Abstract

A method of managing an active-passive topology in a distributed computing environment comprising a plurality of systems each having a token manager connected to a common resource accessible by all of the systems comprising a token pool of tokens. The token manager locks the token pool and checks the token pool for an available token. When a token is available, the token manager leases the available token and unlocks the token pool. The token manager designates the system as an active system and alters an owner of the token to the active system. The token manager of the active system updates a leasing time of the token leased during use of the token by the active system and in response to an active system deactivation or stoppage, the token manager locks the token pool to return the token to the token pool and unlocking the token pool.