We are considering the installation of two SQL 2000 Servers in an active-active configuration. The two servers will store the DBs on external drives.

If I understand this correctly:
1. This configuration requires two SQL Server installations with two different names.
2. DBs must be created EITHER on SERVER1 OR on SERVER2 (user must choose).
3. When SERVER1 is down, SERVER2 will respond to all the calls to SERVER1 (it takes over the name) and vice versa.

My problem is that all applications we have written depend on one SQL Server connection to one server. Is there a configuration/installation that would allow for TWO SQL Servers to respond to ONE name?

An option is an active-passive configuration, but that has one server sleeping most of the time. Any experience you have that you can share on this subject would be appreciated.

Thank you,