What is a key characteristic of high-availability computing?

A key characteristic of high-availability computing is that it promises continuous availability. This means that systems are designed and implemented in a way that minimizes downtime, ensuring that services remain accessible and functional even in the event of failures or maintenance. High-availability systems often incorporate redundancy, failover mechanisms, and real-time monitoring to maintain uptime and reduce the chance of service interruption.

While recovering quickly from crashes is an important aspect of high-availability computing, it is not the defining characteristic. The primary focus is on ensuring that systems are operational at all times, which includes preparation for unexpected failures. The other options touch upon aspects of high-availability computing, such as eliminating recovery time and using various systems for transaction processing, but the essence of high availability is about maintaining ongoing service without interruption.