Cluster hosting on a database server

It is a business critical need to access information, and clustering helps to protect, recover and ensure availability of data in the event of a disaster.

When a server is clustered, transactions on MySQL servers are processed exceptionally quickly. There is an increase in database performance as data is stored in the server’s main memory (RAM) and not on the hard disk.

When clustering MySQL servers, there are several benefits:

• The possibility of 100% hardware availability.
• Spread risk across data centres.
• Extremely fast automatic failover.
• Distributed architecture with no single point of failure.
• High performance that only a main memory database can deliver.
• Load is shared between all live servers.
• Quick and easy to scale.

Three or more servers are required with this type of clustering, which are configured to operate as a single virtual MySQL server.

A typical configuration would have two dedicated MySQL servers and a third server, known as a MySQL management node.

There is no single point of failure with MySQL clustering, along with the added advantage of geographical flexibility. If required, you can opt to have your environment clustered across data centres using shared or private networks for additional redundancy.

For many companies that predict fast or future growth, scalability is a key concern. By simply dropping in further database servers to the cluster, clustered solutions can be scaled quickly.

Clustering Linux database servers

For companies whose day to day applications run online, clustering Linux database servers is very useful.

Many companies have made this move because it puts strain on a single server and clustering allows a greater level of access.

Companies who store databases online can also benefit from clustering of servers. A well known British optician moved all of its databases online so information was readily available in all offices throughout the country. This increased the speed of service for the business greatly.

It's important to remember though, that clustering is not a complete backup system for applications.

Click here to find out about clustering on a web server or request more information online.