Validation of Hardware for a Cluster Failover in Windows Server 2008

[Devabrata]

I have recently started studying about the clusters that are used in Windows Server 2008, so I am not having enough knowledge about it. I thought that you guys can be helpful for providing some information related to the validation of Hardware for a Cluster Failover in Windows Server 2008. Also tell me about the cluster validation, since I am newbie in this field. Any other notes that can be useful for me that are related with this topic would be grateful.

[SalVatore]

In Windows Server 2008, the way they are certified clusters has changed spectacularly with the prologue of cluster validation wizard. The cluster validation wizard is a new feature integrated in the failover cluster in Windows Server 2008. With this wizard, you can run a series of tests focused on a set of servers to use as cluster nodes. This cluster validation process assesses, unswervingly and independently, the fundamental hardware and software to obtain an accurate evaluation of how accepted the failover cluster in a particular configuration. In fact, the services of Microsoft Customer Support (CSS) necessitate a cluster validation report and provided that Microsoft supports a scrupulous configuration.

[Dr. V]

Before the introduction of validation of Windows Server 2008 Cluster, the process to determine if Microsoft admitted a cluster solution in particular was given a totally different way. To certify a proposed solution, should appear in full on the website of the Windows Server catalog (http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=111553). For a proposed solution to appear on this website, the provider must perform a series of tests (provided by Microsoft) in the hardware and then load the results into Microsoft. Once the provider checked the solution, it appeared on the website of the Windows Server catalog It allowed customers to find out if he had checked the operation of a cluster solution proposal with a particular operating system.

[Lillebror]

This method resulted in cluster certification for a number of challenges associated hardware. Since the entire solution was certified comprehensive including all components to the level of drivers and firmware, if, after the certification process, a component is changed, it was necessary to try and send the entire solution, because it was considered a different solution. A situation that occurred with a client was often consulted the website of the Windows Server Catalog, took on a solution and after a few months he found that the manufacturer had released a driver for host bus adapter (HBA) is recommended for installation. This posed a dilemma because the driver installation meant that the cluster solution is not technically compatible with Microsoft (because not in its entirety on the website of the Windows Server catalog). However, if you did not install the updated driver is not solved the problems noticed this latest driver in the system, which could create other problems later.

[MrChris-]

A situation that occurred with a client was often consulted the website of the Windows Server Catalog, took on a solution and after a few months he found that the manufacturer had released a driver for host bus adapter (HBA) is recommended for installation. This posed a dilemma because the driver installation meant that the cluster solution is not technically compatible with Microsoft (because not in its entirety on the website of the Windows Server catalog). However, if you did not install the updated driver is not solved the problems noticed this latest driver in the system, which could create other problems later.

This whole situation was not ideal. Something must change to ease the process for everyone: for Microsoft, customers and hardware providers. That was the main reason that Microsoft presented to validate Windows Server 2008 cluster.

[Solomon]

I would like to to tell you some basic things about the cluster validation. With the cluster validation wizard, you can run a series of tests focused on a set of servers to use as cluster nodes. The cluster validation process assesses, directly and individually, the underlying hardware and software to obtain an accurate evaluation of how accepted the failover cluster in a particular configuration. Microsoft has found that nearly half of all calls related to the clusters that receive technical support from Microsoft is due to configuration problems. If you can eliminate the configuration issues up front, you get a better experience in the installation and operation of the clusters.