Clustering Benefits

NCS allows you to configure up to 32 OES Linux servers into a high-availability cluster, where resources can be dynamically switched or moved to any server in the cluster. Resources can be configured to automatically switch or move to another node in the event of a server failure. They can also be moved manually, if necessary, to troubleshoot hardware or balance server workload.

One of the best things about NCS is that it enables you to create a high-availability environment from off-the-shelf components. You don't have to spend millions when you create a cluster, and you can add servers to the cluster as your needs change and grow over time.

Equally important is the capability to greatly reduce unplanned service outages that result from server failures of some sort. You can even reduce the frequency of planned outages for software and hardware maintenance and upgrades because individual nodes can be removed from the cluster without affecting service availability to network users.

NCS provides the following advantages over a nonclustered environment:

• Increased availability

• Improved performance

• Low cost of operation

• Scalability

• Disaster recovery

• Data protection

• Shared resources

Because of these advantages, clustering systems are becoming mandatory for environments in which system availability is a must.