Double-Take Bolsters Data Recoverability in GeoCluster

Published: May 10, 2006

by Alex Woodie

Double-Take Software (formerly NSI Software) last week unveiled a new release of GeoCluster, its advanced clustering solution that's based on Microsoft Cluster Services (MSCS). In addition to GeoCluster 4.4.2, the Massachusetts software company also unveiled a new course to train users on the ins and outs of MSCS clustering and the Double-Take suite of products.

GeoCluster, like the company's eponymous Double-Take product, is based on MSCS, and actually uses the Double-Take replication engine to mirror data from one production system to another. But unlike Double-Take (or MSCS used by itself), GeoCluster takes the technology further by creating what it calls a "stretch cluster."

A stretch cluster overcomes one of the shortcomings of Microsoft's clustering technology: the need to maintain clustered disk resources on a single, shared disk subsystem, which creates a single point of failure. Also, by removing the shared-storage requirement, GeoCluster lets users connect nodes of the cluster (up to eight of them--the maximum currently allowed by Windows) in geographically remote locations, thereby increasing the chances of surviving a region-wide disaster, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, tornados, and flying robot attacks.

With GeoCluster 4.4.2, Double-Take has added several new features, including new data protection capabilities, says Brace Rennels, professional services project manager with Double-Take. "As MSCS eliminates geographic boundaries, several larger organizations tend to implement this service, especially as it allows for high availability and scalability for mission-critical applications," he says. "By adding GeoCluster 4.4.2 they now receive added data protection, assuring continual access to data, and applications across sites."

Additional features in this release include enhanced "quorum" arbitration functionality, streamlined cluster setup process, and improved orphaned file management, the company says. The new release will be available at the end of the second quarter.

Double-Take also introduced a new three-day training program for Double-Take, GeoCluster, and GeoCluster PLUS (which allows for replication to non-clustered servers for enhanced data protection). More information can be found at www.doubletake.com.