System and method for data replication using a single master failover protocol

A computer-implemented method, comprising:

• attempting, by a candidate replica of a plurality of replicas that collectively form a replica group, to assume a first role for the replica group, wherein the plurality of replicas store data on respective computing nodes of a plurality of computing nodes that collectively implement a data store, wherein at most one of the plurality of replicas can perform the first role for the replica group, and wherein attempting to assume the first role comprises:
• acquiring a lock from an external lock manager, and responsive to acquiring the lock:
• including, in a failover quorum, ones of the plurality of replicas other than the candidate replica identified to support the attempt of the candidate replica to assume the first role;
• and
• assuming the first role in response to determining, based on a number of replicas included in the failover quorum meeting or exceeding a pre-determined number of replicas, that the candidate replica can assume the first role.

One or more non-transitory, computer-readable storage media storing program instructions that when executed on or across one or more processors cause the one or more processors to perform:

• attempting, by a candidate replica of a plurality of replicas that collectively form a replica group, to assume a first role for the replica group, wherein the plurality of replicas store data on respective computing nodes of a plurality of computing nodes that collectively implement a data store, wherein at most one of the plurality of replicas can perform the first role for the replica group, and wherein attempting to assume the first role comprises:
• acquiring a lock from an external lock manager, and responsive to acquiring the lock:
• including, in a failover quorum, ones of the plurality of replicas other than the candidate replica identified to support the attempt of the candidate replica to assume the first role;
• and
• assuming, based on determining that a number of replicas included in the failover quorum meets or exceeds a pre-determined number of replicas, the first role.