LifeKeeper for Windows configurations may use the facilities of shared SCSI host adapters and shared disk hardware to switch resources from a failed server to a designated backup server. A Fibre Channel Storage Area Network (SAN) may also be used to switch resources from a failed server to a designated backup server.
Determine your storage and host adapter requirements using the following guidelines:
Storage Devices – Based on your application’s data storage requirements, you will need to determine the type and number of data storage devices required by your configuration. Your shared files should reside on a disk array subsystem (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks, or RAID). LifeKeeper for Windows supports a number of hardware RAID peripherals for use in LifeKeeper for Windows configurations. The primary requirement is that the device is supported by Microsoft. See the Windows Server Catalog.
IMPORTANT: Consider the following issues when planning the configuration of your storage devices:
- LifeKeeper for Windows manages resources at the volume level, making the resources on each volume available to only one server in the configuration at a time. As a result, it is a good idea to plan disk allocations before you begin to configure LifeKeeper for Windows.
Adapters – Based upon the type of configuration and the number of peripherals, determine the types and number of SCSI or Fibre Channel Host Adapters required. It is important that any adapter you choose be supported by Microsoft so that there is a driver available. See the “Cluster Solutions” categories in the Windows Server Catalog for Microsoft-supported adapters and peripherals.
For reference purposes, you should add the host adapter specifications to your configuration map.
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