Specifications

VMware, Inc. 13
Chapter 1 Introduction
 VMware License Sever
 VMware ADAM
 VMware vCenter Management Web Server
 VMware Update Manager
 VMware Converter Enterprise
 Guided Consolidation Service
 VMware Orchestrator
 VMware vSphere Host Update Utility
If a protected application fails, vCenter Server Heartbeat first tries to restart the application on the active server
(1) in Figure 1-2.
If the application does not successfully restart, vCenter Server Heartbeat initiates a switchover (2) in
Figure 1-2. Refer to “Switchover Process” on page 15 and “Failover Process” on page 17 for further
information about the switchover process.
Figure 1-2. Switchover
A switchover gracefully closes any protected applications that are running on the active server and restarts
them on the passive server, including the application or service that caused the failure. In the example where
the Primary server is active and the Secondary server is passive, the Primary server is demoted to a passive
role and is hidden from the network when the Secondary server is promoted to an active role and is made
visible to the network. The mechanics of switchovers are discussed in more detail later in this guide.
Performance Protection
Ensuring that your protected applications are operational and providing service at a level of performance
adequate for users to remain productive is important. The vCenter Server Heartbeat plug-in provides these
monitoring and pre-emptive repair capabilities.
vCenter Server Heartbeat monitors application services and specific application attributes to ensure that
protected applications are operational and not in an unresponsive or stopped state. This level of monitoring is
fundamental in ensuring that applications are available to end users.
In addition to monitoring application services, vCenter Server Heartbeat can also monitor specific application
attributes to ensure that they remain within normal operating ranges. Similar to application monitoring,
various rules can trigger specific corrective actions whenever these attributes fall outside of their respective
ranges.
Furthermore, vCenter Server Heartbeat provides the same level of flexibility to define and perform multiple
corrective actions in the event of problems on a service by service or even attribute by attribute basis.