Exchange Server Forums

Exchange 2003 Cluster Question

Users viewing this topic: none

Logged in as: Guest

Printable Version

All Forums >> [Microsoft Exchange 2003] >> Installation >> Exchange 2003 Cluster Question

Page: [1]

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

Exchange 2003 Cluster Question - 5.Nov.2009 1:18:13 PM

lcboyce

Posts: 5
Joined: 5.Nov.2009
Status: offline

I currently have exchange 2003 installed in a active passive cluster at HQ site. I want to build exchange 2003 server at my DR site. Do I need to install the exchange 2003 server as a standalone into a Second Administrative Group or is this possible?

Any input is much appreciated. I have to test Exchange email recovery at DR without affecting my production exchange servers.

Post #: 1

Featured Links*

RE: Exchange 2003 Cluster Question - 5.Nov.2009 1:31:32 PM

uemurad

Posts: 8232
Joined: 7.Jan.2004
From: California, USA
Status: offline

Clustering in Exchange 2003 means you use the same physical storage. You cannot do that if the two servers are at physically separate sites.

You want to look at either Exchange 2007, 2010, or at 3rd-party products for Exchange 2003. Some of those products are mentioned here at MSExchange.org under the Software section.

_____________________________

Regards,

Dean T. Uemura
Microsoft MVP - Exchange (2007-2011)
exchangeguy.blogspot.com
uemurad@yahoo.com

(in reply to lcboyce)

Post #: 2

RE: Exchange 2003 Cluster Question - 5.Nov.2009 1:45:28 PM

lcboyce

Posts: 5
Joined: 5.Nov.2009
Status: offline

I understand that the cluster resources would be unavailable. I guess my question should be can I install a standalone exchange server in an existing organization and connect users to the new standalone exchange server. Coexist may be a better word.

(in reply to uemurad)

Post #: 3

RE: Exchange 2003 Cluster Question - 5.Nov.2009 3:27:14 PM

uemurad

Posts: 8232
Joined: 7.Jan.2004
From: California, USA
Status: offline

Again, the only thing you can do with Exchange 2003 is use a 3rd-party product. That type of product keeps data synchronized between live and offline servers and allow you to failover when necessary (either manually or automatically).

Exchange 2007 and 2010 have that functionality built-in.

_____________________________

Regards,

Dean T. Uemura
Microsoft MVP - Exchange (2007-2011)
exchangeguy.blogspot.com
uemurad@yahoo.com

(in reply to lcboyce)

Post #: 4

RE: Exchange 2003 Cluster Question - 6.Nov.2009 9:24:52 AM

lcboyce

Posts: 5
Joined: 5.Nov.2009
Status: offline

Thank you for your comments. I purchased double take and now have that configured. Testing in two weeks as part of my DR drill.

(in reply to uemurad)

Post #: 5

RE: Exchange 2003 Cluster Question - 6.Nov.2009 10:41:03 AM

uemurad

Posts: 8232
Joined: 7.Jan.2004
From: California, USA
Status: offline

Wow - that was fast. I'm impressed.

DoubleTake is one of the software products that does what you asked about.

FYI - most Admins I've spoken to configure a manual failover. The danger is that a brief network interruption will unnecessarily trigger an automatic failover. I use a different product, but also in manual failover mode.

_____________________________

Regards,

Dean T. Uemura
Microsoft MVP - Exchange (2007-2011)
exchangeguy.blogspot.com
uemurad@yahoo.com

(in reply to lcboyce)

Post #: 6