Solutions for configuring and managing clusters

Cluster resource services provides the basic cluster infrastructure. There are several methods that will allow you to take advantage of the clustering capabilities provided by cluster resource services.

i5/OS™ cluster resource services on the iSeries™ provides the basic infrastructure that allows you to use a cluster. Cluster resource services provides a set of integrated services that maintain cluster topology, perform heartbeating, and allow creation and administration of cluster configuration and cluster resource groups. Cluster resource services also provides reliable messaging functions that keep track of each node in the cluster and ensure that all nodes have consistent information about the state of cluster resources.

While cluster resource services provides the basic cluster infrastructure, there are several methods that will allow you to take advantage of these clustering capabilities. Each has distinct benefits and capabilities.

Important: Use only one of these solutions exclusively. Conflicts, problems and unpredictability can arise when attempting to use more than one solution to create and manage a cluster. The information you find in the iSeries Information Center documents procedures specific to iSeries Navigator and the cluster resource services CL commands and APIs. If you use a cluster middleware IBM Business Partner solution, see the documentation provided with the product for procedural information on performing tasks.

iSeries Navigator cluster management
IBM^® offers a cluster management interface that is available through iSeries Navigator and accessible through Option 41 (i5/OS - HA Switchable Resources).
Cluster commands and APIs
i5/OS cluster resource services provides a set of control language (CL) commands, application program interfaces (APIs) and facilities that can be used by iSeries application providers or customers to enhance their application availability.
Cluster middleware IBM Business Partners and available clustering products
You can purchase a product from an IBM^® cluster middleware IBM Business Partner that provides the logical replication functions that are integral to clustering and simplifies cluster creation and management.

Parent topic: Plan for clusters