SRE recoverability.
A recoverable cloud architecture is one that is resilient, resulting in fewer downtime events. It also ensures backups and disaster recovery mechanisms to keep the same level of service despite the disruption.
Why would you want recoverability in SRE?
‘Recoverability’ is a key aspect of any SRE software. Without the ability to recover from disruptions, including natural disasters, cyber-attacks or human errors, your software products are vulnerable to a complete shutdown. This affects the lives of customers and users alike, particularly in essential service sectors.
How does a recoverable SRE work?
An SRE is an automated management solution or response that is designed into the cloud architecture in preparation for a disaster event. It may be decided to take automatic snapshots of your system or reach out to certain individuals in case of a failure. When a disaster does happen, the SRE, which has been running in the background preparing, can implement the fail-safes and automate procedures for dealing with customer complaints, often curtailing the need to complain altogether.
The value of recoverability in SRE
Designing from an SRE standpoint, you can determine the following:
- A list of recovery requirements based on business objectives, regulatory requirements and customer expectations. That is, what do you need to recover in case of an emergency?
- An evaluation of the cloud service provider's ability to back up essential files. How many backups does your system make, and are they enough in the case of a ‘crash’?
- The ability to automate backup and recovery procedures, including multiple copies of data. Note that this doesn’t mean saving multiple copies but rather designing a reboot system that takes constant snapshots of the cloud architecture.
- Whether you have the ability to test and validate recovery mechanisms periodically.
- Can your system be constantly improved based on findings and feedback?
Main advantages of recoverability in SRE
- Ensures business continuity
- Protects critical data
- Maintenance compliance
- Saves on cost
- Designed cloud infrastructure can minimise downtime and data loss
- Protect against external threats
- Avoid costly penalties
- Maintain customer trust.
A common user story
“As a Product Manager, creating a recoverable cloud architecture is essential. By defining recovery requirements, evaluating cloud service providers, designing a recoverable architecture, testing and validating the recovery mechanisms, and continuously improving the architecture, we can help our organization ensure business continuity, protect critical data, maintain compliance, and save costs.”
Any questions?
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