SQL Mirror backup monitoring

[jivetolkein]

Hi All,

A little problem that I'm struggling to solve in HM

We have an active/passive MS SQL database mirror running on two hosts.
We monitor these hosts for backup and transaction log backups. Of course the passive partner doesn't do any transaction log backups, as it doesn't need too. So the test is always failed .. but if its partners is OK, this is no problem. The database can switch to it's mirror partner for some time so it's not predictable which will be 'Active'.

So is there an elegant way to make a tests status depend on the status of another, and can it be two way (i.e. a logical OR of the tests status, and set both to the result with Good = 1 Bad = 0)

Cheers for any ideas

[KS-Soft Europe]

You may use "Use Normal status if" option for both tests.
E.g. test named "TestActiveSQL" may use "Use Normal status if" option with expression like the following:
('%SuggestedSimpleStatus%'=='DOWN') AND ('%::TestPassiveSQL::SimpleStatus%'=='UP')
And vice verse: "Use Normal status if" option for test, named "TestPassiveSQL" may look like:
('%SuggestedSimpleStatus%'=='DOWN') AND ('%::TestActiveSQL::SimpleStatus%'=='UP')
With these option enabled, when one of test items will get "Bad" status, while another is "Ok", first test will get Normal status and no alerts will be triggered.

Also, you may use Master/Dependent tests.
E.g. "TestActiveSQL" may be set as Master test for "TestPassiveSQL".

Please check the manual or visit our web site for more information at:
Use Normal status option: http://www.ks-soft.net/hostmon.eng/mframe.htm#tests.htm#normalstatus
Master/Dependent tests: http://www.ks-soft.net/hostmon.eng/mframe.htm#tests.htm#Master

[jivetolkein]

Perfect, thank you - option 1 is what I was looking for.

The problem with option 2 is that either test could conceivably be the Active copy of the db server .. so the master / dependant order would have to change.

[KS-Soft Europe]

Maybe not so perfect....
"Normal" status is considered as "UP", so in case of two test are "Bad", both of them will become Normal.
It would be correct to use exect test status insteas of simple status:

"Use Normal status if" expression for "TestActiveSQL":
('%SuggestedSimpleStatus%'=='DOWN') AND ('%::TestPassiveSQL::Status%'=='Ok')
"Use Normal status if" expression for "TestPassiveSQL":
('%SuggestedSimpleStatus%'=='DOWN') AND ('%::TestActiveSQL::Status%'=='Ok')

Please note: some test methods may return Good status that differs from 'Ok' (E.g. Ping test returns Host is alive status). In such case just change this in expression.

[jivetolkein]

Ah, I see. A subtle difference but important - thanks for following this up!

[KS-Soft Europe]

You are welcome !