Figure 4 Relationship of primary versus secondary volume groups on primary and backup storage servers

Remote Copy pairs

Remote Copy configurations are based on the relationship between a storage system pair, also known as the Remote Copy pair. Within this pair, the primary storage system is the system that holds the volumes that are copied to a backup or secondary storage system, also known as a remote storage system.

Remote Copy volume groups

Remote Copy operations are performed on groups of virtual volumes called Remote Copy volume groups. A Remote Copy volume group is a group of volumes on the same storage system that are logically related and for which there is a cross-volume ordering of writes. Remote Copy volume groups are used when data needs to be consistent across a group of volumes in order for databases or other applications to process data correctly.

Remote Copy uses volume groups to define a set of volumes for which applications might issue dependent writes.

Remote Copy ensures that the data in the volumes within a group maintain write consistency. When Remote Copy operations are started or stopped, this is done for the whole group. When point-in-time snapshots of such volumes are created, writes to all volumes in the group are blocked for a brief moment to assure a consistent point-in-time copy of the whole Remote Copy volume group.

You must configure a single Remote Copy volume group for a cluster group in Windows clustering. This Remote Copy volume group must include all virtual volumes being used for the application service. The Remote Copy volume group is the unit in which HP 3PAR Cluster Extension failover operations are carried out. A given HP 3PAR Cluster Extension cluster resource can manage only one Remote Copy volume group.

Processes and components

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HP Cluster Software manual Remote Copy pairs, Remote Copy volume groups

Cluster Software specifications

HP Cluster Software is a robust solution designed to enhance the reliability, availability, and scalability of computing environments in enterprise settings. This software is instrumental in managing clusters of servers, providing a unified framework that allows for efficient resource management, workload distribution, and high availability.

One of the main features of HP Cluster Software is its ability to deliver high availability through failover mechanisms. In the event of a hardware or software failure, the software automatically shifts workloads from the affected node to a standby node within the cluster, minimizing downtime. This feature is critical for organizations that require continuous access to their data and applications.

Scalability is another significant characteristic of HP Cluster Software. Organizations can easily add or remove nodes from the cluster without disrupting ongoing operations. This flexibility ensures that enterprises can adapt to changing workloads and resource demands efficiently, making it suitable for environments ranging from small businesses to large data centers.

Load balancing is a key technology employed by HP Cluster Software. It intelligently distributes workloads across the available nodes, optimizing resource utilization and ensuring that no single server is overwhelmed. By balancing the load, organizations can achieve better performance and enhance the response times of applications, which are essential for user satisfaction.

HP Cluster Software supports various clustering topologies, including active-active and active-passive configurations. This versatility allows organizations to choose the architecture that best fits their operational requirements. Additionally, the software integrates seamlessly with various HP and third-party hardware and software solutions, thus providing a holistic environment for managing IT resources.

Moreover, HP Cluster Software offers centralized management tools that simplify cluster administration. Administrators can monitor cluster performance, manage workloads, and configure settings all from a single interface. This ease of use reduces the complexity often associated with managing large clusters and empowers IT teams to respond rapidly to issues.

In summary, HP Cluster Software is an essential tool for organizations looking to enhance their IT infrastructure's availability, reliability, and performance. With its failover capabilities, scalability options, load balancing technology, and centralized management features, it stands out as a comprehensive solution for modern computing challenges.