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.

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.

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.