High Availability
High Availability refers to computer systems or networks that are designed to keep running almost all the time, with very little downtime. Think of it like a store that's open 24/7 - customers can always get what they need. In the tech world, this means setting up systems so that if one part fails, backup systems take over automatically, preventing service interruptions. Companies need this for critical services like websites, email systems, or customer databases that must work reliably around the clock. It's similar to having a backup generator at a hospital - if the main power goes out, everything keeps running smoothly.
Examples in Resumes
Designed and implemented High Availability solutions for critical business applications
Maintained High Availability systems with 99.9% uptime
Led team in upgrading network infrastructure to support High Availability and HA requirements
Implemented High-Availability clustering for enterprise databases
Typical job title: "System Reliability Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find System Reliability Engineers
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you design a high availability solution for a critical business application?
Expected Answer: Should explain in non-technical terms how they would create backup systems, monitor for problems, and ensure automatic failover. Should mention considering different types of failures and how to prevent them.
Q: How do you measure and improve system availability?
Expected Answer: Should discuss ways to track system uptime, identify potential problems before they happen, and methods to minimize downtime during maintenance or upgrades.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What strategies do you use to prevent system downtime?
Expected Answer: Should describe backup systems, regular maintenance schedules, and monitoring tools they use to keep systems running smoothly.
Q: How do you handle emergency situations when systems go down?
Expected Answer: Should explain their problem-solving process, communication with stakeholders, and how they manage to get systems back online quickly.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is your understanding of high availability?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that it means keeping systems running with minimal interruptions and basic concepts of backup systems.
Q: What monitoring tools have you used to track system health?
Expected Answer: Should be familiar with basic monitoring concepts and how to tell when a system needs attention.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic system monitoring
- Understanding of backup systems
- Basic troubleshooting
- Documentation of procedures
Mid (2-5 years)
- Setting up redundant systems
- Disaster recovery planning
- Performance monitoring
- Emergency response handling
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex system architecture design
- Business continuity planning
- Team leadership in crisis situations
- Strategic infrastructure planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience with backup systems
- Lack of emergency response experience
- Poor communication skills during system outages
- No understanding of monitoring tools
- No experience with 24/7 support operations
Related Terms
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