I need to setup an "cold fail over" to our database server. Since we cannot run an real HA because an software issue, I'm planning to connect 2 server to a single storage. If main server fails, I just need to start database service in second, as database files are "shared" on storage.
I that possible? I think NAS isn't an option because I need maximum IO speed.
Our preferred vendor is DELL, but you can suggest me other.
As a Dell solution, I'd probably be looking at a MD3000 which you can then attach to both nodes. Depending on your filesystem, you may be able to have it mounted on both servers at the same time, or maybe not (not really a huge issue if you cant).
Alternatively, if you're using Linux, you should look at DRBD which will allow you to replicate the data at a block level between the two nodes. Combine it with OpenAIS/Pacemaker and you can have automatic failover as well. This also has the additional benefit of not having a single point of failure (your storage server).
In split mode an MD1000 can be connected to two hosts, but not to the same storage array on the MD1000. An MD3000 can in fact do this, as phoebus has stated.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/md1000/en/HOM/operate.htm#wp1056917