Integer 

Static 

None 

1 or >= the number of instances in the cluster. (Values other than 1 have no effect on the active or standby status of any instances.) 

You must set this parameter for every instance, and multiple instances must have the same value. 

Note: This parameter functions only in a cluster with only two instances.  

ACTIVE_INSTANCE_COUNT lets you designate one instance in a two-instance cluster as the primary instance and the other instance as the secondary instance. This parameter has no functionality in a cluster with more than two instances.

When you set this parameter to 1, the first instance you start up becomes the primary instance and accepts client connections. The second instance starts up as a secondary instance, and can accept client connections only if the first instance fails. In such an event, the secondary instance becomes the primary instance.

When the failed instance can once again be started up, it starts up as the secondary instance, and will not accept client connections unless the now-primary instance fails. 

See Also: Oracle8i Parallel Server Setup and Configuration Guide for more information on setting this parameter.