Different sp:s on cluster nodes

Hi all!
I'm in the starting phase on planning a cluster enviorment. I'm really a newbie at clustering. I have one question that I will be very glad if you could help me with.
I thinking of configuring a 2 node, single instance cluster. The reason for the cluster if of course high availability. To achive the high availability demands we need to make sure that we can do maintenance on our servers without taking them down. The mo
st specific case is that we want to upgrade SQL Server servicepacks and hotfixes while users still can access the databases(useing the other node).
Is this how it works? Upgrade the passive node, switch passive node to active, upgrade the passive node? How does the cluster handle the fact that after the passive node has been upgraded with let's say SP3A and put in active mode, it will "connect" to
the database files that are on a different servicepack level?
Hope you understand what I'm thinking and that you have some info for me.
Thanks!!
/Fredrik
Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way. SQL requires single-user access
during the SP or Hotfix to update system objects within the database. It is
possible to do a 'binary-only' application of a SP or Hotfix, but that is
only when a node is repaired or replaced. SQL must already have the SP or
Hotfix applied to the current host node. For now, you will have to schedule
downtime to apply a SP or a hotfix. I suspect this may be addressed in the
next version since many people have complained about the downtime
requirement.
Geoff N. Hiten
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
Senior Database Administrator
Careerbuilder.com
I support the Professional Association for SQL Server
www.sqlpass.org
"Fredrik" <anonymous@.discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:0C99300E-22B6-4B0B-9B00-2FC4241DE899@.microsoft.com...
> Hi all!
> I'm in the starting phase on planning a cluster enviorment. I'm really a
newbie at clustering. I have one question that I will be very glad if you
could help me with.
> I thinking of configuring a 2 node, single instance cluster. The reason
for the cluster if of course high availability. To achive the high
availability demands we need to make sure that we can do maintenance on our
servers without taking them down. The most specific case is that we want to
upgrade SQL Server servicepacks and hotfixes while users still can access
the databases(useing the other node).
> Is this how it works? Upgrade the passive node, switch passive node to
active, upgrade the passive node? How does the cluster handle the fact that
after the passive node has been upgraded with let's say SP3A and put in
active mode, it will "connect" to the database files that are on a different
servicepack level?
> Hope you understand what I'm thinking and that you have some info for me.
> Thanks!!
> /Fredrik