Which functionality does RAID provide in a server environment?

RAID, which stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is primarily utilized in server environments to enhance data redundancy and reliability. This is achieved by combining multiple hard drives into a single logical unit, allowing the system to protect against data loss due to hardware failure.

In various RAID configurations, data is distributed across the drives in a way that ensures if one or more disks fail, the system can continue to operate without data loss. For instance, in RAID 1, data is mirrored across two drives, providing redundancy; in RAID 5, data and parity information are striped across three or more disks, allowing the system to recover data even if one disk fails.

This reliability is critical for servers, which often handle crucial applications and data that require constant availability. Thus, RAID not only protects against data loss but also contributes to overall system uptime, making it an essential component of server storage solutions.