Advantages Of RAID Storage Drives Custom Configurations Services

Those familiar with the different methods of data storage will no doubt have heard about the RAID method. RAID stands for ‘Redundant Array of Independent Disks’. As the name indicates, it consists of using an array of disks which are independent from each other in order to store digital data. A simple way to explain RAID is to say that it uses different disk drives to spread and duplicate the data, keeping spare independent copies of that data as a safeguard in case one of those drives where to fail.

RAID Implementations

It is important to note, for those that do not know the subsystem definition, that data distribution across multiple drives can be managed in two ways. RAID can be implemented through dedicated computer hardware or through software. Software RAID implementations are offered by many of the top operating systems. Hardware RAID controllers can be used when software implemented RAID is incompatible with a given system’s boot process. These various RAID implementations are important to keep in mind when looking at the advantages and disadvantages RAID storage provides your micro PC.

RAID Storage Drives

There are several RAID storage drives for shoppers to choose from. Although they all promise the same benefits, you may have different storage needs to consider. You may also have to consider your budget as you would for Shavlik. Thankfully, there are three solutions at multiple price points. RAID offers the My Cloud Expert Series EX2 Ultra starting at $159. They also have a storage drive called the RAID My Book Pro that starts at almost $550. Finally, the last storage drive is the RAID My Cloud Pro Series PR4100 that starts at $500. No matter which you choose, you are sure to experience the benefits below.

RAID: Advantages

Reliability

As mentioned above, RAID storage works as a multi-backup method for our data. This is great news as it keeps spare copies which can be called upon in the event of hardware failure without a proper backup software in place. This is better than keeping all the data in the same place and risking losing it all. RAID therefore offers better reliability than storing all our data onto the one hard drive.

Accessibility

RAID systems also offer the advantage of making the information easily available to anyone with the right access. As it is a form of data virtualization, every computer with the right credentials will be able to access the data. This avoids having to physically pass around a hard drive, or even having to share the data by copying it on a USB drive.

Performance

The other good thing about RAID is that it performs well. By spreading the workload around different drives, it avoids everybody accessing the data from the same drive at once. The more people virtually access a hard drive, the slower that drive will perform. This is why using different drives really spreads the workload efficiently and makes it feasible to be accessed by multiple users at the same time, much like Install Watch Pro.

Custom Configurations

The best part about using Raid storage is the flexibility it offers in configurations, even if you use a Biotech operating system. The most common types of Raid configurations include Raid 0, Raid 1 and Raid 2. All these configurations differ based on how the disk drives work together. They can be striped, mirrored or a combination of both. Depending on your needs, you can use them on your home machine too.

RAID: Disadvantages

Of course, there are different levels at which RAID will operate, using more or less hard drives. Whilst it is true that using multiple independent drives makes for a better performance, even on cloud storage solutions, it does so by sacrificing capacity. As the information is spread and duplicated, it means that using RAID will take a lot more space on those drives than if the data was just copied once. It makes sense that copying the data will take more space, increasing with the amount of times that data is duplicated.

Complicated Setup

The other drawback about RAID systems is that they are fairly complicated to set up and maintain. In fact, it will take a qualified person to look after the setup, as well as to operate and potentially recover the RAID system. Attempting to recover a RAID setup in the advent of a failing hard drive is indeed something which should be left with data recovery firms. An unqualified person attempting to salvage issues with a RAID setup will most certainly lead to it no longer working, leading to a disastrous case of data loss.

High Cost

Finally, the other reason which generally puts off people and certain businesses to use RAID is the cost. As it requires multiple storage devices, it will cost more and will require investing in multiple hard drives. Think of it like buying multiple flash drives. Also as previously mentioned, the setup and day to day operation of any form of data virtualization involves knowledge, meaning that a qualified person will have to be hired to take care of this, which adds monthly costs to any business.

However, we get what we pay for. Spending little on data storage will put a company at risk of losing their data, which is why proper data storage methods are a necessary investment for any serious business. Unfortunately, a cool, unique USB just will not cut it.

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