RAID Drivers
RAID is an acronym for Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks. RAID technology is a system of linked hard disks that combine to provide a large capacity data storage solution. RAID offers several advantages over standard storage devices including redundancy, performance, and reduced costs.
Redundancy allows room for error. For example, if a disk in the array fails, the data is also found on the remaining disks, allowing for replacement of the failed drive without data loss. In addition, hot-swappable RAIDs allow for swapping disks without having to power off the system. RAID systems come in three basic configurations: RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 5. RAID 0 doesn't provide redundancy - if one disk fails, then all data is damaged. RAID 1 uses a process called "mirroring" to provide redundancy. RAID 5 require at least three disks and provide increased storage and performance. In a RAID 0 configuration, data is written to two drives in a process called "striping." This means that half of the data is written to one drive while the other half is written to the other drive. Because the data is split between two drives, there is no redundancy. The only advantages to RAID 0 are performance and increased storage capacity. In a RAID 1 configuration, one drive acts as a main drive while a second drive acts as a mirror. When data is written to the main drive, a copy of the data is also written on the second drive. This means that if one of the drive fails, a full copy is available on the other drive. Storage space isn't increased by using two hard disks because the second disk mirrors the first. In a RAID 5 configuration, data is written to multiple drives using "parity blocks." This provides redundancy as well as increased performance. RAID 5 drives are usually managed by a controller. If a disk fails, data from the remaining disks can be pieced back together. Several variations of RAID exist, blending the different features of RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 5. For example, RAID 0+1 blends striping with mirroring to overcome the shortfalls of RAID 0 and provide redundancy. The first patent for disk array subsystems went to IBM in 1978 but it wasn't until the late 1990s before RAID use became widespread. Today, IBM remains one of the leading RAID manufacturers. Promise Technology is the creator of ATA RAID and a recognized leader in this segment of the industry. Promise Technology found their niche when many organizations found that SCSI RAID devices were too cost prohibitive. EMC is also a leader when it comes to RAID devices. EMC provides a variety of information infrastructure technology and solutions including RAID devices. RAID devices provide companies with a storage solution that increases performance and storage capacity while maintaining the integrity of the data. RAID devices are becoming more popular and reliable. Currently, RAID drives are external components however, as technology continues to evolve, it won't be long before built-in RAID systems find their way inside personal computers. » Download RAID Drivers |
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