December 28, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Hi,
I am looking to implement a high availability mechanism for my database server, which is powering a Sharepoint 2010 project (thus very critical).
The decision is between failover clusters and database mirroring.
What factors should I consider when deciding between the two? Also, can database mirroring work across servers? E.g. if the hosting Windows Server goes down, a hot standy Windows Server + SQL Server kicks in to take over? Or is this really what a failover cluster does?
Thanks
December 29, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Wow, SharePoint as highly critical, what is this world coming to?
Seriously though. There are many differences between clustering and mirroring. Here are few:
1. Clustering covers the entire SQL Server. Mirroring is database specific.
This means that any processes you have on SQL Server that touch the mirrored database will have to exist on both servers. For example a backup job will have to exist on both servers for mirroring whereas on a cluster the jobs "failover" as well.
2. A cluster uses shared storage. Mirroring (unless both servers use the same SAN) has separate storage for the databases.
This basically means that if the storage goes on a cluster your database(s) are offline until you have new storage while on mirroring, in theory, you can fail over to the mirror immediately.
I'm sure there are other things to consider, but there are a couple, and this post will get your question moved back to the front of the active threads queue that many people monitor.
Jack Corbett
Consultant - Straight Path Solutions
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December 29, 2010 at 2:22 pm
If its truly critical?
Then Think about both, both Cluster and log shipping / mirror ...Cluster for high avail and mirror/ log shipping for DR.
I with jack..not trying to bash ya...but a cluster for sharepoint? must have some important stuff on there....
ifs it not that important...I would set up a mirror over to like an old server/ VM....gives you enought time to fix the issue...and limp alond until fixed...
good luck
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