Final answer:
A golden image is a pre-configured template for virtual machines or servers, including an operating system and software, used to rapidly deploy consistent Web and application servers. Organizations use them for efficient management, scaling, and recovery.
Step-by-step explanation:
A golden image is a template for a virtual machine (VM), computer, or server that includes a pre-configured operating system and installed software. In the context of Web and application servers, a golden image might include a specific server operating system, web server software like Apache or Nginx, and application frameworks or runtimes such as Node.js or .NET.
When a business or organization refers to having golden images for their Web and application servers, they are indicating that they have standardized images which can be used to quickly deploy new instances with a consistent set of configurations and software. This practice simplifies management, improves consistency, and shortens the time needed to bring a new server online.
Therefore, in IT management, having golden images ensures that there is a baseline standard for all deployments and can greatly aid in rapid scaling and recovery efforts in the event of system failure or when bringing new servers into the production environment.