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Print Que failover solution needed

By expertpc ·
Hello all and thanks for any ideas whether they work or not!

I need to find a solution to provide MS Print Server failover capabilities within the requirements listed below.

-No user interaction required
-Automatic failover when the primary print server fails
-Can not use MS Cluster Services!!!!!!!!
-The printers need to be populated in AD

Background
-Win2k ADS network with XP Pro clients.
-4 decently powerfull print servers available for the solution
-200+ Print ques
-We are not allowed to use MSCS as a solution
-It will be ok if the currently qued print job is lost when the primary server fails but would be nice to have an alternative...

Third party apps or hardware is acceptable but need to be under $5k in cost for the total solution.

Thanks for the ideas and please post any questions you need answered.

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Print Que failover solution needed

by Frobo In reply to Print Que failover soluti ...

Hi,

you can do this only with a clustering solution.
When could/should not use MSCS then how about Legatos VINCA CoStandby Server. It runs on NT/W2k Server and Advanced Server. I dont know how the price is but it should be in the Range you give (without HW). With this solution you could take normal Desktops with a second NIC, this is required for mirroring. You could install it aktive/passive with two Harddisks or aktive/aktive, but then you need three harddisk in each Computer. Here is theURL :http://www.legato.com/Procucts/html/legato_co-standby_server.html
The benefits: You dont need expensive Cluster Software ,OS or FC Hardware.

regards

frobo

PS: you could CLuster more then Print Server with this solution !

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Print Que failover solution needed

by expertpc In reply to Print Que failover soluti ...

This can be done with MS Load Balancing. As for the second NIC and multiple hard drives??????????????

I am awarding you points because of the third party solution only.

Thanks for the efforts though.

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Print Que failover solution needed

by richie.oswin In reply to Print Que failover soluti ...

Hi,

Another software solution is Double Take (go to www.giant-technologies.co.uk) It does automatic failover etc. I've not tried it yet in a Win2k environment but i don't see why there would be a problems.

Good luck

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Print Que failover solution needed

by expertpc In reply to Print Que failover soluti ...

I am awarding you points because of the third party solution only.

Thanks for the efforts though.

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Print Que failover solution needed

by expertpc In reply to Print Que failover soluti ...

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