Configuring SQL Server Failover Partner for mirroring

Owned by Kiss, Mate
May 24, 2022
2 min read


Verba supports SQL Server mirroring configurations. The mirror database can be added to the so-called "Connection String". This string is used by the SQL Server client libraries, and if it contains the Failover Partner information, then after the original principal server goes down, the library will automatically reconnect to the new principal server.

Using this method, the mirror databases are configured in advance, so no additional configuration is required when the database roles are switched, and no service restart is needed.

After a role switch, each Verba component's each database connection will be invalid, and the next database query will fail. Again, that will not cause any loss in regards to the recorded data, because when a SQL query fails, the recorder services put the data to their cache, and will try to synchronize later. The web interface periodically tests the database connections, and if a connection is invalid, it tries to reconnect to the database. As a result, the interface will be usable in a few seconds after the roles switched.

Follow the steps below to configure this option:

Step 1 - Install the Microsoft ODBC Driver compatible with your SQL Server on the Verba servers. For more information see Prerequisites.

Step 2 - On the Verba web interface, click on Administration / Verba Servers and select your server, or select the appropriate Configuration Profile at Administration / Configuration Profiles.

Step 3 - Click on the Change Configuration Settings tab.

Step 4 - Expand Database Connection and enter the IP address or hostname of the mirror database into Database Failover Partner.

Step 5 - Change the Database Driver to ODBC Driver 17 for SQL Server (the version might be different in your install).

Step 6 - Save the changes by clicking on the  icon.

Step 7 - A notification banner will appear on the top. Click on the click here link, so you will be redirected to the Configuration Tasks tab. Click on the Execute button in order to execute the changes.

Step 8 - Repeat the steps on each Verba server and/or configuration profile.