ClusterLion
for MetroCluster
AUTOMATIC SWITCHOVER
FOR NETAPP METROCLUSTER
ClusterLion – Automatic Switchover for NetApp MetroCluster
The use of MetroCluster technology is a common method of protecting data from failures. It uses synchronous mirroring to protect the data in a cluster and activates services on the survivor site to serve the mirrored data originally owned by the site affected by disaster.
A potential remedy is to operate a service at a third data centre which monitors both locations and in case of failure initiates service transfer to the remaining cluster partner. However this leads to increased costs and complexity, and still doesn’t fully eliminate split-brain syndrome.
If Always-On availability is needed, switchover needs to be automatic. This leads to the following challenges:
- Automatic transfer cannot take place in the event of a power failure.
- Storage clusters are unable to differentiate between an overall failure of the cluster partner or an interruption of the interconnects. Because there is doubt, no automatic switchover takes place.
- Split–brain complications exist when more than one cluster believes the others are dead and continues to access data. This can lead to data corruption.
In the event of a failure, the ClusterLion powers off the affected side to avoid a split–brain syndrome and then initiates a switchover to the other side.
Watch the ClusterLion MetroCluster 90s video:
Customer Success Story –
Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam implemented ClusterLion and benefited from automatic switchover
“Due to a power failure in the mid-voltage grid in both our data centres we were without electricity for half an hour. Unfortunately battery damage occurred simultaneously in one of the UPS which reduced the emergency power down to 5 minutes… which is far too short! For our central data storage we rely on a NetApp MetroCluster which is monitored and controlled by ClusterLion. Because of ClusterLion the MetroCluster switchover happened fully automatically!”
ClusterLion for MetroCluster Benefits:
- Always-On availability – all storage services remain available even with a location failure.
- Highest security and permanent data consistency in the storage cluster.
- Lower TCO as a 3rd data centre is not needed.
- Can be retro-fitted to any existing MetroCluster without service disruption.
- Completely infrastructure-independent monitoring resulting in the most reliable decision-making.
ClusterLion MetroCluster Data SheetAre you worried that your organisation’s File Shares are infected with Ransomware?
Click here for a Free Ransomware Threat Assessment
Or if you prefer to set up a personal appointment to discuss your particular requirements, please click here