The LifeKeeper Extend Resource Hierarchy option copies an existing hierarchy from one server and creates a similar hierarchy on another LifeKeeper server. Once a hierarchy is extended to other servers, cascading failover is available for that resource. The server where the existing hierarchy currently resides is referred to as the template server. The server where the new extended hierarchy will be placed is referred to as the target server.
The target server must be capable of supporting the extended hierarchy and it must be able to communicate with equivalent hierarchies on other remote servers (via active LifeKeeper communications paths). This means that all recovery kits associated with resources in the existing hierarchy must already be installed on the target server. Also, these associated recovery kits must be installed on the target server as well as every other server where the hierarchy currently resides.
There are two possible scenarios to extend your resource instance from the template server to a target server. The first scenario is when LifeKeeper lets you launch the Extend Resource Hierarchy immediately following a Create Resource Hierarchy. The second scenario is when you select Extend Resource Hierarchy from the Edit menu as described below. Both scenarios take you through the same dialog boxes (with a few exceptions).
To extend an existing hierarchy, select the Edit menu, then Resource, then Extend Resource Hierarchy. You can then specify the template server, the hierarchy to be extended, where it will be placed, and select some options that will apply to the new extended hierarchy.
The Accept Defaults button which is available for the Extend Resource Hierarchy option is intended for the user who is familiar with the LifeKeeper Extend Resource Hierarchy defaults, and wants to quickly extend a LifeKeeper resource hierarchy without being prompted for input or confirmation. Users who prefer to extend a LifeKeeper resource hierarchy using the interactive, step-by-step interface of the GUI dialogs should use the Next button.
Note: ALL roots in a multi-root hierarchy must be extended together, that is, they may not be extended as single root hierarchies.