What is a High Availability Cluster?
A high availability cluster, also referred to as a HA cluster, is a network of computers or servers working together to ensure that a systems remains continuously available. HA clustering, which is designed to protect against one single point of failure, recognizes and detects faults in a system's hardware or software application. When a fault or potential interruption does occur, an HA cluster will work to quickly and seamlessly prevent a complete system failure. Because there is not one single point of failure within the cluster, operations can continue without any noticeable interruptions to the user.
High availability clusters use a network of tightly linked computers, also known as a computer clusters. HA clusters have a minimum of two nodes or computers; a primary and a secondary. Each of these nodes is responsible for and capable of running the same critical system applications.
When an interruption or failure occurs in a critical application, high availability clustering will combat this by switching the operations of this application to one of the other computers or nodes within that cluster. This switching happens transparently and without the need for outside intervention.
High availability clusters can be utilized at various levels of a system, from the hardware all the way to system management and applications. This means that HA clusters that have multiple levels and layers are more reliable, dependable, and manageable.
Marathon Technologies offers a wide range high availability solution designed to eliminate your downtime and increase availability.