2ndQuadrant is excited to announce the launch of repmgr 2.0 beta, our open source tool for creating and managing replication node clusters, written in C.

Utilizing the integrated replication method introduced in PostgreSQL 9.0, repmgr creates and configures clusters to your standbys. It also allows for automatically designating a new master from the standbys -on a failover situation- without destroying the whole cluster, while checking to insure the designated new master is the most up to date.

Based on requirements from industry needs, the 2ndQuadrant team updated the tool to incorporate several key features:

• Automatic failover configuration and execution of the a user supplied script to manage complex situations, while still allowing for manual intervention where necessary
• Cleaner failover server identification
• Cluster clean-up of the monitoring table or disabling the monitoring facility completely

“Clustering is an important part of maintaining a healthy PostgreSQL environment” says Jaime Casanova, chief contributor to the tool, “repmgr 2.0 gives you the opportunity to configure a more streamlined failover process for when you need it.”

For more information, you can check out Jaime’s blog post: http://blog.2ndquadrant.com/managing-useful-clusters-repmgr/

To download your own copy of repmgr 2.0 beta: http://www.repmgr.org/

REDMOND, Wash. — Aug. 29, 2012 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that Stephen Schueler will join the company as corporate vice president of Retail Sales and Marketing. In his position, Schueler will be responsible for driving demand through global retail partners and ensuring customers receive a great service experience.

Schueler joins Microsoft from Procter & Gamble, where he most recently served as general manager for the Global Retail Operations Group responsible for global merchandising, promotion, and the third-party selling organizations. He will report to Chris Capossela, Chief Marketing Officer for Microsoft.

“I am pleased to have someone with Steve’s talent and deep experience leading our retail sales and marketing efforts,” said Capossela. “Steve is joining us at a pivotal moment for the company as we prepare to deliver Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, and the new Office, as well as new Xbox 360 and Kinect experiences such as ‘Halo 4’ and ‘Nike+ Kinect.’”

“Microsoft has a strong history of partnering with the world’s most successful retail organizations,” said Schueler. “I look forward to deepening our relationships as we enter the most exciting launch season in Microsoft’s history. This is an incredible opportunity to draw upon my 24 years of retail experience at P&G and apply my learnings to the innovative world of technology.”

Schueler joined Procter & Gamble in 1988. Prior to leading Global Retail Operations he served as general manager of Procter & Gamble’s Eastern Europe Distribution Company, where he helped set the go-to-market strategy, vision, and planning for the organization. Steve has a long history with international business after working in the US, Latin America, Asia, and Eastern Europe.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.