An IT decision-maker's road map to creating scalable and reliable Windows 2000 clustered systems. Clustering Windows 2000 explains what a cluster is and what it is not. It explains the concepts and technology from the perspective of Microsoft's Windows family of operating systems. Mauler and Beebe thoroughly explore the critical interaction and integration of state-of-the-art computer hardware with these operating systems and also with third-party layered solutions. However, more than teaching technology, the book provides a unique framework by which readers can evaluate their organizations' own clustering needs. The new Cluster Configuration MatrixC presented here allows them to determine the utility of the many clustering products and solutions given their companies' specific requirements for high availability. Clustering Windows 2000 enables IT professionals to create a highly effective clustering strategy that can grow with their organizations' needs and accommodate ongoing developments in clustering technology. This unique book is for everyone from system designers to IT managers who want a solid understanding of the optimal products and technologies they can use in creating "clusters" of computers to support truly enterprise-caliber programs.Demystifies Windows clustering from both a hardware and software viewpointDefines clustering terminology and concepts from a vendor-neutral perspectiveProvides a matrix for evaluating the multitude of cluster technology offerings