To implement the switchover or failover strategy
The scope of this task depends on your availability requirements and on the complexity of the strategy, for example, how many components are involved.
The failover solution is normally implemented by the hardware vendor. The technical team and the future technical support organization should be involved in the implementation and test phases. During the implementation, only the technical team should use the production environment.
Switchover strategy
1. Together with your hardware vendor, install the hardware and software required for the switchover solution.
2. Define and conduct test scenarios: define what kinds of failure can occur and simulate them.
- Prepare technical scenarios (for example, database server not available)
- Define what needs to be tested from the application viewpoint (for example, special jobs running)
- Check consistency of the application
- Check if the application jobs must/can be restarted
- Check if backups can still be conducted
3. Define procedures for failover:
- Who needs to be informed?
- Is switchover done automatically?
- Are any manual activities required?
4. Document the technical implementation of switchover procedures.
5. Define sign-on criteria for the failover strategy.
Switchover/failover strategy implemented and documented
Operations manual updated