Method for managing cluster node-specific quorum roles

Abstract

A method for managing node-specific quorum roles in a cluster of nodes. The method comprises assigning a configuration change of node role attributes to a node in the cluster, with each attribute being represented by a bit of a binary value. The binary value corresponding to the specified node role attributes is converted to an integer value and the integer value is stored in a node record associated with the node. The node record is accessed to isolate each bit of the integer value associated with the node and the node role attributes assigned to the node are identified from each of the isolated bits of the integer value associated with the node. A determination of whether the configuration change can be safely supported by a configuration quorum of nodes required to represent the cluster's configuration accurately is made based on the identified node role attributes. An additional determination of whether a required operational quorum of nodes permits access to critical and shared resources is made based on the identified node role attributes. Endorsement for the configuration change is sought from subsystems that may be affected by the configuration change. The identified node role attributes are propagated to other nodes within the cluster.