Patent ID: 7567990

Claim:
A method for use in managing operation of at least two database systems that both store a common portion of a relational database and that are configured to share a database workload against that relational database, the method comprising: receiving indication that a first one of the database systems is ceasing operation; and, in response taking a second one of the database systems to an operational state in which at least a portion of the database workload that is scheduled to be carried out by the first database system is transferred to the second database system; where receiving indication that the first database system is ceasing operation includes receiving indication that the first database is ceasing operation as a result of an unplanned shutdown, and in response: taking the second database system to a second operational state in which it carries out the portion of the database workload transferred to it in addition to at least some portion its own portion of the database workload and stores information indicating that the first database system ceased operation as a result of an unplanned shutdown; and then taking the second database system to a third operational state in which it continues to carry out the portion of the database workload transferred to it in addition to at least some portion its own portion of the database workload and stores information indicating that the first database system ceased operation as a result of a planned shutdown.