Creating Two Node Microsoft Cluster on ESX 3.5 Update 2 Host

[pearlyshells]

I have a request to create a two node cluster using Microsoft Clustering Service. The idea is to Test this configuration for a two node Physical arrangment for our Development Group. The first node is a pre-existing VM while the second will be a brand new VM.

Having never done this, I thought it wise to first check out how others in the forum have accomplished this...and, if there are any pitfalls to this.

[lmonaco]

http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vi3_301_201_mscs.pdf

[pearlyshells]

thanks.

[lmonaco]

Just wanted to add...

I believe Microsoft states that the OS must be on local disk.

We created a small VMFS volume on local disk for the OS. You lose your hardware redundancy of course (you won't be able to VMotion this VM), but you maintain your application redundancy as long as you build a "cluster out of a box" and not a "cluster in a box".