RAID is an acronym for Redudant Array of Independent Drives.

In computing terms, specifically computer storage, a redundant array of inexpensive (or independent) drives (or disks)(RAID) is an umbrella term for data storage schemes that divide and/or replicate data among multiple hard drives. They offer, depending on the scheme, increased data reliability and/or throughput.

In plain English, what this means is there is a box with several hard disks attached to your existing file server network, that will ensure all your data is protected in the event of any one of the drives failing, without any disruption to your workflow.

RAID technology was at one point only affordable for the corporate market or large companies, but the technology has dramatically decreased in price, and is now a highly effective, simple and cost effective solution for everybody.

The advantages are:

• No data lost
• No system downtime
• Minimal cost for an entry level RAID device