A high availability database is a database that is designed to operate with no interruptions in service, even if there are hardware outages or network problems. High availability databases often exceed even what’s stipulated in a service level agreement.

A high availability database ensures greater uptime by eliminating single points of failure, ensuring a reliable crossover between redundant systems and detecting failures right away, such as through environmental problems or hardware or software failures.

Typical high availability database features include server or node failover, hot standby, data replication and distributed microservice architecture.

Many businesses today have critical databases and applications, such as data warehouses and ecommerce applications that require high availability. High availability databases are important to reduce the risk of losing revenue or dissatisfied customers.