Overview of Clustering

A cluster is a group of two or more servers connected to each other in such a way that they behave like a single server. Each machine in the cluster is called a node. Because each machine in the cluster runs the same services as other machines in the cluster, any machine can stand in for any other machine in the cluster. This becomes important when one machine goes down or must be taken out of service for a time. The remaining machines in the cluster can seamlessly take over the work of the downed machine, providing users with uninterrupted access to services and data.

You can cluster MicroStrategy components at two levels:

• You can cluster Intelligence Servers using the built-in Clustering feature. A Clustering license allows you to cluster up to eight Intelligence Server machines. For instructions on how to cluster Intelligence Servers, see Cluster Intelligence Servers.
• You can cluster MicroStrategy Web servers using third-party clustering software, such as Cisco Local Router, Microsoft Windows Load Balancing Service, or Microsoft Network Load Balancing. Most clustering tools work by using IP distribution based on the incoming IP addresses. For details on implementing this clustering method, see the documentation for your third-party clustering software.

The built-in clustering feature allows you to connect MicroStrategy Web to a cluster of Intelligence Servers. The Intelligence Server does not support generic load balancers. For instructions, see Connect MicroStrategy Web to a Cluster.