Aertight Systems, Inc. has developed a patent pending one-touch virtual machine transfer switch as an optional add-on product for our Aertight Server Platforms, when configured as a Failover Server Platform.
When the Aertight Server Platfrom is configured in a failover setup with two systems, we realized we wanted to create a way in which the system's virtual machines could be completely transfered from from one system to the other.
The Virtual Machine Transfer button is configured using both a specialized microcontroller and software which monitors the state and presense of Virtual Machines on the host system. When virtual machines are currently ON and active, the button is illuminated. When the button is illuminated and pressed, the underlying software program transfers all (by default) virtual machines to the other clustered host. The illuminated button strobes until it detects that the operation is complete, then turns off. On the paired server, software then detects the VM's and illuminates the button.
This system provides the following advantages:
- Low-Tech Approach to a Complicated Process- Aertight's Virtual Machine Transfer button eliminates the need for walking on-site personnel though a transfer, and lowers the chances of someone making a mistake with powerful VM software.
- Visual Inspection is Good: Knowing if a system is running and actively hosting VM's is really important if critical decisions need to be made. Not taking down the main host server in the middle of the day and causing an "unexpected" failover is always good.
- Speed- Sometimes a local human operator can really help avert disaster in case of major environmental concerns. If they can transfer the system control naturally in disaster, security, or other environmental events, that can mean the difference between control of critical systems, or a failover and blackout.
If you'd like us to incorporate the Virtual Machine Failover Button into your Aertight Failover Server Platform setup, contact us and we'd be happy to speak with you.
