About Server Clustering

A server cluster is a group of two or more servers that are configured so that, if one server fails, another server can take over application processing. The servers in a cluster are called nodes. Typically, these servers store data on a common disk or disk array.

Clustering software monitors the active nodes in a server cluster. When a node fails, the clustering software manages the transition of the failed server’s workload to the secondary node.

When a clustered Siebel Server fails, all of the applications and services on the server stop. Application users must reconnect and log in to the server that takes over. For example, if the Siebel Server that failed was hosting Siebel Communications Server, then the communications toolbar is disabled, and users must reconnect and log in to the new server.

Cluster vendors can validate their third-party server cluster products to provide server clustering for deployments of Siebel CRM applications. For validation assistance, contact your Oracle sales representative for Oracle Advanced Customer Services to request assistance from Oracle’s Application Expert Services. For recommendations and help on the use of cluster products with Siebel CRM, customers are advised to contact the cluster vendor of their choice.

Siebel CRM supports an optional native clustering feature for Siebel Gateway, to provide high availability benefits to Siebel CRM customers. This feature works at the software level and is the preferred and recommended approach for clustering the Siebel Gateway. For more information, see Defining High Availability Policies.

This topic contains the following information:

• Active-Passive Configuration

• Active-Active Configuration