To achieve high availability through failover clustering, you can install Mail Express (v3.2 and later) in an active-passive cluster. In an active-passive cluster, you would install a Mail Express server on two separate computers, and point their attachments directories to a shared (remote) location. In this configuration, when one (active) computer or network connection fails, the other (passive) computer becomes active and continues to process file attachments. (TIP: Print this topic and check off the steps as they are completed.)
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Before you add Mail Express to your cluster, you must setup your cluster manager. Please consult your cluster manager vendor’s documentation for details. Globalscape's Support team can provide assistance with basic configuration questions, and Globalscape Professional Services group can provide assistance with installing and configuring a cluster, if needed. |
To install Mail Express in a cluster:
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Step |
Description |
1. |
Setup Microsoft Failover Clustering, Symantec’s Veritas Cluster Server, or other third-party cluster manager according to your cluster manager vendor’s documentation. |
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2. |
Validate that the node that you are installing on has connectivity and access to the shared storage for packages (attachments) sent through Mail Express, such as a UNC path to a network share, a SAN-connected drive, or another shared storage option. |
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3. |
Validate that you have connectivity and access to an existing Microsoft SQL or Oracle database. |
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4. |
Run the Mail Express installer on the first computer (node). Follow the prompts and refer to Installing Mail Express Server, if necessary. |
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5. |
When prompted to choose the installation location, specify a path on a local physical drive, and then click Next. |
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6. |
When prompted to choose the attachment location, specify the shared storage path, and then click Next. Note: If you cannot browse to the shared resource disk, then the clustered disk is offline or assigned to the other node. CANCEL the installation and verify that the clustered disk can be accessed on the node you are installing on, and then restart the installation process. |
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7. |
Follow the remaining prompts in the wizard to continue the installation, including the creation of a database in the existing Microsoft SQL or Oracle server. Note: You must specify a remote SQL or Oracle server for the database. Do not use a local database, such as SQL Server Express. |
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8. |
On the final page of the installer, clear the Start the Mail Express Server service check box and the Start the Administration Interface check box, and then click Finish. Do NOT start the Mail Express Server service. |
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9. |
If the third-party cluster manager owns the shared storage, move (assign) the clustered disk resource to the second now. |
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10. |
Repeat steps 2 – 9 on the second node. |
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11. |
While remaining on the second node, use the cluster administrator tool to create a new clustered role (generic service > Mail Express) linked to the desired shared resources, such as the shared IP address(es) and any shared storage (described in step 2), if it is appropriate to be owned by the cluster manager. |
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12. |
Once the role is created, the Mail Express service on the second node will be started by the cluster. Launch the Mail Express Administration interface, configure Mail Express, and license the product. |
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13. |
Once you have completed Mail Express configuration on this second node, make the first node in the cluster the group owner, then register your second license on that node. |
