Technical Notes

HOWTO: Configure the Zetafax Server 8 for failover

ZTN1332

ID: ZTN1332

This technical note applies to:

  • Zetafax 8.0.1 or previous versions.

Note: This technical note does not apply to version 9 or later.

Summary

The Zetafax Server does not have any built-in support for automatic failover. If the machine where the Zetafax Server is installed fails, the Zetafax Server's functionality cannot be automatically switched to another machine.

However, it is possible to configure the Zetafax Server's environment to achieve an easier recovery if the Zetafax Server machine fails in a load-balancing system.

More information

In order to recover from a failure as fast as possible, the Zetafax Server will need access to the following items:

  • Communications hardware (e.g. modem, CAPI, or intelligent fax board)
  • Its settings and configuration files in the ZFAX folder
  • The ZETAFAX.INI file in the windows system folder (e.g. WINNT or Windows)
  • Additionally, the email gateway also requires access to these items
    • The STM.INI file in the windows system folder (e.g. WINNT or Windows)
    • The Mail Rendering Subsystem printer (if you do not have the Doctiff rendering add-on)

This means that an identical machine offering all these items can be used as a failover backup for the active Zetafax Server. Equisys suggest that such an environment be configured as follows:

  1. Configure two machines with identical communications hardware.
  2. Install the Zetafax Server on both machines. When prompted during setup, install both copies to the same ZFAX folder shared on a third machine.
  3. Install all Zetafax Clients to point to the ZFAX folder on the third machine.

With this configuration, the failed Zetafax Server machine can be replaced by following this procedure:

  1. Reroute all telephone lines to the communications device on the second machine.
  2. Start the Zetafax Server on the second machine.

This scenario will recover the Zetafax Server's functionality with minimal downtime.

References

For additional information on Zetafax support for load balancing and clustering, please see the following resources:

                      ZTN1226 HOWTO Install Zetafax Connector for Exchange Cluster Server

                      ZTN1377 HOWTO: Install Zetafax connector for Exchange 2003 cluster server

                      ZTN1405 HOWTO: Configure the Zetafax Server 9 for failover

Last updated: 04 November 2005 (LD/EB)

Date published: 11 October 2004 (GS/SV)

Keywords < failover> < cluster>