Fault tolerance refers to the capability of a computer or network to continue to function when some component fails. Disk fault tolerance refers to methods of storing data on the disk in such as way as to create redundancy of the data, so that it can be retrieved or recreated if a disk fails. Fault tolerance is not a substitute for backing up your data, but should be used in conjunction with a regular backup schedule that includes offsite storage. Generally, a fault tolerance solution will enable you to get up and running again more quickly than if you have to restore from backup, but backups are another line of defense in case the entire computer fails or is destroyed by fire, flood, etc.

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