DroboApps FAQ

Q: What do I need to get started?
A: In general, you should have Drobo Firmware 1.2.4 or later, Drobo Dashboard 1.2.4 or later and DroboShare Firmware 1.1.1 or later. In addition, you must enable DroboApps from Drobo Dashboard for any applications that run on DroboShare. Please open “Advanced Controls” and choose the “Tools” tab and then click “Setup” from the DroboShare section. Click the “DroboApps” tab and check “Enable DroboApps.”

Q: Whom should I contact if I am having trouble with a DroboApp?
A: Please contact the appropriate software developer or vendor of the DroboApp you need support for. DroboApps are community-created and community-supported extensions provided free of charge and as a courtesy but are not supported by the Data Robotics Support Team.

Q: How do I install a particular DroboApp?
A: Installation will vary by DroboApp and according to if it is for use with Drobo or DroboShare. In general, the installation process for DroboShare involves dragging and dropping the installation package into the “DroboApps” folder on your Drobo that was created when DroboApps were enabled through Drobo Dashboard.

You must then restart your DroboShare. When DroboShare restarts, the application will be unpackaged and installed (sometimes this may take a few moments). Individual applications may require additional steps to complete installation or setup.

Here’s what happens when an application is installed: DroboShare will create a directory beneath DroboApps with the same name as the installation package. The application will be installed into that directory and the installation package file itself will be deleted.

Q: How can I uninstall a DroboApp?
A: From within the “DroboApps” folder on your Drobo, simply delete the appropriate subfolder of the DroboApp that you would like to uninstall. Next, reboot your DroboShare.

Q: Can I replace an existing DroboApp with a revised version?
A: Yes. If you add a DroboApp installation package whose name matches an existing install (on any attached volume), this will be treated as replacement of the existing installation. The existing installation will be removed and the new version installed. It is not necessary to uninstall an application in order to install a revised version.

Q: Can I have multiple concurrent installs of the same DroboApp?
A: You should not attempt multiple concurrent installs of any DroboApp. If you add a package to DroboApps where the basename of the package matches an existing install on any of the mounted volumes, the new package will be treated as an upgrade and the existing install will be removed. DroboShare also precedes launch of any application with a check for existing processes of the same name.

Q: How do I manage an installed application?
A: That depends on the application. Some applications do not require management, some have a web interface and some have configuration and log files within the installation directory, which can be viewed and edited directly. Please see the individual DroboApps’ documentation for details.

Q: Where is the DroboApp for EXAMPLE?
A: If you’d like to see a DroboApp developed that does not already exist, please visit Drobo Developer’s Community (DDC) www.drobospace.com/developers and voice your opinion!

Q: Where can I download the SDK?
A: You can download the SDK from the Drobo Developer Community (DDC) at www.drobospace.com/developers

Q: How do I sign up to become a DroboApp developer?
A: Please follow these steps

1. Create an account on DroboSpace if you don’t already have one and join the Drobo Developer’s Community (DDC) Group www.drobospace.com/developers.
2. Download the SDK.
3. Start developing your DroboApp
4. Leverage the developer forums and ask away. Our engineers are monitoring the forums for your questions.
5. Upload your DroboApp to Data Robotics for the community to experience. Data Robotics will feature a selection of the best, most interesting, and most useful DroboApps on Drobo.com.

Q: I have created a DroboApp. Where can I upload it?
A: Please upload all DroboApps to the Drobo Developer’s Community (DDC) www.drobospace.com/developers. Data Robotics will feature a selection of DroboApps on Drobo.com as its sole discretion and retains editorial rights over content posted.