The present invention provides a framework for managing both clustering and data replication in a software system distributed across multiple nodes. The framework includes at least one agent running at nodes comprising the distributed system. The framework also includes a master to coordinate clustering and replication operations. The framework further includes a library of software programs, called primitives, that are used by agents to communicate with the master. The agent(s) obtain cluster status information and replication status information, which are used by the master to manage clustering and replication operations. The framework is designed to work with existing cluster management applications and data replication facilities. The framework provides status information needed for coordinating clustering and replication operations to ensure that applications and data remain in a consistent state for disaster recovery purposes.