Is a Drobo Right for You?

Back in June of 2007 Data Robotics released a product that challenged how we think of storage in the workplace. Many IT professionals and end users have come to be familiar with the concept of RAID as a means of securing data. RAID or, redundant array of independent disks, creates a single logical drive out of multiple physical devices. This has many advantages for the end user.

Using multiple drives can increase the amount of I/O’s you get per second and can benefit someone who needs access to large amounts of data very fast. These RAID’s are known as RAID level 0. These are mainly used by video editors or anyone looking to squeeze extra performance out of drives. However, with no backup of this system, you are effectively doubling the likelihood of a failure. With two physical devices, you have a higher probability of a drive going down.

Another equally valid use of a RAID is to either create mirrors (RAID 1) of drives or place parity data on each of the drives (RAID 5); each of these allows for a drive failure while maintaining the integrity of the data on the RAID. These types of RAID’s are more common in workplaces because of the security in not losing data.

In all RAID systems there are pros and cons; whether it be a speed advantage while sacrificing data security, or the loss of total disk space while maintaining data integrity, each system has its place. For more info on RAID’s click here.

So, where does Data Robotics fit into this mix of multiple drives and storage solutions?

Drobo.

Drobo is a storage solution that offers either 4 bays (drobo) or 8 bays (drobo pro). Typical RAID requires all of the drives to be of identical size. Drobo goes a step further and allows for drives to be of all different sizes to be added. Where this really benefits users is the ability to use drives that are already on hand, and additionally, drobo allows you to add bigger drives when you outgrow the available space. The Drobo uses a technology called “beyond RAID” essentially combining all of the benefits of a RAID 5 solution with the expandability that tapes allow. There is no need to rebuild your RAID each time you need to expand.

This is a great solution for now and for the future. It provides you with a large secure data pool that, unlike RAID, allows you to grow as your needs grow. Drobo allows you to suffer a single drive failure while still maintaining your ever-growing storage pool, and also offers the ability to suffer 2 drive failures (RAID 6) at the cost of additional storage space.  Similar solutions based on RAID technology are typically 2 to 3 times more expensive, with Apple’s preferred solution checking in at around $7,500. BestMacs has implemented the drobo at several clients with many more incorporating this into their data storage solution soon. It provides our clients with an excellent solution for either live data or as a backup. It is inexpensive and as I mentioned earlier the storage has the ability to grow with your needs therefor allowing your business to spread the cost over time.

While many similar solutions use fiber channel to connect, Drobo relies on much less expensive modes of transport. The Drobo gives USB 2 and FireWire 800 connectivity while the DroboPro adds iSCSI to the mix. Data robotics did this so that you the end user would not be required to purchase additional equipment beyond the Drobo itself to achieve high speed performance. iSCSI on the DroboPro uses an ethernet connection that will operate at near gigabit speeds. While not quite as fast as fiber channel, you will be saving a boatload in equipment costs.

Data Robotics has made a stellar line of products that we are excited to get to know better. They have shown that RAID level security isnt only for the IT elite, and that it can be a great solution for those on a tight budget as well. For more info about Drobo visit their site at www.datarobotics.com

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