MS Cluster Encryption

Operating Zserver Storage in Windows 2000/2003 Server Clustered Environments

Installation and Prerequisites

Zserver Storage can be installed prior to the server clustering setup, or after the fact. When installing Zserver Storage after the server clustering is configured, the disk encryption is performed on the server, which currently “owns” the clustered resource (hard disk).
 

If a requested resource is located on a separate from the quorum hard disk, it is advisable to allocate the disk to a separate cluster group. Otherwise, the clustering service will not be able to start automatically and will require changing the service startup option to “Cluster Service – Manual” on all servers.

Cluster Startup

To startup a cluster group from the initially loaded server:

1. Load the encryption key onto the server
2. Open required disk (Initially, the disk status will be shown as “unknown”)
   
3. If the disk is located in a separate group, the group will be “Offline” and will need to be brought “Online”. In the event that the “Cluster Service” is not running, the service will need to be started manually.
   
4. Once initiated, the disk status will change to “encrypted” and an encrypted resource will become accessible
   
5. The remaining cluster servers will require performing steps 1 and 2 only
   
6. Once disks are opened, the cluster group be able to switch to any of the servers

Alarm

Specify unique network node address of each clustered server in the alarm settings.

System Requirements

• Microsoft Windows 2000/2003 Server (refer to Microsoft requirements for clustered server environments)
• Zserver Storage must be installed and configured to operate with “clustered license” on each clustered server