Cloud Servers

For critical applications that require a continued service, there are no limits when it comes to redundancy and reliability.
The FirstServed network already offers complete redundancy: each component between your server and the Internet has been dedoubled and the Internet connection itself is redundant by means of multiple uplinks.
But what if your server goes down? Two scenario's are possible: a server cluster or a virtual server solution.

Architecture

A virtualisation solution with high availability uses at least two physical servers who house multiple virtual machines. The operating system of these servers can be either VMware vShpere or Citrix XenServer. FirstServed mainly works with VMware vSphere solutions.
The server system needs a dedicated Storage Area Network (SAN) for data storage .
The FirstServed SAN system is entirely redundant starting with seperate power supplies, disks to array (RAID) controllers. The connection between SAN and servers is realised by means of the iSCSI protocol through gigabit switches or by using fiber switches, also redundantly set up.

Failover possibilities

In the event of physical hardware failure, the virtual management system will detect the error and virtual machines will be migrated in realtime to a working server. This happens without a glitch meaning continuity of the service is guaranteed.

Guaranteed access to correct data

By using a Storage Area Network (SAN) for data storage, the data of the virtual machines is stored in one central lpace. This ensures you no longer have synchronisation problems which could be the case with cluster based solutions. The data is available for your server, at all times.

Easy management

By using VMware vCenter you will have access to a user-friendly interface which allows you top seamlessly migrate virtual machines, check the status of your machines or dynamically up- or downgrade resources.
Adding extra memory or additional processing power for an individual server in your setup: it's only a matter of minutes, and all this without downtime.

Snapshots, backup and restores

The FirstServed virtual server platform allows you to quickly make a snapshot of your servers. In case of a server crash you can restore the backup of your server image to a random host without the need for re-installing an operating system.
Compared to bare metal restores of a dedicated server you no longer need to do an installation or process the entire configuration, you can continue immediatly with only a short gap in the availability of your server.

Our experience

FirstServed has a through experience in setting up and maintaining virtual server systems with high-availability.
FirstServed was one of the first hosting companies to offer a high-availability setup based on XenServer and DRBD (Distributed Replicated Block Device of Network Raid).

In the meanwhile, we have evolved and we now use Citrix XenServer as well as VMware vSphere. FirstServed is professional VMware Partner, with employees who have certified VMware Professional Certificates.

You would like to know if a virtualisation solution with high-availability is fit for your company? Contact our specialized team, we are happy to create a roadmap for a specific configuration for your copmpany.