A 2 Node Hyper-V Cluster with Clustered Storage Spaces

We are in the process of finishing up a client’s migration from clustered SBS 2011 Standard to our SBS (Small Business Solution) stack solution and the following cluster configuration: The above setup is as follows in order of appearance top to bottom:

• 1U Intel Xeon E3 series server running as PDCe, ISO storage, and other non-essential roles
• 1U single socket Intel Xeon E5 series Hyper-V node
• On-Board i350T4 plus add-in i350T4
• Dual 6Gbps Intel/LSI SAS HBAs
• 1U single socket Intel Xeon E5 series Hyper-V node
• On-Board i350T4 plus add-in i350T4
• Dual 6Gbps Intel /LSI SAS HBAs
• 2U DataON DNS-1640d JBOD
• Connected via dual 6Gbps SAS cables per node

Operating systems across the board for all physical and virtual servers is Windows Server 2012 R2.
Storage sharing and arbitration is handled by clustered Storage Spaces. The above setup has 1.2TB 10K HGST SAS drives (DataON HCL approved) set up in a Storage Spaces 3-way mirror with the standard Space having 2 columns.
The client we deployed this cluster into had a cluster already in place based on Windows Server 2008 R2. They are all of 15-18 seats and value the uptime insurance a cluster gives them as downtime for them is expensive.
Note that the cost of this particular setup based on Intel Server Systems and the DataON JBOD is very reasonable.
Philip Elder
Microsoft Cluster MVP
MPECS Inc.
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book

Warning: Sage 50 2016 Server Manager will Reboot Without Prompting

We were installing the database manager on the backend server for a client.

It started the .NET 4.5.2 FULL installer then suddenly disappeared after a few minutes.

So, keep in mind that this one will need to be done when no one is accessing that backend server! Or for that matter that the user that we are working on setting up or updating will have their machine reboot spontaneously.

Also, Sage released this version as an “update”. We received quite a few calls from our accounting firms when they could no longer connect to their Sage/Simply data on the server.

In the end, it turned out that no prompt was given to the user that the “update” was actually an “upgrade”. 

Yo, Sage! A little warning would be appropriate please.

EDIT: Updated a bit for specifics.

Philip Elder
Microsoft Cluster MVP
MPECS Inc.
Co-Author: SBS 2008 Blueprint Book