W2KFileServerCluster ---> Win2K3 FileServer Cluster

[KHADER_1]

Hi all,

We have an existing 2 node cluster running on HP Proliant Servers with W2K Advanced server, acting as FileServer, connected to Fully Redundant RA4000 SAN. This SAN is dedicated for FileServer cluster.

We are going to install another 2 node DL380G4, Windows2003 Cluster, with its own new Fully redundant MSA based SAN.

1)How do I effectively transfer data from old FileServer to new FileServer.

Is there any migration utility either from Microsoft or HP which can help me in seamless migration ( creates all Cluster Resources, assigns proper permissions to all shares and move data)

2)Can use DtS?

Thanks.

[Steven Clementi]

KHADER:

Probably the easiest way to move the data is to just copy it across the network. This can take some time of course depending on network speed. A cross over cable from one node of 1 cluster to one node of the other cluster might be a good thing to look at.

Other ways:

1. Replication Software. I believe HP still gives out 30 or 60 day trial licenses for Openview Storage Mirroring.

2. Veritas Replication Software (not sure about trail version/cost

3. Install a new HBA into one of the old servers, attach it to the new SAN, present the new File Server Storage Drive to it, move the data, remove card, put into new cluster node and it's ready to go.

4. Backup and Restore

5. If you going to copy across the network or via crossover, pause or shutdown one node in each cluster and disable AV software.


DtS = Data Transformation Services. I think your looking for dFs, Distributed File System.

You may be able to use DfS and FRS (File Replication Servies) to transfer the data, but if your noting going to contiue to utilize these servicesafter your done, it might not be time well spend when you can probably do what needs to be done quicker another way.

How much data do you have to move?


Steven

[KHADER_1]

Thankyou Steven:
We have about 700 G of data.

DtS , I was referring to the DAS to SAN technology, I would like to take advantage of the fact that MSA1000 understands the metadata written using SmartControllers and RA controllers.

As you suggested I have two options to transfer data either over ethernet or using additional FCA.

What I am primarily interested in is to clone Cluster Resources I have on my Win2000 server on to my new Win2003 server, while retaining all my folder and file permission.

Once I have the skeleton created, I can transfer data using either of the two methods.

Appreciate if you can suggest a method to clone cluster resources.

Thanks.

[Steven Clementi]

Yes...yes..DAS to SAN (DtS) (woooops).

Well, supposedly, you can just take the drives from the RA and put them into the MSA and since they are "Smart Array" drives, the MSA should pick up the config and allow access to the drives.

I have never done this, but am told it works.

What is the current drive configuration on the RA? Multiple arrays? You can move the arrays over one at a time, presenting 1 new logical drive with 1 old logical drive, copy data, remove old array. Add second old array, make second new array/LD, copy data, etc....

Might be timely. If you can give access to to the RA from one of the new hosts, you would not have to move disks around, just do a server Disk to Disk copy and you should keep all file/folder permissions. Use Robocopy.

Steven

[Richard Perez]

As Steven wrote, use robocopy. Robocopy by default does differential copy, then you can schedule it to run at low load period.

[KHADER_1]

Thank you for your suggestions.