NOTE: For Windows Server 2012, Failover Cluster Command Interface feature

(cluster.exe) is not installed by default when Failover Cluster feature is enabled. You need to enable Failover Cluster Command Interface feature for cluster.exe to function. However, cluster.exe is not required for CLX to function in Windows Server 2012.

In Server Core Cluster environment, enable RSAT-Clustering-PowerShell, [Display name Failover Cluster Module for Windows PowerShell] for CLX installer to function.

3.Select the CLX supported Microsoft Failover Cluster Quorum model.

Quorum configuration which includes disk witness is not supported by HP 3PAR Cluster Extension.

4.Run the Microsoft Cluster Validation Tool to validate your cluster.

If the Failover Cluster Validation Report lists a failed storage test, you can ignore this error. For more information, see the following Microsoft TechNet document: http:// technet.microsoft.com/en-US/library/b153c638-ff53-4470-8b72-010046b8dcc6.aspx.

After the cluster software is installed, you can install HP 3PAR Cluster Extension Software on all cluster nodes that have an FC connection to the local or remote 3PAR storage system and are used to access storage resources on the 3PAR storage system. For installation instructions, follow the procedure in “Installing HP 3PAR Cluster Extension Software ” (page 11).

If the system that acts as an arbitrator or tiebreaker is not connected to either 3PAR storage system, you do not need to install the software on that cluster node.

Installing HP 3PAR Cluster Extension Software

HP 3PAR Cluster Extension Software provides a standard InstallShield wizard . The setup program includes integration with Microsoft clustering and the generic software interface. The installer includes the following features:

Cluster resource type

Cluster Extension 3PAR resource type, (For Windows Server 2008/2008 R2/2012).

Cluster Extension 3PAR for VM Management resource type, (For Windows Server 2012 only).

PowerShell Cmdlets for creation of CLX resources for VM and CSV disk (For Windows Server 2012 only).

Command Line Interface (clx3parrun.exe)

HP 3PAR Cluster Extension documentation

To install HP 3PAR Cluster Extension:

1.Ensure that the cluster service is running on all cluster nodes.

2.Ensure that the cluster management application is not running on the cluster nodes where you plan to install HP 3PAR Cluster Extension.

NOTE: Failover Cluster Management is used on Windows Server 2008/2008 R2/2012.

3.Run the installer by doing one of the following:

Double-click the HP 3PAR Cluster Extension installation package.

Run the HP 3PAR Cluster Extension installation package from the command prompt. This option is used for Server Core or Hyper-V Server installation. See Microsoft documentation for more information on installing applications in a Server Core or Hyper-V Server environment.

Installing HP 3PAR Cluster Extension Software 11

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HP Cluster Software manual Installing HP 3PAR Cluster Extension Software

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.