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As important as SQL Server clustering is to those companies that implement it, trying to find good information on how to implement and administer it is another story. And this is why I put this article together.
If you are seriously considering implementing SQL Server 2000 or 2005 under Windows 2000 or Windows 2003; then I highly recommend that you review the following resources before you begin. SQL Server clustering has many gotchas, and the best way to breeze past them is to know about them before you begin.
For whatever reason, there have been very few books written on Windows server clustering or SQL Server clustering. And the few that have been written are somewhat dated. Below are the names of some books you might want to consider. But before you buy any of them, be sure to check them out at Amazon.com first to be sure that it covers what you are looking for. To be honest with you, none of these books really are great, but they are all that are currently available.
For Windows clustering, consider the following books:
For SQL Server clustering, consider the following books:
Another book to consider is the Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Resource Kit. While you might want to purchase this book, you can find the book on Microsoft's Web site for free.
This book includes chapters on "Failover Clustering," "Log Shipping," "High Availability Options," and "Five Nines: The Ultimate in High Availability."
Another book that covers a little on Windows 2000 clustering is the Windows 2000 Resource Kit. And for Windows 2003, check out Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Deployment Kit: A Microsoft Resource Kit.
One of the best resources for SQL Server 2000 and SQL Server 2005 clustering information is their respective Books Online. While every possible topic is not covered, the basics are covered and Books Online is a great place to start learning the basics.
Don't forget to check the readme files that come with your products, especially those that come with Windows 2000/2003 and SQL Server 2000/2005 service packs. Installing service packs on clusters can be complicated, so please read the accompanying files carefully.
Some of the best information available on Windows clustering comes from Microsoft. Below are some URLs I recommend you check out.
