What does RAID stand for?

RAID stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks. This term is used in computing to describe a data storage virtualization technology that combines multiple physical disk drive components into a single logical unit for the purposes of data redundancy, performance improvement, or both. The key aspect of RAID is its focus on redundancy, which means that data is replicated across the drives to protect against data loss in case of a drive failure.

The term "independent" refers to the fact that the individual drives can operate independently of each other while still being part of the RAID configuration. This allows for data to be distributed across several disks, enhancing performance and reliability. Understanding RAID is crucial for IT professionals, especially when managing server environments or critical data storage systems.