Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Reliability refers to the ability of a system or component to consistently perform its intended functions without failure over a specified period of time. It is often measured as Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) and Mean Time To Repair (MTTR).
Related terms
Availability: Availability refers to the percentage of time that a system is operational and accessible for use. It measures how often users can access and utilize the services provided by the system.
Durability: Durability relates to data storage systems and denotes how long data remains intact without being corrupted or lost. It is often measured in terms of Mean Time Between Data Loss (MTBDL).
Resilience: Resilience refers to the ability of a system or component to recover quickly and return to normal operation after a disruption or failure. It involves minimizing downtime and ensuring continuity of operations.