Final answer:
Fault-tolerance in cloud computing is the system's ability to continue functioning in case of component failures. This is done through redundancy, such as data replication and automatic switching to backups, to ensure high availability and reliability.
Step-by-step explanation:
Definition of Fault-Tolerance in Cloud Computing
Fault-tolerance in cloud computing refers to the ability of a system or infrastructure to continue operating properly in the event of the failure of some of its components. In the context of cloud services, this means ensuring that there is no interruption in service or loss of data if a server crashes or a network connection is lost. Cloud providers achieve fault-tolerance through redundancy, which involves duplicating critical components or functions so that if one fails, others can take over seamlessly. For example, data may be replicated across multiple servers in different geographic locations. These systems are designed to detect failures and automatically switch to backup systems without any noticeable effect on the user's experience. This is essential for businesses that rely on cloud services for mission-critical operations, ensuring high availability and reliability of their applications and data.