Two-node switchless Azure Local clusters
Two machines, storage cabled directly between them, no storage switches. It is the smallest highly available Azure Local design, and the one our public deployment factory automates.
Scope of the work
- Confirm the two-machine design fits the workload and the growth plan
- Design direct storage links, management and compute networks and the uplinks
- Install both machines remotely through their management controllers
- Configure the witness, register with Azure Arc, validate and deploy
- Test a machine failure and a storage link failure before handover
- A two-machine cluster that keeps running with one machine down
- A cabling diagram and the deployment parameter record
- A failure test report
Billed at $150.00 per hour. Ask Keith for an estimate.
What we check first.
Cabling is the design
With no storage switches, a wrong cable is a wrong configuration. We check link by link before deployment.
Capacity with two machines
A two-way mirror keeps two copies, so about half the raw capacity is usable. We size for that and for rebuild space.
Adding a third machine
A switchless two-machine cluster cannot simply take a third machine: Microsoft supports growing from two to three machines only with switched storage. If growth is likely, we design switched storage from the start or plan the conversion.
Four steps, written down.
A call with Keith
You describe the goal, the estate and the deadline. Keith turns it into a written scope with an hour estimate at the hourly rate.
A written design by Gus
Gus reviews the environment and gives you a written design with each decision and its reason.
Hands-on implementation
Gus implements in your tenant and your racks, remotely or on site, with every change logged as it is made.
Documents and a named contact
You receive the as-built record and the runbooks. Keith stays on as your account and project manager.
Asked before every engagement.
Is a two-machine cluster really highly available?
Yes, with a witness. Virtual machines restart on the surviving machine when one fails. It does not protect against the loss of the whole site, which needs a disaster recovery design.
Do we still need switches?
Yes, for management and workload traffic. You do not need separate high-speed storage switches, which is the saving.
What does the consulting cost?
Consulting is billed at $150.00 per hour. Keith sends a written hour estimate after the scoping call, and work starts when you approve it.
Often scoped together.
One rate. Two people.
Consulting is billed at $150.00 per hour. Keith runs sales, project management and your account. Gus does the architecture, the design and the implementation.
per consulting hour, for every consulting service