Six-machine setup

This third configuration mirrors the three-machine setup. You maintain the logical breakdown of processing based on the types of work performed by each server, but you increase the number of available machines and servers for redundancy and fault-tolerance. For instance, if a server stops responding, or if you need to take one or two machines offline completely, you need not interrupt Crystal Enterprise requests in order to service the system.

This tested configuration is designed to meet the reporting requirements of 85% of all deployment scenarios. If you have further requirements or more advanced configuration needs, contact your Crystal Decisions sales representative for additional assistance.

Note:    It is recommended that you use six multi-processor machines (dual-CPU or better), with at least 2 GB RAM installed on each machine.

These are the general steps to setting up this configuration for the default Windows installation of Crystal Enterprise:

• Install the three-machine setup first. Verify that Crystal Enterprise is functioning correctly. For details, see Three-machine setup.
• Install a second CMS/Event Server pair on the fourth machine. This machine must have a fast network connection (minimum 10 Mbps) to the CMS that you have already installed.

  Cluster the two CMS services, so they share the task of maintaining the CMS database. Ensure that each CMS accesses the CMS database in exactly the same manner (the same database client software, the same database user name and password, and so on).

  Tip:    Here, the Event Server is installed on the same machine as the CMS. In general, however, the Event Server should be installed on the machine where your monitored, file-based events occur.

• Install a second WCS/Cache Server pair on the fifth machine.

  Modify your Web Connector configuration to ensure that the Web Connector communicates with the two distinct WCS hosts.

  or

  Install a second Java web application server and Web Component Adapter on the fifth machine, along with a second Cache Server. Consult your web application server documentation for information on load-balancing and clustering your application servers.

  Ensure that the web.xml file is configured correctly for each WCA.

• Install a second Page Server, Job Server, and RAS on the remaining machine, along with a pair of Input and Output File Repository Servers.

  Ensure that all Page Servers and Job Servers can access your reporting database in exactly the same manner. Install and configure any required database client software similarly on each machine, along with any ODBC DSNs that are required for your reports.

Note:    As with the one-machine setup, install your Crystal Enterprise servers on machines that are separate from your web server and database servers. This grants the Crystal Enterprise servers their own set of processing resources, which they do not have to share with database and web server processes.

Related topics

• Common configurations