Disk storage is an important component of data preservation. Arrays are a drive storage system consisting of multiple drives. Disk storage arrays offer advanced functionality, such as Redundant Array of Independent Disks, or RAID. When you incorporate an array into your data preservation framework, you will receive improved availability and better resiliency. The use of redundant components eliminates typical points of failure within your framework. Controllers, disk enclosures, and cache memory are common components you will find in an array. Most components used can be hot swapped, in addition to being easy to maintain. Network Attached Storage (NAS), Storage Area Network (SAN), and storage virtualization are all forms of arrays.

Refurbished Servers: An Introduction to the Technology

When you buy hardware for your business, you have the option to purchase new or refurbished equipment. Many refurbished servers are available with array capabilities and are offered below the expense of buying new. One of the newer array technology servers included is RAID. This method of storing uses redundancy to provide increased reliability accomplished by combining more than one disk drive component to create a unit. Data is sent to the connected drives according to RAID levels. It is a virtualization concept where disks are arranged so they can be accessed by a single operating system disk. The scheme determines the balance between increased performance and data reliability.

Refurbished servers can have standard RAID levels set up. RAID 0 provides block-level striping with no redundancy; meaning performance and storage are enhanced without having any fault tolerance. A disk failure will harm the array, thus increasing the risk of failure. RAID 1 offers mirroring, but no parity or striping. Identical data can be written to more than one disk, leaving the storage system in operation as long as one drive is still operational.

Six standard levels offer various benefits to your business, where parity, bit-level striping, and block-level striping change in each level. RAID is not a complete backup solution for data; rather, it is a secondary method your business can use to provide additional protection from sudden IT catastrophes. It prevents loss of data if a drive suffers physical damage or a component error exists. A primary backup method is necessary to ensure data is safe in the event that all drives fail.

A disk storage array scheme such as RAID can use a dedicated hardware or software solution. The software can be part of an operating system, or a part of drivers and applications supplied by the controller hardware. Software implementation involves putting in place a layer of devices to create one virtual drive. It can also be implemented as a file system component. A majority of operating systems now support this technology, making it easy to implement in any business IT environment.

Hardware implemented RAID is accomplished by the controller. Proprietary layouts are necessary, making the use of multiple manufacturer controllers difficult. Benefits of this implementation include minimal use of processor resources, BIOS booting, and better error handling. Canvas Systems offers multiple RAID supporting servers. Contact us today to see how we can help you cut costs while making use of this innovative storage precaution.