migration to rp8400s

[Edgar_8]

We have 2 N-class servers running HP-UX 11i mission critical software, set-up in a primary/secondary
config connected to an XP 512 storage array via fc. The existing infrastructure is scoped to be migrated
to 2 rp8400 servers which are not co-located. Questions:
-Has anyone been involved in such a migration? If so
what challenges have been encountered & processes that were followed?
-Can one simply make ignite images of the 2 N-class servers & use it to set-up the 2 rp8400?
-are there any snags i.r.o. the XP storage?

Thanks in advance!

[Steven E. Protter]

I've not done a migration like that but have some thoughts:

1) If there is enough bandwidth between the locations it might be possible to still use Service Guard. Probably not though.

2) You need a new methodology of handling failover. That might be possible with the use of some crude scripts that check network connectivity and perhaps use ssh to run some system checks.

3) Oracle Parellel Server can with sufficient band width set up database/applicaton failover.

4) I'm not sure how you are planning to have one XP storage array service both computers. Maybe with a lot of bandwidth?

I think I've pointed out some challenges, and could give further input if you provided more detail.

SEP

[Geoff Wild]

You can NOT make ignite images of N-class and ignite your RP8400's....

The 2 8400's won't be co-located -
Are you going to partition the 8400's?

If so, will you still run MC/SG? (i'm assuming you are running MC/SG on the N's)...

If yes, then you can bring the 8400's into the existing cluster, migrate packages to 8400's, then remove N's from cluster.

I did that that year and a half ago - moving from V Class to RP7410's.

Shouldn't be any snags with the Storage (XP or EMC - doesn't make a difference).

Rgds...Geoff

[Todd McDaniel_1]

Edgar,

I am guessing you will keep the same OS level? 11i Mission Critical.

If you install the 11iMCOE on the 8400s you should be fine... Then install all your HBA cards for the XP.

Then on your OLD server, I would tar the config files you need to keep the same IP/Hostname etc... and all your /etc/* /sbin/* /sbin/rc* and any other files you need to keep... and load them on the 8400s...


I have 2 8400s and a SD...and I love them. They are very versatile. You will have to make sure your FC/HBAs are compatible with the Cell-based servers though. You shouldnt have a problem since N-class are predecessors...

[Ryan McKlveen]

An ignite of the N/rp7400 to an rp8400 will work - however, you won't be able to partition the rp8400 - only virtually. I've just migrated a N4000 to an rp8400 back in Feb, but using an EMC. The box was part of MC/SG env. and just need to make good detail notes. The only problems that I had encountered were the MP lan is a gigabit, had to slow that down unfortunately. then had to apply a lanadmin patch due to it.

[Edgar_8]

Hi all,

Thanks for the feedback, below is some additional info:

- our environment does not make use of MC/SG, we have scripts we can manualy mount the primary server
BC vg's onto the secondary server & vice/versa.
- oracle parallel server might be one of options, & will investigate further
- the secondary server will be at the DR site & will need to be connected to the XP which wil be located
at the poduction site. This would require additional hardware/configuration, anyone know what set-up &
hardware would be required, since the distance between DR & production site is far?
- the O/S will remain 11i
- we plan to do a cleaninstall as opposed to an ignite image install

Thanks in advance!