A method for dynamically creating a high availability policy based upon entries in a configuration management database (CMDB) and a best practices template can be provided. The method can include directing resource discovery in a CMDB for a selected application to discover components and dependencies of the selected application. The method also can include mapping the components and dependencies discovered for the selected application in the CMDB to a best practices template specifying a parameterized high availability topology for the selected application. Finally, the method can include storing the best practices template with mapped components and dependencies as a high availability policy for the selected application.