Failover is a strategy to reduce downtime caused by hardware failure in computer applications. It involves distributing the application across multiple sets of hardware. Disaster recovery planning includes failover techniques for computer hardware, networks, and electrical energy. Failover services are sold as a premium feature in data centers and require duplicate hardware and software licenses. Backup power and gas generators are important features for failover design. Software failover has limitations and does not account for power and network issues.
Computer applications run on computer hardware made up of highly complex electrical machinery. These servers, like any mechanical equipment, have a limited life expectancy before failure. Computer failover is a strategy in which a computer application is distributed across multiple sets of hardware to reduce the likelihood of downtime. This limits unnecessary losses due to hardware failure because the system will continue to function even after a single server crashes.
Many large organizations use computer clusters to manage their technology system. This approach typically includes redundant systems and a failover plan. Failover is a more expensive option than a single server design because it requires duplicate hardware and software licenses.
Disaster recovery is the technical term used for failover planning and design techniques. This is not limited to computer hardware. Advanced services are also available for networks and electrical energy for buildings. Most commercial data centers offer failover capabilities to applications hosted within the building. Failover services are considered an optional feature for a data center and are typically sold as a premium service.
It is important to define the failover requirements of a machine application before it is deployed. This type of planning would typically be too complex and difficult to implement after deployment.
Backup power is an important feature for failover design. This typically includes building management services that allow commercial energy sources into a building. This approach reduces the likelihood of a complete power outage because two electrical supplies are available to the building.
Gas generators are another option often used in disaster recovery. These generators should be located near the company’s computer equipment to ensure that adequate power is available. Generators provide short-term backup power while main power is restored and typically run on diesel fuel.
Software failover is another option in system design used in disaster recovery. This approach requires loading a software application onto two computers using special load balancing equipment. The software approach has limitations because it does not account for power and network issues.
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