This task describes how to reserve hosts for performing maintenance tasks.

1. Create a maintenance timeslot

   1. On the Lab Management sidebar, under Hosts, select Timeslots.

   2. In the Timeslots toolbar, click the New Maintenance Timeslot button.

   3. Enter the details of the timeslot and select hosts. For user interface details, see Timeslot Reservation: Maintenance Dialog Box.

2. Verify the availability of the requested hosts

   Do one of the following:

   • (Recommended) Click Calculate Availability. The system checks the availability of the requested hosts for the selected timeslot. The results of this calculation are displayed in the Timeslot Status tab and graphically on the resource availability timeline. The availability timeline displays all timeslots when the requested hosts can be reserved. Even if the requested hosts cannot be reserved for the selected timeslot, they may be available at other times.

     If the timeslot cannot be reserved, consider the reasons displayed in the Timeslot Status tab when reselecting your hosts. If the timeslot can be reserved, you can click Submit to save the timeslot.

     For example, you request a specific host for one hour beginning at 15:00 and click Calculate Availability. The availability timeline indicates that this host is already reserved from 17:00 to 21:00. Therefore, you can select any timeslot between 15:00 and 16:00, or any time after 21:00, to reserve the host. The Timeslot Status tab indicates that the timeslot can be reserved.

   • Click Submit. The system calculates the availability of the requested hosts during the selected timeslot. If all of the hosts are available, the Timeslot Reservation dialog box closes and the timeslot is reserved and displayed in the Timeslots module. If the timeslot cannot be reserved, the reasons are displayed in the Timeslot Status tab.

   Note: If a host that you are trying to reserve for maintenance is reserved for another timeslot that has not yet started, and you cannot delay the maintenance task, first consult with the user who reserved the other timeslot. If he/she agrees, move the start time of the other timeslot, or delete it accordingly.