The RAID Challenge — Maximizing Benefits While Masking Complexity

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a method of having multiple disks work together to deliver more reliable storage than individual disks. Combining physical disks gives administrators more flexibility in storage capacity, performance, and reliability as they strive to meet service level objectives. By providing a simple form of storage virtualization, RAID lets you optimize the storage environment and obtain the maximum benefits for your applications.

RAID offers flexibility and benefits, but also adds management complexity. The storage industry is beginning to focus on ways to make RAID configuration and management automatic; this minimizes costs and enables businesses to meet service-level objectives easily, and without additional expertise.