Definition
MTBF stands for Mean Time Between Failures, a metric used to measure the average time that a repairable system or component operates before it fails. It is calculated by dividing the total operational time by the number of failures experienced within that time. In practice, MTBF helps predict the reliability of equipment and plan for maintenance. Understanding MTBF is crucial for IT professionals to ensure system uptime and minimize disruptions. For example, a server with an MTBF of 50,000 hours is expected to operate for that duration on average before requiring repair. It's important to distinguish MTBF from MTTF (Mean Time To Failure), which applies to non-repairable items. This concept is relevant in IT operations and infrastructure domains covered in certifications like CompTIA Server+.