Clustering different versions of SQL Serv 2005

Is it possible to have different versions of SQL Server 2005 clustered as
various nodes. ie:
Node 1 - Sql server 2005 Enterprise
Node 2 - Sql server 2005 Standard
Node 3 - Sql server 2005 Standard
You have a slight misunderstanding of how clustering works.
In a clustered environment, there are SQL instances and host nodes. The two
entities are entirely independent. An Instance can run on one or more
nodes. A node can host zero or more instances at any given time.
Generally, I set up clusters with each instance on a preferred node, just so
I can find it easily. So, what you are looking for is a cluster with three
nodes and three SQL instances, each instance normally running on a separate
node. In addition, the instances may be different editions of the SQL
Server product.
Since instances are independent of each other as well as the host nodes, you
can mix and match versions and editions on the same cluster, just like on a
stand-alone system.
Geoff N. Hiten
Senior Database Administrator
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
"divensail" <divensail@.discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:8AB54FC9-696B-43E5-8877-BB30E0B0083A@.microsoft.com...
> Is it possible to have different versions of SQL Server 2005 clustered as
> various nodes. ie:
> Node 1 - Sql server 2005 Enterprise
> Node 2 - Sql server 2005 Standard
> Node 3 - Sql server 2005 Standard
|||Hi
Just to add to Geoff's comments.
Since you have 3 nodes, Standard Edition will not install on all 3 as it
supports 2 node clusters only.
So you have to pick the possible owner nodes very carefully.
Regards
Mike Epprecht, Microsoft SQL Server MVP
Zurich, Switzerland
IM: mike@.epprecht.net
MVP Program: http://www.microsoft.com/mvp
Blog: http://www.msmvps.com/epprecht/
"divensail" <divensail@.discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:8AB54FC9-696B-43E5-8877-BB30E0B0083A@.microsoft.com...
> Is it possible to have different versions of SQL Server 2005 clustered as
> various nodes. ie:
> Node 1 - Sql server 2005 Enterprise
> Node 2 - Sql server 2005 Standard
> Node 3 - Sql server 2005 Standard

cluster-compatible OS versions

I have an existing 2-node cluster on older hardware that is hosting 3
SQL2000 virtual server/named instances. The current OS version for both
nodes is Windows 2003 Ent SP1.
I intend on upgrading this to a 3-node cluster by adding two very new
host nodes followed by removal of one older node, giving me an
active/active/passive failover setup.
The question is: can I simply load Win2003 R2 Ent SP2 on the new host
nodes and join them to the cluster, or do I need to first upgrade the
existing nodes in some fashion?
> The question is: can I simply load Win2003 R2 Ent SP2 on the new host
> nodes and join them to the cluster, or do I need to first upgrade the
> existing nodes in some fashion?
I have not done this specific scenario, but I'd guess that it should work
because that's no different from an OS rolling upgrade. In any event, I'd
keep the OS versions on all nodes the same when all is said and done.
Linchi
"horseradish" wrote:

> I have an existing 2-node cluster on older hardware that is hosting 3
> SQL2000 virtual server/named instances. The current OS version for both
> nodes is Windows 2003 Ent SP1.
> I intend on upgrading this to a 3-node cluster by adding two very new
> host nodes followed by removal of one older node, giving me an
> active/active/passive failover setup.
> The question is: can I simply load Win2003 R2 Ent SP2 on the new host
> nodes and join them to the cluster, or do I need to first upgrade the
> existing nodes in some fashion?
>
|||I would upgrade to SP2 (if your vendors support it) on the existing node.
Make sure you have a valid, restorable backup first. Then add in the second
SP2 nodes.
Cheers,
Rodney R. Fournier
MVP - Windows Server - Clustering
http://www.nw-america.com - Clustering Website
http://msmvps.com/clustering - Blog
http://www.clusterhelp.com - Cluster Training
ClusterHelp.com is a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner
"horseradish" <millardjk@.gmail.com> wrote in message
news:%23ilR6MojHHA.4904@.TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>I have an existing 2-node cluster on older hardware that is hosting 3
>SQL2000 virtual server/named instances. The current OS version for both
>nodes is Windows 2003 Ent SP1.
> I intend on upgrading this to a 3-node cluster by adding two very new host
> nodes followed by removal of one older node, giving me an
> active/active/passive failover setup.
> The question is: can I simply load Win2003 R2 Ent SP2 on the new host
> nodes and join them to the cluster, or do I need to first upgrade the
> existing nodes in some fashion?