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VMware HA (High Availability)

Definition

VMware HA (High Availability)

VMware HA (High Availability) is a utility that eliminates the need for dedicated standby hardware and software in a virtualized environment. The utility is part of a virtualization suite called VMware Infrastructure 3. In IT (information technology), the term high availability refers to a system or component that is continuously operational for long periods.

Key features of VMware HA include:

Proactive monitoring of all physical servers and virtual machines
Automatic detection of server failure
Rapid restart of virtual machines affected by server failure
Optimal placement of virtual machines after server failure
Scalable availability up to 32 nodes across multiple servers

VMware, a subsidiary of EMC Corporation, is headquartered in Palo Alto, California and provides virtualization software for x86-compatible computers.

Related glossary terms: affinity rules, VMware vLockstep

This was last updated in March 2008

Posted by: Margaret Rouse

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More News and Tutorials

Navigate VM availability acronyms: VMware HA vs. FT and SRM vs. VADP

VMware's options for virtual machine availability and backup can look like an alphabet soup. Get a handle on VMware VADP, SRM, HA and FT features.
How to meet VMware FT requirements for hardware, storage and networking

VMware FT ensures that critical VMs never fail. With a 10 Gb/sec network and other storage hardware requirements, however, it requires some prep work.
Are you a VMware FT and HA master? Take the quiz to find out

Many VMware shops need high availability or fault-tolerant virtualization. Do you know enough about VMware HA and FT to protect your infrastructure?

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