failover unity server

[ciscoforum]

unity 403 vm only with inbox exchagne 2k. We want to upgrade it a failover primary server. What's the steps I should follow?

Also, does Cisco support cluster exchange server as mail storage, any link about this? thanks

[Hin Lee]

In my opinion, you would be better off starting over by first doing a DiRT backup. Then setup the Windows DC (standalone as MS does not recommend running AD on Exchange), Exchange cluster, Unity failover, then DiRT Restore.

So yes, you can use exchange server cluster "When Exchange is configured for active/active or active/passive clustering, use either an Exchange server outside the cluster or the Exchange virtual server in the cluster." http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/sw/voicesw/ps2237/products_installation_guide_chapter09186a008022b8ad.html

[amylinit]

Failover requires an off-box message store. Failover can't be configured with the message store on the Unity server.

Cisco does support E2K clustered environments.

There are three primary documents you need. They are available in PDF form by searching for their titles (or a subset of their titles) at www.cisco.com

1. Cisco Unity Installation Guide (With Microsoft Exchange)

2. Cisco Unity Reconfiguration and Upgrade Guide (With Microsoft Exchange)

3. Cisco Unity Failover Configuration and Administration Guide (With Microsoft Exchange)

I'm pressed for time at the moment so I can't link them all.

You haven't specified your PBX, so I'll assume Call Manager is installed. Directions may vary based on PBX integration and PBX connectivity to Unity.

With a Call Manager integration you should also grab a copy of:

White Paper: Cisco CallManager Port Configuration for Cisco Unity Failover (Cisco Unity Versions 4.0 and 3.1(2) and Later)

Depending on your comfort level with CallManager you may want to dig up other documentation for a description of how to add/configure your new failover voicemail ports.

Configuring failover for Unity can require jumping between most of the documents listed above. There is no comprehensive document/guide that walks you through it from start to finish. As you progress in one document it will reference steps required in the next document. I'd suggest printing them out to lay in front of you to map the process. Much easier to navigate than reading them online.

Hope that saves you and some others coming down the pike some time.

Cameron