Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) Since
1996, we've been offering RAID as
part of our comprehensive solutions in disaster
planning and recovery. In the event of a hard drive failure,
RAID systems afford you some extra peace-of-mind and
recovery options, when properly implemented.
RAID is
a supplement to, not a replacement for a
well-designed backup strategy. RAID actually adds to
the complexity of installation, and on-going
operations. Mostly, it creates a much higher demand on
compatibility. A RAID system does NOT provide
absolute fool-proof protection, contrary to popular
believes. It simply provides an extra layer of
safety net against a specific form of risk ― namely,
single hard disk failure, which happens to be the
most common hardware failure.
Left: Vicky removing a drive from Promise RAID
hot-swap chassis
while SBS is running.
Common risk factors not mitigated by
RAID include: |
- RAID controller failure
- other system hardware failure:
motherboard, memory, CPU, etc.
- multiple-drive failure
- power supply unit glitch/failure
- building power glitch/failure
- electro-static discharge issues
- ventilation problems
- lightening damage
- software corruption
- software bugs
- human sabotage
- malware attack/infection
- human errors
- equipment theft
- natural disasters: flood, fire,
etc.
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We offer custom-built RAID 0, 1, 1+0, and 5 subsystems,
in both internal host-based adapters + drives, and external
self-contained units with SCSI interface. External units come standard with
hot-swappable carriers and lockable cabinet. Internal RAID
are available with optional hot-swappable carriers and lock
mechanism. We also offer software RAID solutions.
|
RAID 0
Striping |
RAID 1
Mirroring |
RAID 5
parity ECC |
Read Performance |
Improved |
Potential boost |
None |
Write Performance |
Improved |
Slight Penalty! |
Moderate Penalty! |
Redundancy |
Much Higher Risk! |
Slight Improvement |
Big Improvement |
Cost |
Low |
Moderate |
High |
Wasted Disk Space |
None |
50% |
33% to 20% |
Recovery Features |
Big Hindrance! |
Good |
Excellent |
RAIDs Compared. Against baseline of single
standard hard drive.
To RAID or not to RAID (and which RAID) is a very
complex but important question, which warrants in-depth
examination. The goal is to minimize overall cost of
operations. It is worth noting that majority of small
business sites with RAID ended up with a net loss
(rather than net savings) due to misunderstanding, flawed
implementation, and lack of recovery strategy and
procedures.
Network-Attached Storage (NAS)
Our Poor Man's Server (PMS) series are essentially
high-function custom
NASs. The latest version is PMS 4.3, which is based on
Windows 2000 Professional. Bravo support for all previous PMS 3.x
versions (Win98-based) ceased as of August 2005.
We also offer SOHO NAS solutions from Maxtor, Snap
Appliances and Iomega.
We no longer offer custom-built NAS appliances based on
Promise chassis and interfaces. |