We all need data storage. All our personal and business files are dependent on it. It’s safe to say that the longevity of all our files rely a lot on which data storage technology we choose to use.

These days, the two most widely used data storage technologies are the redundant array of independent disks (RAID) and the network-attached storage (NAS). So, which data storage technology is better? It’s hard to say without differentiating one from the other first.

Let’s talk about the redundant array of independent disks or RAID first.

RAID, short for redundant array of independent disks, is a method of enhancing disk performance, increasing storage capacity and improving fault tolerance, depending on the RAID level chosen.

RAID enables the same data to be saved across multiple disks while still appearing as a single logical drive using specialized hardware or software called a RAID controller. RAID levels, which are denoted by a number, determine the performance characteristics of a given configuration and how much or little data protection they offer.

(Via: https://www.enterprisestorageforum.com/storage-networking/raid-vs-nas-how-they-differ-and-overlap.html)

There are several RAID levels. Each level has their own benefits.

In RAID level 0 (zero), also called data striping, block-level data is simply distributed but not copied across multiple drives, improving performance and storage capacity but not offering enhanced protection. If one of two or more drives in this configuration fails, all data is lost.

RAID 1, on the other hand, offers a safety net in the form of data redundancy. By mirroring the contents of one drive onto another, RAID 1 ensures that data remains available should one of the drives in this configuration meet an untimely end.

Needless to say, in any discussion on RAID 0 vs. RAID 1, it's important to keep these differences in mind.

Other RAID configurations add their own benefits. For example, the popular RAID 5 configuration uses three or more drives to store data and recovery information called parity across the drives. If one disk fails, the remaining disks can keep the array going until a replacement arrives and is rebuilt.

(Via: https://www.enterprisestorageforum.com/storage-networking/raid-vs-nas-how-they-differ-and-overlap.html)

The network-attached storage or NAS is a more centralized technology.

NAS stands for network-attached storage. Used by enterprises large and small, as well as in SOHO (small office, home office) environments and by creative professionals and other enthusiasts, NAS allows users to store their files on a centralized appliance or storage array.

These devices are accessible over a network using an ethernet connection and file protocols like NFS (Network File System) or SMB/CIFS (Server Message Block/Common Internet File System). Often, they contain enterprise grade NAS drives, hard drives built to withstand operating all-day, every-day, and provide better overall performance relative to their desktop counterparts.

Some sport CPUs powerful enough to allow them to run applications, security software or pull double duty as mail and multimedia servers. Others enable remote access, allowing users to access files on their PCs, phones or tablets over the internet.

(Via: https://www.enterprisestorageforum.com/storage-networking/raid-vs-nas-how-they-differ-and-overlap.html)

When it comes to data storage technologies, it’s really not easy to say which one is better? It really depends on the kind of data we need to store. The good thing about data storage technologies is that they can be tweaked and used in combination.

One of the most important things to consider in choosing a data storage technology is backup. Between the two, NAS can be scaled according to your own storage capacity. While RAID uses multiple disks to back up files, it won’t protect portable data devices. They can’t hold multiple drives. On a personal level, it would be pretty expensive to use RAID. The RAID configuration is more fitting in the work place.

Nonetheless, it’s still worth considering it because data recovery from RAID is easy. At Hard Drive Recovery Group, they have seen all kinds of RAID configurations. They are more than familiar with this particular data storage technology. This page https://www.harddriverecovery.org/raid-pricing.html can give you more information on the maintenance and repairs of RAID.

The post RAID Vs. NAS: Differentiating These Two Data Storage Technologies was originally published to http://www.harddriverecovery.org

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Continuing its series of blogs surrounding data recovery as well as preventative measures to avoid data loss, Hard Drive Recovery Group addresses backup strategies through the lens of the recent World Backup Day on March 31, 2019.

Like it or not, for very many mid to large sized organizations in North America, data is literally a lifeblood for sales, customer retention and strategy execution, and its protection should be paramount to all serious businesses.

"First off, if you have an IT Administrator of any kind serving your business, you should have a backup plan in place as soon as yesterday," said Maureen Davies, spokesperson for Hard Drive Recovery Group. "The best thing to do is to consider all of your organization's data to be absolutely mission critical, which means ensuring that it is protected from potential threats both due to hardware failure, and intentional deletion."

As noted in the post Experts Share Their Insights On How To Recover Data, one of the main issues that many organizations have is that they take a lot of time and spend a lot of money on creating a backup plan for their data, only to have it fail when they need it most.

"The key to any successful data backup plan is not only what at times seems like excessive redundancy, but also ensuring you actually put the plan to the test," said Davies. "Data recovery services like Hard Drive Recovery Group constantly deal with corporations that have huge investments in their backup plans, only to discover that when a drive fails, the data cannot be recovered."

The best way to test a company's backup plans is to schedule a virtual "data fire drill", and simulate what it would be like if a company's key assets were suddenly accessible. Going through the process enables companies and IT professionals to work out the kinks in their strategies, while ensuring that the backup plan is actually effective.

"It is important to remember that taking a rock solid backup plan beyond the theoretical is absolutely paramount to ensuring it works," said Davies. "Sometimes the best way to ensure that safety measures actually function as they should is to put the data in 'simulated danger', and observing the results."

The post also notes the fact that a disaster recovery plan for any organization should be fairly simple, and free of excess complication. This ensures that the plan is not only less likely to fail, but also is simpler to follow and execute correctly.

"Your best two avenues for backup are via hardware and via the cloud," said Davies. "Any serious data recovery plan should have both, which ensures all bases are covered."

In another post, entitled "Data Loss: It's Here To Stay," Hard Drive Recovery Group addresses some of the key reasons why permanent data loss occurs. Accidental deletions, as well as software and hardware issues continue to plague consumers, with reported instances increasing by 30% year over year.

"If you're a computer user over 20 years of age, it's quite likely you've been using a computer of some kind for most of the 2000s," said Davies. "After years of constant reminders, people are beginning to understand that data loss can be horribly expensive, and are making moves to address it."

A survey referenced within the post notes that 92.7% of consumers are indeed backing up their data in some way, a level that increased year over year by 24%. Data loss continues to plague users, however, as despite these backup efforts, the number of devices that use data continue to increase.

"When we talked to people about backing up their data in 2009, we typically were dealing with PCs and laptops only," said Davies. "Nowadays, smart phones, tablets and other devices tend to be the biggest problems for people, as these devices are not only portable, but have high potential for failure."

from Hard Drive Recovery Group