Clustering and load balancing
Applies To: Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2
Clustering ensures the availability of critical services by using a group of computers, or cluster, instead of a single computer. Each computer in a cluster is called a node. Clustering enhances the fault tolerance and scalability of a system by allowing one or more nodes to be removed from service without hindering system operation. Clustering is usually part of a larger load balancing process in which content requests are distributed among the nodes to spread the workload evenly.