Patent ID: 8386830

Claim:
A server switching method for a server system that includes active servers, at least one standby server and a management server that are equipped with storage devices and process modules respectively and that are all connected through a network, the method comprising: the management server implementing the steps of: when receiving an event from the active server, judging whether or not is it possible for the standby server to perform the service of the active server based on server information held in a storage device; instructing the standby server to perform the service of the active server, if possible; judging whether or not disk image stored in advance in the storage device of the standby server lacks some pieces of software based on the server information and software management information; and if the disk images stored in advance in the storage device of the standby server lacks some pieces of software, the management server further performs steps of: comparing the time needed to install the lacking pieces of software with the time needed to deliver the disk image; installing the lacking pieces of software on the standby server and changing the setting values of the software if the time needed to install the lacking pieces of software on the standby server is shorter; and delivering the disk image to the standby server if the time needed to deliver the disk image to the standby server is shorter.