Compaq ProLiant 8500 Evaluating and Implementing Compaq Data Center Solutions - Page 12

Evaluating and Implementing Compaq Data Center Solutions for Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server 12 • Compaq Availability The Compaq ProLiant HA/F500 4-node cluster for Datacenter provides increased availability and server utilization over current 2-node cluster offerings. In a 4-node environment, clusters can be configured to provide for multiple failures, and still offer 24x7 access to applications and data. With disaster tolerant configurations, Compaq offers stretch clustering with the Compaq ProLiant 8500 Data Center Solution. This unique combination of Windows MSCS failover functionality with StorageWorks Data Replication Manager (DRM) software, nodes, and storage can be placed at extended distances from each other. In case of site failure, client access to applications and data can be back on line in minutes, not hours or days. Availability Services Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter running on Compaq ProLiant systems provides a robust and reliable platform for demanding business environments. However, research shows the best systems alone cannot guarantee high availability. In fact, failures in hardware and operating systems cause only a small percentage of outages. More important are issues of interoperability and IT management practices. Compaq Global Services takes a holistic approach toward availability by going beyond the platform to address all the domains affecting availability in the customer's environment- not only the hardware and operating system, but also applications, the network, the physical environment, and IT management practices. ƒ Assessment Service To achieve maximum availability, customers must plan and build availability into every facet of their environment. The Availability Assessment service helps them understand and enhance the high availability characteristics of their Compaq Data Center Solution- including the operating environment as well as the Compaq ProLiant server hardware and StorageWorks technology. A business critical consultant reviews the customer's proposed solution, business objectives, availability targets, and IT operations infrastructure. The consultant examines each of the 6 domains affecting availability, comparing them to best practices and identifying potential risks. Using sophisticated modeling tools, the consultant creates a model that shows the availability levels the customer can expect from the proposed hardware and software platform. The consultant identifies risk areas and proposes changes to the existing platform and IT operations to reduce risk. After gathering all the data, the consultant reports to the customer's team, summarizing the findings and making recommendations for addressing areas of potential downtime risks. 13PS-0501B-WWEN