Fast Guide: Clustering in SQL Server

Is clustering for you?

• Why cluster?
  There are two types of clustering in SQL Server: load balancing and failover. This short article examines the reasons for clustering and some of the system requirements.

Clustering options

• Active/active or active/passive clustering?
  Learn the steps you should take when weighing the decision for active/active or active passing clustering.

• Hardware clustering vs. replication: A case study
  This tip is based upon a real-life experience in a Tier 1 bank. We used Sybase tools like ASE and Replication Server but this case is very applicable to other engines such as Oracle with Data Guard, etc.

• How does failover clustering work in SQL 2005?
  Learn how the failovThe following was based upon a real-life experience in a Tier 1 bank. We used Sybase tools like ASE and Replication Server but this case is very applicable to other engines such as Oracle with Data Guard, etc.er clustering functionality has been extended in SQL Server 2005.

• Microsoft clustering algorithm
  Learn more about Microsoft's clustering algorithm, which is a segmentation algorithm provided by Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Analysis Services (SSAS).

Availability measures in clustering

• Checklist: Prepare SQL Server for peak workloads
  Chances are you have to prepare for spikes in SQL Server activity throughout the year. Learn how to maintain highly available, fast-performing SQL Servers at such times.

• Pros and cons of using merge replication for high availability in SQL Server
  Understand the pros and cons of using application load balancing with merge replication in SQL Server 2000, and get a simpler high availability solution plus recovery scenarios.

• SQL Server clustering best practices
  SQL Server clustering provides high availability to clients by sharing server resources over several nodes, but only when all of its dependencies are addressed.

• Configuring High Availability
  This section introduces several Microsoft SQL Server 2005 high-availability solutions that improve the availability of servers or databases. Check out these options that will minimize downtime for users.

Clustering and installation

• Configuring SQL Server clusters
  SQL Server Expert Adam Machanic recommends two books on the topic of high availability to help install SQL Server on two systems with the same database and the same database structure.

• Setting up SQL Server clusters on a SAN
  Storage area networks (SANs) allow you to connect expandable storage to your SQL Server installations, but care must be taken when working with SQL Server clusters.