PI AF server installation in a failover cluster

You can install PI AF server in a clustered environment using machines that employ Windows Failover Clustering. The two components that comprise the PI AF server, the AF Application Service and the AF SQL Server database, can be installed on failover cluster machines.

Note: While the use of Windows Failover Clustering is an acceptable High Availability option, it is not the option we recommend. For different approaches and preferred configuration methods, see the Knowledge Base article High Availability (HA) options for PI Asset Framework (PI AF).

For the purposes of these procedures, Windows Servers that use Windows Failover Clustering are referred to as failover clusters; the individual machines that use Windows Failover Clustering are referred to as failover cluster machines. SQL Server Clusters are always referred to as SQL Server Clusters.

We assume that you are familiar with the configuration and operation of failover clustering features and with the cluster administration tools in your Windows operating system.

If you are installing PI AF server in a failover cluster for the first time, it is important that you complete the steps in the order specified here for the machines that contain PI AF server components.