Failover management server

The management server is the central VMS component. It stores the configuration of the surveillance system in a SQL Server database, either on SQL Server on the management server computer itself or on separate SQL Server on the network. It also handles user authentication, user permissions, the rule system and more.

To minimize system downtime, you can configure a failover management server by installing the management server in a cluster. The cluster will then ensure that another computer take over the management server function should the first computer fail.

You can install the management server in a cluster using:

XProtect Management Server Failover is an XProtect VMS extension that can help you when:

  • A server fails – you can run the system components from another computer while you resolve the problems.

  • You need to apply system updates and security patches – applying security patches on a standalone management server can be time-consuming, resulting in extended periods of downtime. When you have a failover cluster, you can apply system updates and security patches with minimal downtime.

  • You need seamless connection – users get continuous access to live and playback video, and to the system’s configuration at all times.

To configure XProtect Management Server Failover, you install he management server, log server, and event server run on two computers. If the first computer stop working, the VMS components start running on the second computer. Additionally, you can benefit from a secure real-time replication of the VMS databases when SQL Server runs in the failover cluster.

WSFC is a group of independent servers that work together to increase the availability of applications and services. If a cluster node or service fails, the services that are hosted on that node can be automatically or manually transferred to another available node.

The management server can be installed on multiple servers within a cluster of servers. This ensures that the system has very little downtime. If a server in the cluster fails, another server in the cluster automatically takes over the failed server's job running the management server.

It is only possible to have one active management server per surveillance setup, but other management servers may be set up to take over in case of failure.

By default, the Management Server service limits the number of times a failover occurs to twice within a six-hour period. If this is exceeded, the Management Server services are not automatically started by the clustering service. This limit can be changed to better fit your needs.