cluster requirements

[timscronin]

For SQL 2000, what are the licensing requirements for a clustered environment? I thought you needed datacenter for the OS, is there a clustered version of sql server, or do you need 2 copies of enterprise edition. Also, if you cluster can you license sql cals for clients, or do you have to do by processor?

 

[SQLBill]

It's been a while since I set up clustering for my SQL Server and we no longer do clustering.

First, are you setting up an Active/Active or Active/Passive cluster?

A/A requires licensing for both nodes as both can be used at the same time. A/P needs one set of licenses as only only node is active at any time.

We set up A/P clustering and as I recall used the same Enterprise Edition install disk for both nodes.

(The reason we don't use clustering any more is due to our main application, not due to any problems with clustering.)

-SQLBill

Posting advice: FAQ481-4875

 

[JayKusch]

This link should answer most of your questions. I have clusting installed on over 200 sites I manage. It is a mix of Windows 2000/2003 server using SQL Server 2000. 90% of the sites are A/P 2 mode setups and the rest are A/A 4 node setups. Once installed correctly, it is pretty rock solid.

By the way ... SQLBill is on the money as to the answers relayed to your questions.

Thanks

J. Kusch

 

[JayKusch]

Damn ... I have link-itis today ... here is the link ...

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/sql/2000/maintain/failclus.mspx

Thanks

J. Kusch

 

[timscronin]

Thanks, we are probably going with Dell on this, any experience with their hardware for this?

 

[timscronin]

What is the main difference between AP versus AA

 

[MDXer]

I worked in a dell shop that had MS SQL CLustering on 2 servers in addition to about 5 OLAP Servers and close to 40TB of SAN Storage. In my opinion their equipment is top notch and if you know how to play their system you can get decent deals and real personal service.

Shoot Me! Shoot Me NOW!!!
- Daffy Duck

 

[SQLBill]

Our cluster was two DELL servers and 1 DELL/EMC SAN. They clustered the hardware pretty well, but we did the SQL Server software clustering.


Active/Active: Both 'nodes' can use the SAN at the same time.

Active/Passive: Only one 'node' can see the SAN at a time. The second node only 'sees' the SAN when the Active node fails and the Passive node becomes active.

-SQLBill

Posting advice: FAQ481-4875

 

[mrdenny]

For the OS you'll need Windows 2000 or Windows 2003 Enterprise or Data Center.

Windows 2000 Enterprise can do a 2 node cluster A/A or A/P.
Windows 2003 Enterprise can do up to a 4 node cluster with a fiber backend, or a 2 node cluster with a SCSI backend.
Windows 2000 Data Center can do a 4 node cluster (fiber backend).
Windows 2003 Data Center can do a 8 node cluster (fiber backend).


You'll need SQL 2000 Enterprise for the SQL Server. For the licensing you'll need to license all active nodes. If you have a 4 node cluster which is A/A/A/P you'll need to license the 3 active nodes.

You can license with CALs or per processor for a cluster. Depending on your needs. This FAQ faq962-5153 covers how to figure out which is the best for you.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

(Not quite so old any more.)