An integrated high availability computing platform

Abstract

Purpose

To recommend an integrated server platform and demonstrate a real‐world example that provides high availability (HA) and better data management to meet various systems' computing needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper overviews theoretical background and real‐world implementations for HA and Storage Area Networks (SANs). A systems analysis process is described and a platform was built to integrate the HA and the SAN for an academic library's critical web server and its content management system. Recommendations for selection and implementation are suggested for people adapting this approach.

Findings

The integrated platform is a generic approach to provide the HA and better data management for servers, consisting of Linux/Windows clustering technologies and SANs. Its theoretical background and real‐world implementations proved its ability to meet library's various computing needs.

Practical implications

The integrated platform provides HA for various computing services such as web servers, file servers, databases, and DNS. A systems analysis is recommended for using this platform.

Originality/value

The paper suggests an approach to achieve better server management. It provides an opportunity for IT managers to consider and achieve better server management in order to meet users' raising expectations.

Citation

Han, Y. (2005), "An integrated high availability computing platform", The Electronic Library, Vol. 23 No. 6, pp. 632-640. https://doi.org/10.1108/02640470510635719