PTC recommends two classes of cluster configurations depending on individual needs. The first class of cluster configuration is where every node in the cluster is identical. Each node in the cluster can negotiate to become a cache master. This type of cluster is referred to as identical nodes cluster. The second class of cluster configuration is where separate slave and master nodes are configured. This allows separate dedicated cache master and dedicated foreground cache slave nodes. This type of cluster is referred to as a dedicated masters cluster.

All cluster nodes of Windchill must be configured similarly so that any one of them can respond to the same request with the same response. Clients access this system as if it were a single server though there are several servers responding to the requests.

To configure a Windchill environment for clustering, review the following sections and complete the instructions in the sections as they apply to your environment: