The NLINK® Cluster Module is an optional component that allows multiple NLINK Servers to be connected together, making them appear to network clients as a single, highly available system. This allows multiple NLINK Servers to run more efficiently by directing client requests based on resource availability and NLINK Server load. If one of the nodes in the cluster is unavailable, or has failed due to hardware or software problems, other nodes in the cluster automatically handle its workload until the failed system is brought back online. The NLINK Cluster Module provides a very good high-availability solution using standard, inexpensive hardware, while maximizing computing resources.

BACKGROUND
Server-based applications supporting mission-critical business systems such as financial transactions, database access, corporate intranets, and other key functions must run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And networks need the ability to scale performance to handle large volumes of client requests without creating unwanted delays. Clustering enables a group of independent NLINK Servers to be managed as a single system for higher Availability, greater Scalability and easier Manageability.

The NLINK Cluster Module includes two clustering technologies: NLINK High Availability Module, which is intended primarily to provide Automatic Failover/Recovery support for mission critical line-of-business deployments; and NLINK Load Balancing Module, which serves to balance incoming IP traffic among multi-node clusters.

NLINK HIGH AVAILABILITY
NLINK is an enterprise-class application designed to function as an integral component in your mission-critical 24x7 business operational environment. Junot Systems provides the NLINK High Availability Module in combination with Marathon Technologies FTvirtual Server™ solution to provide an off-the-shelf clustering solution for NLINK customers requiring a Highly Available and Fault Tolerant system that uses standard hardware.

NLINK LOAD BALANCING
NLINK Load Balancing distributes IP traffic to multiple copies (or instances) of the NLINK Server each running on a host within the cluster. NLINK Load Balancing transparently partitions the client requests among the hosts and lets the clients access the cluster using one or more “virtual” IP addresses. From the client’s point of view, the cluster appears to be a single server that answers these client requests. As enterprise traffic increases, network administrators can simply plug another NLINK Server into the cluster.

NLINK Load Balancing has significant advantages over other load balancing solutions that introduce single points of failure or performance bottlenecks by using a centralized dispatcher. And because NLINK Load Balancing has no proprietary hardware requirements, any industry-standard compatible computer can be used. This provides substantial cost savings when compared to proprietary hardware load balancing solutions.

TECHNICAL RESOURCES
To review the available NLINK product white papers, case studies and presentation videos, please visit the technical resources area of the web site here.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
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SALES AND PRICING INFORMATION
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