Review: Low-Cost Server Mirroring
The solution needed to be compatible with Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition, affordable and easy to implement. It also needed to guarantee 100 percent uptime. Engineers first looked into Distributed Files Services (DFS) and clustering, but they proved to be too expensive with too many fail points. Engineers just didn't feel comfortable with all of the requirements and the fact that there was no real assurance of achieving 100 percent uptime.
During conversations with Microsoft support engineers, they let slip they had used Double-Take for Windows server mirroring software to accomplish what AppTech engineers were looking to achieve. As a result, AppTech brought the software into its lab for testing.
Double-Take provides high availability and failover in case of a server-down situation. It's a great alternative to Microsoft's Cluster Service because it's less expensive and much easier to install for smaller businesses that can't afford or maintain a server cluster. Licenses cost $2,995 for each server in the mirror. Double-Take claims it's as easy as installing antivirus on your server. AppTech engineers would not go so far as to say that, but the documentation is thorough and easy to follow.
AppTech first installed the software in a test lab with two Dell PowerEdge 2300 servers. Engineers mirrored Windows Server 2003 Standard R2 SP1 as a file server with Microsoft Exchange 2003 SP2. The setup and installation of the Double-Take software was accomplished with two separate applications from Double-Take: one for the file server and one for Exchange/SQL.
Once the application to mirror Exchange was finished, it can never be used again. The application to mirror the file server also configures and monitors the mirror and manages failover. Again, the documentation is easy to follow for both installations individually, but it is somewhat complicated when mirroring more than one network service on one server (Exchange, File Server or SQL). Double-Take should integrate both these installations into one simple application.
Once engineers completed installation, they created test data and messages. The mirror of both the file server and Exchange worked flawlessly. After engineers were satisfied that the mirror worked, they created a server-down scenario, which showed how the system would then fail over to the second server.
During the failover process, the monitor detects if the server is down and requires the user to decide to fail over manually, which can be set up to automatically fail over as well. After failover, the second server assumes the identity of the original server without any problems at all. As for the clients, AppTech engineers either had to clear the ARP cache or simply restart the client. Once the clients were restarted, engineers were able to continue working with the network shares and Exchange as if nothing happened.
Next: The Bottom Line As a result of these successful tests, AppTech has implemented Double-Take at two separate engineering firms. Both are mirroring a Windows Server 2003 Standard Edition file server with Exchange. While maintaining the servers, the mirror seems to hold up in realtime even during production hours. This was impressive, as both customers use large CAD files.
The installation and maintenance does require an experienced network systems engineer. Mirroring a server hosting more than one network service is fully supported by the Double-Take software but did take some additional explanation from Double-Take support. Although AppTech's contact with Double-Take support was brief, engineers were satisfied with the support received and the prompt response.
Double-Take has several programs for VARs. The Double-Take Partner program is a multitiered and tailored program designed to meet the needs of VARs and solution partners regardless of size, focus or vertical.
VARs can take advantage of the Double-Take Solutions program, which is targeted at managed service providers and partners looking to leverage its technology in coordination with their own solutions.
Double-Take's traditional VAR program is broken down into three tiers based on training, marketing, support and sales commitments.
The Silver program is the entry-level tier. Pricing is set by the distributor, but these partners can receive lead registration and deal support for opportunities they identify. They receive online technical training vouchers and general support from their local partner manager as well as access to the online partner portal.
Gold partners tend to be multilocation VARs that commit to training both sales reps and engineers. Gold partners also buy via distribution but at a guaranteed pricing structure with access to lead registration. In addition, Gold partners benefit from market development funds, direct marketing support and joint demand-generation events. Gold partners also receive rebates for hitting quarterly goals. They have dedicated partner managers as well as account mapping opportunities with territory management teams.
Top-tier Platinum partners are large regional or national VARs that have trained technical support staff, engineers and sales reps. Platinum partners carry an annual commitment and receive rebates based on quarterly and annual sales targets. They also have the ability to purchase direct from Double-Take.
Solution providers will find Double-Take an easy vendor to do business with and that its software is a driver of additional storage, servers, network infrastructure and services.
Darrel Bowman is CEO and Jason Wilson is a systems engineer with AppTech, a disabled veteran-owned, full-service solution provider based in Tacoma, Wash.