What does high availability mean? In the context of what we're trying to build, it means we want our database to start and remain online for as long as possible. A critical component of this is the hardware that hosts the database itself. No matter how perfect a machine and its parts may be, failure or unexpected behavior along any element can result in an outage.

So how do we avoid these unwanted outages? Expect them. We must start by assuming hardware can and will fail, and at the worst possible moment. If we start with that in mind, it becomes much easier to make decisions regarding the composition of each server we are building.

Make no mistake! Much of this planning will rely on worksheets, caveats, and compromise. Some of our choices will have several expensive options, and we will have to weigh the benefits offered against our total cost outlay. We want to build something stable, which is not always easy. Depending on the size of our company, our purchasing power, and available hosting choices, we may be in for a rather complicated path to that goal.

This chapter will attempt to paint a complete picture of a highly available environment in such a way that you can pick and choose the best solution without making too many detrimental compromises. Of course, we'll offer advice to what we believe is the best overall solution, but you don't always have to take our word for it.