Define ‘failover’ in mission-critical systems.

Failover in mission-critical systems refers to the process of automatically switching to a redundant or standby system when the primary system fails. This mechanism is crucial for maintaining operational continuity, ensuring that services remain available even in the event of a failure. In mission-critical environments, where downtime can lead to significant losses or disruption, having an effective failover strategy is essential.

When the primary system encounters a problem—be it hardware failure, software crash, or any other issue that prevents it from functioning correctly—the failover process kicks in, redirecting workloads and operations to the backup system. This can happen seamlessly and often without any manual intervention, which is vital for minimizing downtime and maintaining service levels.

Understanding failover is integral for professionals working in mission-critical environments because it directly impacts the reliability and availability of their systems. By employing effective failover strategies, organizations can protect themselves against unexpected failures and maintain business continuity.