SQL 2005 Clustering options 1

[blade1000]

All -

Should I cluster my two Sql servers via Windows Cluster Admin or is there a specific management tool within SQL in order to cluster?

Just looking for best practice if any here have any opinions..


thanks so much

blade

 

[mutley1]

2 SQL Servers or 2 machines running SQL which you can cluster?

The question doesn't really make sense, but if you were to cluster then you would need Enterprise Edition of SQL (whatever version you have - 2000 or 2005)

 

[blade1000]

Hi mutley1


Yes I just checked and looks like running sql 2005 server on each server (total of 2 servers) but no Enterprise edition.. But couldn't I just run Windows 2003 Cluster Administrator if I am not mistaken and let the OS run the clustering service or am I totally off scope here..

thanks again and please let me know if you have a moment

blade

 

[mutley1]

Hey Blade,

Bit confused where you say "running sql 2005 server on each server". The theory of clustering is that (from what I am guessing on your setup) is that you would have ONE instance of SQL and use clustering to enforce resilliance so it would run on either node, depending on which was active at the time.

 

[JayKusch]

Another item to add is the SQL Server 2005 Standard edition will cluster 2 nodes.

You do not need SQL 2005 enterprise unless you are wanting to cluster 3 to 8 nodes.

You do however have to have Windows Server (the OS) running at an Enterprise version.



Thanks

J. Kusch

 

[blade1000]

Thanks J-

Ahhh, so it's my Windows version that is causing the problem
At the OS I am running Windows 2003 Standard SP2, but I have the service Cluster Administrator running.. so you are telling me that this service called Cluster Administrator can not cluster SQL.

Yes have one instance of SQL is what a meant and thanks for clarifying, got caught up in this mess and losing focus ,, hahah, anway so this won't work thru Windows 2003 server using the clustering service mentioned above eh?

thanks again
blade

 

[JayKusch]

Corrent cluster can only be achieved on Windows Server 2003 Enterprise version not on Standard.

Thanks

J. Kusch

 

[JayKusch]

As for the Cluster Admin on you standard version server ... I beleive it can connect to other clusters for maintenance and monitoring purposes that are not on your current server.

Thanks

J. Kusch

 

[blade1000]

Hi JayKusch,

I meant to give you a star for your responses to me but got caught up in the cluster which btw is working great!!

I did have another inquiry if you care to take a stab at it.. Now that I have a cluster for SQL established and the failover was tested.

Is there a way to copy the sql databases over from one child domain to another ? the other child domain will be similar in that sense that it will have IIS front end web sites and a sql cluster.. I suppose the question evolves to "what can I get away with, if I can copy the sql dbs, mount and attach them to the other child domain? there are namespace dependencies I'm sure and perhaps I am not asking this question in the correct forum, maybe the dba section?

eitherway, thought I'd ask and see what this inquiry returns, again though I appreciate your support and was able to workout the cluster pieces!

blade