Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies (AZ-300) Practice Exam

What is a significant con of having a single point of failure in system architecture?

1. It simplifies the configuration process

2. It enhances the overall performance

3. It creates significant risk of total system outage

4. It requires redundant backups

The correct answer is: It creates significant risk of total system outage

Having a single point of failure in system architecture presents a significant risk of total system outage because if that singular component fails—whether it's a server, a network link, or an application—there are no alternative resources to take over the failed function. This means that the entire system may become non-operational until the failure is resolved. Such a point of failure creates a critical vulnerability, as any downtime can lead to a complete halt in services, significant data loss, decreased customer confidence, and financial implications for the organization. In contrast, the other options relate to the characteristics and implications of a single point of failure but do not capture the inherent risk as directly. While a single point of failure might simplify configuration (making it easier to set up) and could theoretically enhance performance in the short term (fewer resources to manage), the overarching issue is that these benefits do not outweigh the dramatic risk posed by potential outages. Redundant backups are a measure typically employed to mitigate the risk of single points of failure, rather than a trait of systems that have them.