Windows Server 2008 High Availability Program

The Windows Server 2008 High Availability Program describes hardware and testing requirements for 64-bit server systems running Windows Server 2008 versions for Enterprise and Datacenter x64 and for Intel Itanium-based systems. Server systems that qualify for this program are listed in the Windows Server Catalog.

To qualify for the High Availability Program, hardware and software components must pass the following applicable tests:

• Every kernel-mode software component that an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) includes in a server system running Windows Server 2008 must be tested and must have a Microsoft signature.

• Any device and driver that has an applicable Windows Logo Program device category must meet that device category's Logo Program requirements and must be tested in accordance with the test requirements for that device category.

• Devices and associated drivers for which no Windows Logo Program device category or tests exist must be tested by using the Unclassified test program and must receive a Microsoft signature.

• Applications or utilities that an OEM includes in those systems that have kernel-mode components (such as drivers and DLLs) must undergo the kernel-mode components tests by using the Unclassified test program and must receive a Microsoft signature.

• The kernel-mode components of any product must be qualified by submitting the kernel-mode components through the WinQual submission site under the Universal/Unclassified category and must receive a Microsoft signature.

• The hardware components of the system include features and functionality specifically designed to improve reliability and availability, such as supporting "N+1 and Hot Swap" capability or other forms of redundancy.

A system that is qualified for the Windows Server 2008 High Availability Program is indicated by the "High Availability" Additional Qualification notation that is visible as part of the system entry in the Windows Server Catalog.

Note: The High Availability Program requirements do not represent the minimum system requirements for running any version of the Windows family of operating systems. This document does not address licensing, support, services, or other programmatic requirements for OEMs and other vendors.