How do I change a passive node to an active node?

Question

Current Situation

SQLCluster1                           SQLCluster2     NOTE: Both C1 and C2 are separate servers

SQLVCluster1                        SQLvCluster2

Active

Passive

 Current Resource Groups

Q:\  Quorum

R:\  Database Data --- In use

S:\  Database Logs --- In use

T:\  WebCT Data ---------- Available for use

U:\  WebCT Logs ---------- Available for use

 

Where We Must Be

SQLvCluster1                        SQLvCluster2

Active

Active

 

We have no money for new Severs, SANs, etc., until July 1^st 2010.

So, I must turn SQLvCluster2 into an Active node – I have no other choice! 

 

I would greatly appreciate the help of anyone who can assist me.

 

Thank you,

 

CaptSky

Answer 1

Create a new cluster group and add the resources you want to run on the other node.  Each cluster group can then be failed over independantly.

Answer 2

Ok, so just by adding a new cluster group is going to turn my Passive node into an Active Node?  I don't understand how that will happen.

Answer 3

Once you add the resources to the new group you can rt-click on the group and select move group to move those resources to the other node..... 

For example:

Cluster Group 1:

Possible Owners: SQLCluster1, SQLCluster2

Resources:

Quorum

Cluster Name

Cluster IP

Cluster Group 2:

Possible Owners: SQLCluster1, SQLCluster2

Resources:

R-drive

S-drive

VIP

Name

SQL Service (MSSQL Server)

Agent

etc

Cluster Group 3:

Possible Owners: SQLCluster1, SQLCluster2

Resources:

T-drive

U-drive

VIP

Name

SQL Service (WEBCT Instance)

Agent

etc

Now you can make sure that cluster group 1 and 2 run on the node SQLCLuster1 while cluster group 3 will run on SQLCuster2.  This is an active-active cluster that will use the horsepower of both servers.  In the case of a hardware failure the groups that are on the failed node will fail over to the other node.... allowing both instances to run on a single node during the emergency....  You may get a performance hit at this time, but you will not be completely out.

Answer 4

Ok, that makes much more sence,

Thank you,

CaptSky