What does "high availability" mean in the AWS context?

In the context of AWS, "high availability" refers to the ability of a system to remain operational and accessible, which is achieved by leveraging multiple availability zones. This configuration minimizes downtime and service interruptions by distributing resources across separate physical locations within a region. Each availability zone operates independently, so if one zone encounters an issue, the others can continue to function, allowing for seamless operation of applications and services.

This design strategy ensures that even if there is a failure in one part of the infrastructure, the overall system can still provide uninterrupted service to users. High availability is crucial for businesses that require constant access to their applications and data, as it enhances resilience and reliability, supporting critical operations without significant disruptions.

This understanding of high availability is fundamental for designing robust cloud architectures that can withstand failures while providing a continuous user experience.