Clustering without shared disk array?

Hi all,
We have 3 server, compaq 570ML and try to find out the way to increase
availability and fault tolarency with MS SQL 2k server, W2k AS. I heard SQL
failover clustering is not possible without disk array, is it no way?
Regards
That is correct. You will need a shared data source that the cluster
software can arbitrate between the host nodes.
Geoff N. Hiten
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
Senior Database Administrator
Careerbuilder.com
I support the Professional Association for SQL Server
www.sqlpass.org
"Dan" <leedh@.nicstech.com> wrote in message
news:v7mrc.47393$xQ6.569121@.news.bora.net...
> Hi all,
> We have 3 server, compaq 570ML and try to find out the way to increase
> availability and fault tolarency with MS SQL 2k server, W2k AS. I heard
SQL
> failover clustering is not possible without disk array, is it no way?
> Regards
>
|||Yes you do have to have a shared drive in order to install a SQL Server
cluster.
Rand
This posting is provided "as is" with no warranties and confers no rights.
|||Not according to this:
http://support.microsoft.com/default...Fwct040604.asp
There seems to be a lot of confusion around this issue. You do need a mechanism for the databases to synchronize, but they do not have to be on a shared disk array. In fact, a shared disk array creates a single point of failure. You do need a "shared driv
e" - as in a file share - for the quorum resource, but that's not a shared disk.
I am about to create a geographically dispersed cluster and am planning to try this. Perhaps I will have a different answer after actually trying it.
Doug
"Rand Boyd [MSFT]" wrote:

> Yes you do have to have a shared drive in order to install a SQL Server
> cluster.
>
> Rand
> This posting is provided "as is" with no warranties and confers no rights.
>
|||That right. It is possible if a third party vendor builds a geographic solution based on MNS clusters.
But for a local SQL Server cluster, you might be better off implementing a standard server cluster. You must weigh your options.
Best Regards,
Uttam Parui
Microsoft Corporation
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.
Are you secure? For information about the Strategic Technology Protection Program and to order your FREE Security Tool Kit, please visit http://www.microsoft.com/security.
Microsoft highly recommends that users with Internet access update their Microsoft software to better protect against viruses and security vulnerabilities. The easiest way to do this is to visit the following websites:
http://www.microsoft.com/protect
http://www.microsoft.com/security/guidance/default.mspx