Overview of Failover Clusters

Applies To: Windows Server 2008

A cluster is a set of independent computers that work together to increase the availability of services and applications. The clustered servers (called nodes) are connected by physical cables and by software. If one of the nodes fails, another node begins to provide service through a process known as failover.

You can use the Microsoft® Management Console (MMC) snap-in, Failover Cluster Management, to validate failover cluster configurations, create and manage failover clusters, and migrate certain settings from a cluster running Windows Server® 2003 to a cluster running the Windows Server® 2008 operating system.

In Windows Server 2008, the improvements to failover clusters (formerly known as server clusters) are aimed at simplifying clusters, making them more secure, and enhancing cluster stability. Cluster setup and management are easier. Security and networking in clusters have been improved, as has the way a failover cluster communicates with storage.

Note that the Failover Clustering feature is included in Windows Server 2008 Enterprise and Windows Server 2008 Datacenter. It is not included in Windows Server 2008 Standard or Windows Web Server 2008.

• Checklist: Create a Failover Cluster

• Checklist: Create a Clustered File Server

• Checklist: Create a Clustered Print Server

• Installing Failover Clustering

• Validating a Failover Cluster Configuration

• Creating a Failover Cluster or Adding a Cluster Node

• Configuring a Service or Application for High Availability

• Migrating Settings from a Server Cluster Running Windows Server 2003

• Modifying Settings for a Failover Cluster

• Managing a Failover Cluster

• Resources for Failover Clusters

• User Interface: The Failover Cluster Management Snap-In

Additional references

• For a list of links to a variety of topics about failover clusters, see https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=68633.

• For design and deployment information for failover clusters, see https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=86168.

• For troubleshooting information for failover clusters, see https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=86170.

• For operations information for failover clusters, see https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=86169.