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Martin Hope
boflynn
Asked: 2009-05-15 08:21:41 +0800 CST
  • 1

In a two-node Windows Server 2008 failover cluster, is it required that the machines be identical? We're looking to utilize existing hardware to reduce downtime using one very fast server and one only moderately fast server, both Dell PowerEdges but of different generations.

I've found the following suggestions that you should use matching hardware, but will we be able to achieve our goals of increased availability using different servers? And if so, what types of issues should we look out for with this type of configuration?

From MS TechNet: Appendix A: Failover Cluster Requirements

We recommend that you use a set of matching computers that contain the same or similar components.

From Windows Server 2008: Inside Out

You should use identical hardware in all clustered servers. Using identical hardware components makes the configuration easier to manage and can eliminate potential compatibility issues.

windows-server-2008 cluster
Martin Hope
boflynn
Asked: 2009-05-04 13:17:43 +0800 CST
  • 16

How do you handle the storage of passwords that, by nature of their usage, you can't expect administrators to memorize? Such as:

  • Administrator/root password when everyone logs on using their own account with administrator rights
  • Service account passwords that are only set during configuration, e.g. SqlServerAgent, SharePointSearchService, etc.
  • Web registrations for an entire company, e.g. Google Webmaster Tools, GoDaddy/VeriSign, MSDN, etc.

I certainly don't want to re-use a single password for so many different areas. Options we've considered:

  • Encrypted file on network share
  • Shared KeePass database
  • Password protected Wiki
  • Single base password with small modification for each area

This comes to mind as I try to install a password protected PFX file from home with the one-time use password stored in a notebook in my locked desk at work.

security password