Before configuring HP 3PAR Cluster Extension resources, review the HP 3PAR Cluster Extension objects described in “User configuration file and HP 3PAR Cluster Extension objects” (page 47).

NOTE: User does not need to configure resources of type "Cluster Extension 3PAR for VM Management". Only resources of type "Cluster Extension 3PAR" needs to be configured for the storage disks.

When configuring HP 3PAR Cluster Extension resources, note the following:

If the Failover Cluster Management GUI is used to configure a HP 3PAR Cluster Extension resource, configuring the resource using a user configuration file (UCF file) is not required.

HP 3PAR Cluster Extension creates a file called resource_name.online to indicate that the HP 3PAR resource is online on the local node. This file is created in the directory specified by the ApplicationDir resource property. If the resource is taken offline, this file is deleted.

Windows Server 2008 only: If a HP 3PAR Cluster Extension resource is not configured, the resource icon in the Failover Cluster Management GUI shows the message not configured next to the resource status.

The HP 3PAR Cluster Extension resource must be the first resource for all other disk resources.

The resource's PendingTimeout value must be equal to or greater than the value specified for the ResyncWaitTimeout attribute.

Setting Microsoft cluster-specific resource and service or application properties

Microsoft allows you to set specific failover parameter and threshold values for a service or application, and for a resource. Some of these values must be changed for HP 3PAR Cluster Extension to enable manual recovery actions in case of a disaster.

To set Microsoft cluster-specific resource properties:

For Windows Server 2008/2008 R2/2012, use the Failover Cluster Management GUI or cluster commands in the CLI or use PowerShell Cmdlets.

For Server Core or Hyper-V Server, use cluster commands in the CLI or use PowerShell Cmdlets.

TIP:

You can use the GUI option for Server Core or Hyper-V Server by using the MMC to manage a cluster remotely. For more information about using the MMC, see your Microsoft documentation.

HP 3PAR Cluster Extension requirements for Failover Cluster Management resource properties are described in Table 1 (page 25). If there is no required value for a property, the valid and/or default values are specified. Set these properties in the resource properties window or the CLI. If you use the CLI, use the following command:

cluster.exe resource <ResourceName> /prop PropertyName="PropertyValue".

For PowerShell, use the following command:

Get-ClusterResource "Resource_name" Set-ClusterParameter -Name "property_name" -Value "value_to_set"

For more information about setting resource properties, see your Microsoft documentation.

24 Configuring HP 3PAR Cluster Extension

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HP Cluster Software manual Tip

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.

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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.