Option See instructions for manually updating the ACC.
Benefits
No need to determine manually if you need to upgrade and then have to search for the latest ACC version the
software does it for you.
Since it assures you stay updated, you always have the latest features, enhancements and fixes.
Most importantly, it ensures you have the most up-to-date security.
Update Process
ACC auto-update is performed using the Bank1 and Bank2 folders inside the CloudConnector folder. AirWatch detects
which of these folders is empty and streams the appropriate ACC files into it, in addition to emptying the contents of the
other folder. For the subsequent update, AirWatch repeats the process except for the alternate folder. This process
repeats each time a new version is auto-updated. This process is illustrated below.
Note: Since the Bank1 and Bank2 folders are integral to the ACC auto-update process, do not delete the Bank1 or Bank2
folders.
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ACC auto-updates are performed with security in mind. Every update is signed by the AirWatch Admin Console and
verified by ACC, so it will only update itself with a trusted upgrade. The upgrade process is also transparent to the
AirWatch Admin. When a newer version is available, ACC knows from querying the AirWatch Admin Console on port
443, and then an upgrade occurs.
While ACC is upgrading to the latest version, it will not be available, so there will be a short loss of service (i.e., approx. 1
minute). For those who have multiple ACC servers, to ensure all ACC services are not down at the same time, AirWatch
incorporates a random timer to the upgrade process so ACC outages will occur at different times for very short periods
of time.
If you choose to disable this feature, then there are some drawbacks by having to do all ACC upgrades manually. If ACC is
not upgraded, it will continue to remain operational until any one of the following occurs:
If ACC is powered Off and then On (purposely or power outage).
If ACC needs to be reinstalled.
If AirWatch Admin Console is upgraded to a later version.
If AirWatch, AWCM, or ACC certificates are regenerated, which would then require the latest version of ACC
installed and a reboot to recognize the new certificate(s).
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Appendix B Regenerating Certificates
Overview
You may find it necessary to regenerate the certificates used for AirWatch and AirWatch Cloud Connector (ACC) servers,
for example, if they expire or if your organization requires it on a regularly scheduled basis. The process is simple and is
performed from the AirWatch Admin Console, however it does require you to download and run the ACC installer again.
Note: The certificates contain a Thumbprint and expiration date. Both can be cleared and regenerated at the same time
by selecting the Regenerate Certificates button and following the prompts. If you regenerate certificates, ACC will no
longer be able to communicate with AirWatch and you will need to perform the installation procedure again to allow
both server to recognize the new certificates.
Regenerating Certificates
Perform the following steps to regenerate certificates for AirWatch and ACC servers.
1. Navigate to Groups & Settings All Settings System Enterprise Integration Cloud Connector. Both certificates,
their thumbprints, and expiration dates are shown.
2. Select Regenerate Certificates to generate a new certificate for the ACC and AirWatch servers.
3. When the Warning dialog box appears, enter the randomly generated pin code provided and select Confirm. Old
certificates are deleted and new certificates, thumbprints, and expiration dates are regenerated.
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Note: When you select Confirm, the ACC will no longer be able to communicate with the AirWatch server. To
restore communications between ACC and the AirWatch server, you need to return to Installing ACC and complete
all the steps again. This will allow both servers to recognize the latest certificate and regain communications.
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