Clustering is a vital methodology in the data storage world. Its goal is to maximize cost-effectiveness, availability, flexibility, and scalability. Clustering has changed considerably for the better due to Storage Area Networks, which provide access to data from any node in the cluster.

• Explains how clusters with shared storage work and the components in the cluster that need to work together
• Reviews where a cluster should be deployed and how to use one for best performance
• Author is Lead Technical Engineer for VERITAS Cluster File Systems and has worked on clusters and file systems for the past ten years