Compaq ProLiant 1850R Compaq's Cluster Management Initiative - Page 6

In Figure one, the administrator can select an event such as a Disk Full Condition. The Cluster Monitor screen Data Viewer Area, the main body of the Cluster monitor screen will change based on what event or topology device the administrator selects. When a cluster is initially selected, key cluster management information will appear such as cluster ownership, cluster resources, hardware configuration, software configuration, emergency contacts, and installed application software. The administrator then has the ability to selectively "drill down" to any cluster node that he/she wishes to examine more closely and display a comprehensive set of node metrics. A simple "go back" mechanism allows the administrator to quickly link back to the entry screen. Fast response to cluster problems is supported by giving the administrator the ability to select cluster administration either via the Topology Tree or through the Cluster Problem Window. When things go wrong: When an event or group of events causes a cluster to become unstable or fail, the Cluster Monitor will display the event(s) with a detailed description and a recommended solution. Depending upon the seriousness of the event, the problem can be approached from either a micro- or a macro-management fashion. Event Micro Management The Cluster Monitor Problem Window represents a micro-management approach to cluster administration in that the administrator selects from the problem list by event severity. The process is quite simple and begins with the administrator selecting the problem event from the Problem Window. The Cluster Monitor then displays the selected cluster data in the main data area in the same fashion as the tree methodology. Events remain in the Cluster problem window for as long as it takes to resolve them, and are only removed after the error condition has been satisfied. The Tree Structure is updated simultaneously to the problem window thus providing the administrator with a quick way to determine the status of the cluster. The micro approach provides a quick and easy way to identify and resolve cluster problems within multiple cluster sites. Device Macro Management The macro-management approach starts at the Cluster Topology Tree. It allows the administrator to select from a cluster or device(s) within a cluster that may be failing or causing instability. The administrator can then take the necessary action(s), to resolve the device or cluster error condition. Compaq has supplied a simple method of implementing the macro approach, whereby all the administrator needs to do is click on the color-coded icon for the cluster or the device, and the system will automatically bring the required level of cluster or device information to the data viewing area. The Data Viewer displays the problem definition, remedy action(s) and static cluster or device information. Once in the Data Viewer, it is quite simple to perform a "drill down" to the specific device causing the problem. In HRG's view, the Compaq Cluster Monitor represents a significant step in Compaq's Cluster Management vision for the management of large and small enterprises. The tight integration with Insight Manager XE affords system administrators a low cost (free) tool HARVARD RESEARCH GROUP  Box 297  HARVARD, MA 01451 USA  http:/www.hrgresearch.com 6