Using Microsoft Cluster Server - Adaptec PM1564U3 Install Manual

30

Using Microsoft Cluster Server

This section describes how to configure SmartRAID VI controllers and a
storage subsystem for host systems that use Microsoft Cluster Server
(MSCS) to provide fault-tolerant network server resources. For specific
information about installing and configuring MSCS support on your
server, refer to the Microsoft Cluster Server Administrator's Guide.
MSCS lets you create a server cluster, that is two servers sharing a
common storage subsystem. Both servers can provide resources to
clients. However, they cannot both provide the same resources. If one
server should fail, the other server can take over the resources of the
failed server. This is called failover. The MSCS software on both servers
manages the switchover if one server should experience a system failure.
The storage subsystem controller in each server must also be able to
respond to the switchover and transfer the responsibility for I/O
requests from the failed server to the remaining server.
Clients do not see the individual servers in a cluster. They are presented
with a virtual server that contains the specific resources they require.
MSCS provides the following advantages for network servers:
• Availability
MSCS automatically detects the failure of an application or server
and restarts its resources on the other server. Users will experience
only a brief interruption in service.
In some cases it might be necessary for users to log on again when
the standby server assumes control. Refer to the Microsoft Cluster
Server Administrator's Guide for additional information.
• Manageability
MSCS lets administrators view the status of cluster resources and
move the server workload onto different servers within the cluster
as necessary. This allows an administrator to perform manual load
balancing or rolling updates on the servers without taking data
storage or applications offline.
Adapter Configuration and Installation