Need Advice on Second Server

[Anonymous]

For several reasons, the company I work for has approved for me to get a second OS X server (primarily for load balancing and failover).

I need advice on how I introduce this second server to the network and create a failover system.

Our current system:

1) OD Master
2) 10.4 Unlimited
3) AFP, DHCP, DNS, Firewall, Mail, NAT, OD, Web, Windows
4) 2 NIC’s, one with Real World IP and Private IP using NAT

More specifically, I need help with:

1) How does it get it’s directory authentication from our first server (OD Master).
2) I want to load balance, any suggestions on which services should be running on each server. My thought was Mail and Web on one and AFP and Windows on the other?
3) I would like a Failover system (automatic or not, either way is fine). I know it’s a contradiction to have Failover and Load balancing at the same time, but my thought is both systems would be clones of each other with the exception that each server would have certain services OFF to provide load balancing.

I know this is tough what I am asking. But primarily I want suggestions from those who have multiple OS X servers and what you have found to work best. Thanks in advance, it is much appreciated.

[Author]

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