The 2008 articles are just starting to hit the web. This one deals with migration, not upgrading. You can’t upgrade to 2008 Failover Clustering. I am actually glad you can’t upgrade, I really don’t like that word. Here is the article: http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/library/6820ae3f-1ecc-43fd-8a76-fe8c2125cfe61033.mspx?mfr=true
This past weekend I ran into a few issues with Exchange Server 2007 and wanted to share, so anyone with them won’t have to call Microsoft PSS and go through the fun (ok, not really fun…) that I went through. Partition in Time with CCRYou have a partition in time, but what does that mean. You lost a node or the witness, and while that was happening the remaining node/witness thought a change was made. When the down node/witness came back it detected that a change has occurred and killed the entire cluster. This is by design. Now, how do … Continue reading Exchange Server 2007 SCC/CCR lessons learned
Sometimes I think that the movie Conspiracy Theory should have been about the software industry today. What has become of it lately? Here is what I believe: · I believe the Anti-Virus companies write all the viruses. · I believe most software is way over priced. · I believe we now alpha test software for vendors · I believe we beta test when service pack 1 comes out. · I believe 1.0 is not the standard to avoid, RTM (release to manufacturing/gold code) is. · I believe we get the final, ready for the world product when service pack 2 … Continue reading Observations about the software industry today
I love taking Microsoft exams because I learn so much. I learn what Microsoft feels are the important product features that everyone show know. I learn different ways to do common tasks within the product, let’s face it sometime we only know as much as our peers. I also learn exactly where I stand on the product, and what I really need to work on. As I get older though I am either getting smarter or lazier, take your pick. I simply don’t study for the exams anymore. Sorry, but I don’t. I take the exam to learn the question … Continue reading Exchange Server 2007 MCP Exams – Notes from the field
Russ and I will be in Copenhagen, Denmark September 3-6, 2007 (yes just a week away) and we still have a few spots open in the course. If you would like to attend use the link the left (under ClusterHelp). I am really looking forward to it. Russ will be lecturing and I will assist in the labs, thus both of us supporting what we wrote 🙂 If you can’t make Denmark, we have courses in NYC scheduled through 2008 now, just added today: Jan. 21-24, 2008 May 12-15, 2008 Oct 13-16, 2008 Come on out and enjoy one of … Continue reading ClusterHelp dates for 2008 and Copenhagen update
Have you tried to install Exchange Server 2007 yet? Clustering is different. First of all Exchange Virtual Servers (EVS) are gone, replaced with Clustered Mailbox Server (CMS). You now have two options for clustering, Single Copy Cluster (meaning one CMS per server really) and it is not the default installation. The default is now Continuous Cluster Replication (CCR) which is something new to Exchange Server 2007, You still install and configure clustering first, then install Exchange. But passive and active nodes are supposed to be handled differently now. And active/active clustering is simply not allowed anymore [:D] I would use setup.exe … Continue reading A few tips for Exchange Server 2007 SCC & CCR clustered installations
Its that time of year again. The masses gather to learn from the best, talk to the experts, network with others. This year I am not only speaking at the conference, I am also helping at the TCL Yellow Section – Windows Server 2008 Failover Clustering POD. Here is a sample of what people want to know: Q. Can I upgrade from Windows Server 2003 to 2008? A. NO! Migration is the only and best way to go. Q. Will Exchange Server 2007 run on Windows Server 2008 Beta 3? A. Exchange Server 2007 does not run on the … Continue reading Tech Ed 2007 – Orlando – notes from the field
But if you want to test failover clustering…. Standard SCSI based clustering will no longer work (yes I tested it, no go). Rocket Division StarWind will be the product you want to use to test Failover Clustering. http://www.rocketdivision.com/wind.html You will have to wait until the June 2007 time frame while they make it work with Beta 3. FalconStor iSCSI Storage Server http://www.falconstor.com/en/solutions/?pg=Products&sb=iSCSI I am not sure when they will support it. Microsoft bought StringBean (http://www.stringbeansoftware.com/downloads_update2_0.asp) which has a great WinTarget program. The program is now part of Windows Unified Data Storage Server and it called Microsoft iSCSI Software Target. That one works today, if … Continue reading Windows Server Codename "Longhorn" Beta 3 is out
SVR306 Top 10 Microsoft Windows Server Codename “Longhorn” Failover Clustering Enhancements over Windows Server 2003 Clustering, Based on Best Practices 6/6/2007 10:15AM-11:30AM Be the very first to learn about Windows Server codename “Longhorn” Failover Clustering. Are you using Windows Server 2003 Clustering? Are you following best practices? In this session we explore Windows Server codename “Longhorn” Failover Clustering by comparing it to Windows Server 2003 Clustering based on current best practices. The session begins with hardware configuration issues, concerns, and best practices—then and now. Next, we explore operating system configuration issues, concerns, and best practices. Then, we move on to the … Continue reading My Tech Ed Session time is on the web
Clusters are Highly Available and should never be considered Fault Tolerant.Highly Available = is when I come anytime my wife calls me.Fault Tolerant = Marriage.You don’t want to be married to you SQL/Exchange Cluster 🙂 You do want it around whenever you need it though. Active/Active = when your cluster is too busy for its own good.Active/Passive = one worker, one manager, you decide which is which.Node = Clustered computer, could also be the worker who sits in a cube, not to be confused with Dude.Virtual Server = this is kind of like be on a telecom at work, only … Continue reading Clustering terms made easy
