---
canonical: https://safekit.evidian.com/
part 2 of 3
topics: Comparison of SafeKit with Traditional High Availability (HA) Clusters, Architectural Differentiators: SafeKit Software-Defined vs. Hardware HA Clusters, Key Differentiators of the SafeKit Mirror Cluster, Key Differentiators of the SafeKit Farm Cluster, VM High Availability: SafeKit's SAN-Less vs. Hyper-V/VMware HA
---

## Comparison of SafeKit with Traditional High Availability (HA) Clusters

### How does SafeKit compare to traditional High Availability (HA) cluster solutions?

This comparison highlights the fundamental differences between SafeKit and traditional High Availability (HA) cluster solutions like Failover Clusters, Virtualization HA, and SQL Always-On. SafeKit is designed as a low-complexity, software-only solution for generic application redundancy, contrasting with the high complexity and specific storage requirements (shared storage, SAN) typical of traditional HA mechanisms.

Comparison of SafeKit with traditional High Availability (HA) clusters

| Solutions | Complexity | Comments |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Failover Cluster (Microsoft) | High | Specific Storage (shared storage, SAN) |
| Virtualization (VMware HA) | High | Specific Storage (shared storage, SAN, vSAN) |
| SQL Always-On (Microsoft) | High | Only SQL is redundant, requires SQL Enterprise Edition |
| SafeKit | Low | Simplest, generic and software-only. Unsuitable for large data replication. |

#### SafeKit's Advantage in Application Redundancy

SafeKit achieves its low-complexity High Availability through a simple, software-based mirroring mechanism that eliminates the need for expensive, dedicated hardware like a SAN (Storage Area Network). This makes it a highly accessible solution for quickly implementing application redundancy without complex infrastructure changes.

## Architectural Differentiators: SafeKit Software-Defined vs. Hardware HA Clusters

### Which High Availability Architecture Is Right for You: SafeKit Software Clustering or Traditional Hardware Clustering?

Choosing the right High Availability (HA) solution is critical for ensuring business continuity and minimizing downtime. This comparison provides a direct, technical review of two major architectural approaches: SafeKit's software-defined, shared-nothing clustering versus Traditional HA methods that typically rely on hardware, shared disks (like a SAN), and complex configurations. These distinctions cover deployment simplicity, data replication methods, recovery speed (RTO/RPO), and operational complexity. The tables below detail the core differences across key high availability topics.

[Software Clustering vs. Hardware Clustering More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/clustering-software-vs-hardware-clustering/)

| SafeKit (Software Clustering) | Hardware Clustering |
| --- | --- |
| Diagram showing a simple software cluster with the SafeKit package installed on two servers, eliminating the need for external hardwareDiagram showing a simple software cluster with the SafeKit package installed on two servers, eliminating the need for external hardware  * A simple software cluster with the SafeKit package just installed on two servers | Diagram of a complex hardware clustering setup requiring external shared storage (SAN) and network load balancersDiagram of a complex hardware clustering setup requiring external shared storage (SAN) and network load balancers  * Complex hardware clustering with external storage or network load balancers |

[Shared Nothing vs. a Shared Disk Cluster More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/shared-nothing-architecture-vs-shared-disk-architecture/)

| SafeKit (Shared Nothing Cluster) | Shared Disk Cluster |
| --- | --- |
| Illustration of SafeKit's shared-nothing cluster utilizing synchronous replication for easy deployment, including across remote sitesIllustration of SafeKit's shared-nothing cluster utilizing synchronous replication for easy deployment, including across remote sites  * SafeKit is a shared-nothing cluster: easy to deploy even in remote sites | Diagram depicting a shared disk cluster architecture, highlighting the complexity and local site limitations of the setupDiagram depicting a shared disk cluster architecture, highlighting the complexity and local site limitations of the setup  * A shared disk cluster is complex to deploy |

[Application High Availability vs. Full Virtual Machine High Availability More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/vm-ha-vs-application-ha/)

| Application High Availability | Virtual Machine High Availability |
| --- | --- |
| Diagram illustrating High Availability at the application level with specific application monitoringDiagram illustrating High Availability at the application level with specific application monitoring  * Application HA supports hardware failure and software failure with application checkers. * Quick recovery time by restarting only the application ([RTO around 1 mn or less](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/what-is-rpo-and-rto-with-examples/)). * Application HA requires to define restart scripts per application and folders to replicate (SafeKit application modules). | Diagram illustrating High Availability at the full virtual machine level, requiring a complete VM reboot upon failureDiagram illustrating High Availability at the full virtual machine level, requiring a complete VM reboot upon failure  * Full virtual machines HA supports hardware failure and some software failures like a frozen VM. * VM reboot on failure and recovery time depending on the OS reboot. * No restart scripts to define with full virtual machines HA (SafeKit [hyperv.safe](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/hyper-v-replication-automatic-failover-load-balancing/safekit-quick-installation-guide-with-hyper-v/) or [kvm.safe](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/linux-kvm-high-availability-replication-automatic-failover-load-balancing/safekit-quick-installation-guide-with-kvm/) modules). Hypervisors are active/active with just multiple virtual machines. |

[High Availability vs. Fault Tolerance More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/high-availability-cluster-vs-fault-tolerant-system/)

| SafeKit (High Availability) | Fault Tolerance |
| --- | --- |
| SafeKit High Availability configuration with two mirrored, non-dedicated servers for active-active capabilitySafeKit High Availability configuration with two mirrored, non-dedicated servers for active-active capability  * No dedicated server with SafeKit. Each [server can be the failover server of the other one](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/active-active-cluster-real-time-replication/). * Software failure with restart in another OS environment. * Smooth upgrade of application and OS possible server by server (version N and N+1 can coexist) | Illustration of a Fault Tolerance system where the secondary server is dedicated and synchronized at the instruction levelIllustration of a Fault Tolerance system where the secondary server is dedicated and synchronized at the instruction level  * Secondary server dedicated to the execution of the same application synchronized at the instruction level. * Software exception on both servers at the same time. * Smooth upgrade not possible * Specific fault-tolerant hardware or hypervisors |

[Synchronous Replication vs. Asynchronous Replication More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/synchronous-replication-vs-asynchronous-replication/)

| SafeKit (Synchronous Replication) | Asynchronous Replication |
| --- | --- |
| SafeKit synchronous replication method ensuring zero data loss (RPO=0) upon failureSafeKit synchronous replication method ensuring zero data loss (RPO=0) upon failure  * SafeKit implements real-time synchronous replication with no data loss in case of failure * Prerequisite for high availability | Diagram showing asynchronous replication, which carries a risk of data loss on server failureDiagram showing asynchronous replication, which carries a risk of data loss on server failure  * With asynchronous replication, there is data loss on failure * Not suited for high availability but for backup solutions |

[Byte-level File Replication vs. Block-level Disk Replication More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/byte-level-file-replication-vs-block-level-disk-replication/)

| SafeKit (Byte-level File Replication) | Block-level Disk Replication |
| --- | --- |
| Byte-level file replication, easily configured with application directories, even on the system diskByte-level file replication, easily configured with application directories, even on the system disk  * SafeKit implements real-time byte-level file replication and is simply configured with application directories to replicate even in the system disk | Block-level disk replication method requiring dedicated disk space and complex configurationBlock-level disk replication method requiring dedicated disk space and complex configuration  * Block-level disk replication is complex to configure and requires to put application data in a special disk |

[Heartbeat, Failover, and Quorum to Avoid 2 Master Nodes More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/heartbeat-failover-quorum-windows-linux-aix-cluster/)

| SafeKit | Traditional HA |
| --- | --- |
| SafeKit's simple quorum solution using a split brain checker configured on a network router to prevent dual master issuesSafeKit's simple quorum solution using a split brain checker configured on a network router to prevent dual master issues  * To avoid 2 masters, SafeKit proposes a simple split brain checker configured on a router | Complex quorum methods used by other clusters, often requiring a third machine, dedicated quorum disk, or special interconnect hardwareComplex quorum methods used by other clusters, often requiring a third machine, dedicated quorum disk, or special interconnect hardware  * To avoid 2 masters, other clusters require a complex configuration with a third machine, a special quorum disk, a special interconnect |

[Virtual IP Address: Primary/Secondary, Network Load Balancing, Failover More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/how-a-virtual-ip-address-works/)

| SafeKit | Traditional HA |
| --- | --- |
| SafeKit cluster operation requiring no dedicated proxy servers or special network configuration for virtual IP address managementSafeKit cluster operation requiring no dedicated proxy servers or special network configuration for virtual IP address management  * No dedicated proxy servers and no special network configuration are required in a SafeKit cluster for virtual IP addresses | Diagram showing the requirement for special network configuration in other clusters for virtual IP addressesDiagram showing the requirement for special network configuration in other clusters for virtual IP addresses  * Special network configuration is required in other clusters for virtual IP addresses. Note that SafeKit offers a health check adapted to load balancers |

#### Summary and Key Takeaways for High Availability

The architectural choice between software clustering (like SafeKit) and hardware clustering (traditional shared-disk/SAN) significantly impacts deployment complexity, operational costs, and recovery effectiveness. The key takeaway from this comparison is the shift toward shared-nothing, application-level HA which prioritizes rapid application recovery (low RTO) and deployment flexibility (even across remote sites), often resulting in a more streamlined and resilient solution than highly complex, hardware-dependent cluster configurations. For maximum business continuity with simplified management, evaluating a software-based approach is essential.

## Key Differentiators of the SafeKit Mirror Cluster

### What are the key features and advantages of the SafeKit Mirror Cluster for High Availability (HA)?

Traditional clustering solutions often suffer from high complexity, reliance on costly shared storage (SAN), and difficult management. The SafeKit Mirror Cluster is engineered to solve these problems by offering a software-defined, shared-nothing architecture. This approach not only ensures zero data loss (RPO=0) through synchronous file replication but also dramatically reduces deployment time and expense. The following table breaks down the core features that make SafeKit a flexible, cost-effective, and unified solution for mission-critical applications on Windows and Linux.

SafeKit Mirror Cluster Core Features and Benefits

| Feature Category & Advantage | Detailed Benefit and Mechanism |
| --- | --- |
| [3 products in 1 More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/clustering-software-vs-hardware-clustering/) Diagram illustrating cost savings by replacing 3 products with SafeKitDiagram illustrating cost savings by replacing 3 products with SafeKit | * The SafeKit high availability software saves costs on Windows and Linux by eliminating the need for:   1. external shared or replicated storage,   2. load balancing boxes,   3. enterprise editions of OS and databases. * SafeKit includes all clustering features: synchronous real-time file replication, monitoring of server / network / software failures, automatic application restart, and virtual IP address switching to reroute clients upon failure. |
| [Very simple configuration More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/cluster-configuration/) Simple cluster configuration via a centralized web administration consoleSimple cluster configuration via a centralized web administration console | * The cluster configuration is very simple and achieved by means of application modules. New services and replicated directories can be easily added to an existing module. * All cluster configuration is managed using a simple centralized web administration console. * There is no domain controller or Active Directory configuration required, unlike with Microsoft cluster solutions. |
| [Synchronous replication More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/synchronous-replication-vs-asynchronous-replication/) Diagram of two servers performing synchronous real-time replicationDiagram of two servers performing synchronous real-time replication | * The real-time replication is synchronous, guaranteeing no data loss upon failure. * This is not the case with asynchronous replication, which carries a risk of data loss. |
| [Fully automated failback More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/file-replication-byte-level-with-failover-mirror-cluster/#step3) Diagram showing the automatic failback process after a server restartDiagram showing the automatic failback process after a server restart | * After a server reboots following a failure, the replication failback procedure is fully automatic, and the failed server reintegrates the cluster without stopping the application on the remaining server. * This is not the case with most replication solutions (especially database-level replication), where manual operations are required, and the application may even need to be stopped during resynchronization. |
| [Replication of any type of data More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/file-replication-byte-level-with-failover-mirror-cluster/#step1) Icon illustrating support for any replicated file typeIcon illustrating support for any replicated file type | * Replication works for databases as well as for any other files that need to be replicated. * This is not the case for replication performed only at the database level. |
| [File replication vs disk replication More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/byte-level-file-replication-vs-block-level-disk-replication/) Diagram comparing file replication and disk replication methodsDiagram comparing file replication and disk replication methods | * Replication is based on file directories that can be located anywhere (even on the system disk). * This is not the case with disk replication, which requires special application configuration to place data on a dedicated disk. |
| [File replication vs shared disk More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/shared-nothing-architecture-vs-shared-disk-architecture/) Diagram comparing file replication (shared-nothing) and shared disk clustersDiagram comparing file replication (shared-nothing) and shared disk clusters | * The servers can be placed in two remote sites (Shared-Nothing architecture). * This is not the case with shared disk solutions, which require close proximity. |
| [Remote sites and virtual IP address More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/how-a-virtual-ip-address-works/) Diagram illustrating virtual IP address usage across two remote sitesDiagram illustrating virtual IP address usage across two remote sites | * All SafeKit clustering features work for two servers in remote sites. Replication requires an extended LAN type network (latency affects synchronous replication performance; bandwidth affects resynchronization after failure). * If both servers are connected to the same IP network through an extended LAN, the SafeKit virtual IP address works with Layer 2 rerouting. * If both servers are connected to two different IP networks, the virtual IP address can be configured at the load balancer level using SafeKit's "health check." |
| [Quorum and split brain More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/heartbeat-failover-quorum-windows-linux-aix-cluster/) Diagram showing the split-brain checker solution for quorum with remote sitesDiagram showing the split-brain checker solution for quorum with remote sites | * The solution works with only two servers. For the quorum (network isolation between sites), a simple split brain checker to a router is offered to support a single execution of the critical application. * This is not the case for most clustering solutions where a third server or witness is required for the quorum. |
| [Active/active cluster More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/active-active-cluster-real-time-replication/) Diagram of an active-active mirror cluster setupDiagram of an active-active mirror cluster setup | * The secondary server is not dedicated solely to the restart of the primary server. The cluster can be active-active by running two different mirror modules concurrently. * This is not the case with a [fault-tolerant system](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/high-availability-cluster-vs-fault-tolerant-system/) where the secondary is dedicated to running the exact same application synchronized at the instruction level. |
| [Uniform high availability solution More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/clustering-software-load-balancing-mirroring/) Diagram illustrating the uniform HA solution with farm and mirror clustersDiagram illustrating the uniform HA solution with farm and mirror clusters | * SafeKit implements a mirror cluster (replication and failover) and a farm cluster ([load balancing and failover](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/network-load-balancing-cluster/)). * Thus, a N-tiers architecture can be made highly available and load balanced with the same solution on Windows and Linux (same installation, configuration, administration via the SafeKit console or command line interface). This unified approach is unique. * This is not the case with architectures mixing different technologies for load balancing, replication, and failover. |
| [RTO / RPO More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/what-is-rpo-and-rto-with-examples/) Diagram showing RPO (Recovery Point Objective) and RTO (Recovery Time Objective) metricsDiagram showing RPO (Recovery Point Objective) and RTO (Recovery Time Objective) metrics | * SafeKit implements quick application restart in case of failure: around 1 minute or less (low RTO). * Quick application restart is not ensured with [full virtual machine replication](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/vm-ha-vs-application-ha/). In case of hypervisor failure, a full VM must be rebooted on a new hypervisor, with a recovery time dependent on the OS reboot (as with VMware HA or Hyper-V cluster). |

#### Summary of SafeKit Mirror Cluster Benefits for High Availability

In summary, the SafeKit mirror cluster delivers a compelling high availability solution through its shared-nothing architecture and synchronous file replication. By offering a unified platform that bundles replication, monitoring, and failover/failback mechanisms, it successfully addresses critical enterprise needs like zero data loss (RPO=0) and fast Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) of around 1 minute or less. Its simplicity, lack of dependency on expensive SANs or enterprise OS editions, and ability to handle remote sites and active-active configurations make it a highly cost-effective and flexible alternative to complex traditional cluster solutions.

## Key Differentiators of the SafeKit Farm Cluster

### What are the key differentiators of the SafeKit Farm Cluster for load balancing and failover?

The SafeKit Farm Cluster is a high availability solution specifically designed for scalable application environments where load distribution and rapid failover are essential. Unlike traditional methods that require dedicated hardware load balancers or complex network configurations, SafeKit provides an integrated, software-defined clustering solution installed directly on the application servers. The following table details the core features and unique advantages of the SafeKit Farm Cluster, focusing on how it simplifies network load balancing and ensures continuous service availability across Windows and Linux platforms.

Key Differentiators of SafeKit Farm Cluster with Load Balancing and Failover

| Feature Category & Advantage | Detailed Benefit and Mechanism |
| --- | --- |
| [No load balancer or dedicated proxy servers or special multicast Ethernet address More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/how-a-virtual-ip-address-works/#farm) Diagram showing the SafeKit Farm Cluster operating without external load balancers or dedicated proxy serversDiagram showing the SafeKit Farm Cluster operating without external load balancers or dedicated proxy servers | * The solution does not require load balancers or dedicated proxy servers above the farm for implementing load balancing. SafeKit is installed directly on the application servers in the farm. The load balancing is based on a standard virtual IP address/Ethernet MAC address and is working with physical servers or virtual machines on Windows and Linux without special network configuration * This is not the case with network load balancers * This is not the case with dedicated proxies on Linux * This is not the case with a [specific multicast Ethernet address](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/microsoft-nlb-vmware-multicast-unicast-alternative/) on Windows |
| [All clustering features More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/network-load-balancing-cluster/) Icon illustrating cost savings by bundling all necessary clustering and failover features into one SafeKit solutionIcon illustrating cost savings by bundling all necessary clustering and failover features into one SafeKit solution | * The solution includes all clustering features: virtual IP address, load balancing on client IP address or on sessions, monitoring of server / network / software failures, automatic application restart with a quick revovery time and a [replication option with a mirror module](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/file-replication-byte-level-with-failover-mirror-cluster/) * This is not the case with other load balancing solutions. They are able to make load balancing but they do not include a full clustering solution with restart scripts and automatic application restart in case of failure. They do not offer a replication option * The cluster configuration is very simple and made by means of [application modules](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/cluster-configuration/). There is no domain controller or active directory to configure on Windows. The solution works on Windows and Linux |
| [Remote sites and virtual IP address More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/how-a-virtual-ip-address-works/#farm) Diagram illustrating how SafeKit uses a virtual IP address across remote sites for load balancing and failoverDiagram illustrating how SafeKit uses a virtual IP address across remote sites for load balancing and failover | * If servers are connected to the same IP network through an extended LAN between remote sites, the [virtual IP address](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/how-a-virtual-ip-address-works/) of SafeKit is working with load balancing at level 2 * If servers are connected to different IP networks between remote sites, the virtual IP address can be configured at the level of a load balancer with the help of the SafeKit health check. Thus you can implement load balancing but also all the clustering features of SafeKit, in particular monitoring and automatic recovery of the critical application on application servers |
| [Uniform high availability solution More info >](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/clustering-software-load-balancing-mirroring/) Diagram showing the unified SafeKit platform supporting both farm (load balancing) and mirror (replication) cluster architecturesDiagram showing the unified SafeKit platform supporting both farm (load balancing) and mirror (replication) cluster architectures | * SafeKit implements a farm cluster with load balancing and failover. But it implements also a [mirror cluster with replication and failover](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/file-replication-byte-level-with-failover-mirror-cluster/). * Thus a N-tiers architecture can be made highly available and load balanced with the same solution on Windows and Linux (same installation, configuration, administration with the SafeKit console or with the command line interface). This is unique on the market * This is not the case with an architecture mixing different technologies for load balancing, replication and failover |

#### Summary of SafeKit Farm Cluster Benefits for Load Balancing

In conclusion, the SafeKit Farm Cluster provides a unified, software-based approach to load balancing and high availability that dramatically lowers complexity and cost. By embedding load balancing and failover directly into the application server layer using a standard virtual IP address, it avoids the need for external network hardware (load balancers or proxies) and specialized multicast configurations. This integrated approach, coupled with its ability to combine with the mirror cluster for full N-tiers HA, makes SafeKit a uniquely simple and comprehensive solution for achieving scalable and resilient application delivery across diverse environments.

## VM High Availability: SafeKit's SAN-Less vs. Hyper-V/VMware HA

### What is the difference between SafeKit VM High Availability and Traditional Shared Storage Clusters (Hyper-V Cluster and VMware HA)?

Choosing the right Virtual Machine (VM) High Availability (HA) solution is critical for maintaining business continuity. IT organizations often face a primary architectural choice: utilizing traditional HA clusters, which require expensive Shared Storage like a Storage Area Network (SAN), or adopting modern, software-based solutions that eliminate this dependency. This comparison provides a detailed breakdown of the key differences between the diskless, real-time replication approach of SafeKit (using its Hyper-V and KVM modules) and the classical shared-disk clustering architectures typified by Microsoft Hyper-V Cluster and VMware HA.

Architectural Comparison: SafeKit Non-Shared Storage HA vs. Traditional SAN-Based Clusters

| SafeKit (with Hyper-V or KVM Module) | Microsoft Hyper-V Cluster & VMware HA (Traditional) |
| --- | --- |
| Diagram showing SafeKit VM HA synchronous replication between two Hyper-V/KVM hosts without requiring a shared disk or SAN.Diagram showing SafeKit VM HA synchronous replication between two Hyper-V/KVM hosts without requiring a shared disk or SAN. | Diagram illustrating traditional VM HA cluster architecture, such as VMware or Hyper-V Cluster, requiring a central shared disk (SAN) for failover.Diagram illustrating traditional VM HA cluster architecture, such as VMware or Hyper-V Cluster, requiring a central shared disk (SAN) for failover. |
| No shared disk required - uses [synchronous real-time replication](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/synchronous-replication-vs-asynchronous-replication/) instead, ensuring no data loss. | Requires shared disk and a specific external disk bay (SAN). |
| Supports Remote Sites without requiring SAN replication across locations. | Remote sites typically require replicating disk bays across a complex SAN setup. |
| No specific IT skill is required to configure the system (using [hyperv.safe](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/hyper-v-replication-automatic-failover-load-balancing/safekit-quick-installation-guide-with-hyper-v/) and [kvm.safe](https://safekit.evidian.com/products/high-availability-software-for-application-clustering/linux-kvm-high-availability-replication-automatic-failover-load-balancing/safekit-quick-installation-guide-with-kvm/)). | Requires specific, high-level IT skills to configure the cluster and SAN infrastructure. |
| Note that the Hyper-V/SafeKit and KVM/SafeKit solutions are limited to replication and failover of 32 VMs. | Note that the Hyper-V built-in replication (Hyper-V Replica) does not qualify as a high availability solution. This is because the replication is asynchronous, which can result in data loss during failures, and it lacks automatic failover and failback capabilities. |

#### Conclusion: Why SafeKit's SAN-Less HA is a Modern Alternative

The core difference lies in the reliance on shared storage. SafeKit's approach uses synchronous data replication directly between servers, ensuring a zero data loss (RPO=0) scenario and dramatically simplifying deployment by eliminating the need for expensive SAN hardware and specialized storage skills. While traditional clusters provide robust features, the high complexity, high cost, and shared-disk dependency make them less flexible, especially for remote or multi-site deployments.
For organizations prioritizing cost-effectiveness, simplicity, and fast deployment of VM High Availability without investing in complex storage infrastructure, SafeKit's SAN-less model provides a superior and modern alternative.