Server Clustering and Failover

Workflow provides the ability to implement Microsoft® Windows Clustering, which allows you to configure your server environment to be fault tolerant.

Workflow allows you to configure a failover cluster to maintain a consistent image of the cluster on all nodes. It also allows nodes to transfer resource ownership on demand.

A cluster is a group of independent computer systems working together as a unified computer resource. A cluster provides a single name for clients to use, a single administrative interface, and guarantees that data is consistent across nodes.

Workflow works with the Microsoft Failover Cluster Manager to ensure high availability of the Workflow application server. If the primary server node in the cluster experiences difficulties, Workflow is automatically started on another node to take over (a process known as failover). Server high availability is managed through the Microsoft Cluster Manager.

The following information will guide you through the deployment of Workflow in a clustered environment.
  1. Overviews of the Supported and Validated Cluster Configurations.
  2. Instructions for using the Microsoft Failover Cluster Manager for Windows Servers to create a cluster.
  3. Instructions for installing the Microsoft Failover Cluster Manager.
  4. Instructions for configuring the Microsoft Failover Cluster Manager.
  5. Instructions for configuring the Primary Cluster Server.
  6. Instructions for Export Server Security Certificates for an Extension Server from the primary cluster server in preparation for installing them on the failover server.
  7. Instructions for configuring the Failover Cluster Server.

Assumptions

It is assumed that the reader has a thorough knowledge of the following information:

  • Microsoft® Failover Clustering
  • Microsoft Windows server environments

Additionally, it is assumed that the instructions and guidelines provided by Microsoft for deploying server clusters using Microsoft Windows servers has been followed. For information about server clusters, visit the Microsoft TechNet web site.

SQL Server Clustering

Microsoft also supports clustering. For complete information about installing, configuring, and maintaining SQL Server failover clustering, see the following topics on the Microsoft Development Network web site: SQL Server Failover Cluster Installation; or, Getting Started with SQL Server 2008 R2 Failover Clustering.

You can also visit the Microsoft Development Network web site to access information about the high availability features supported by the various editions of SQL Server.