Drobo

What does Drobo mean?

Drobo is a proprietary Data Storage technology invented by Data Robotics, Inc. It stands for “Droplet” and refers to the individual storage elements used in Drobo devices. Drobos are based on the Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) concept, but they offer several unique features that make them User-friendly and versatile.

The key Feature of Drobos is their ability to automatically manage and distribute data across multiple hard drives, with the option to add or remove drives on the fly. This makes them easy to scale up or down as needed, without requiring any complex configuration or downtime. Additionally, Drobos are designed to be self-healing, automatically rebuilding data if a drive fails.

Applications

Drobos are primarily used for data storage and backup in both personal and professional settings. They are particularly well-suited for situations where data accessibility, reliability, and ease of management are paramount. Some key applications include:

• Personal storage: Drobos provide a convenient and reliable way to store and access personal data, such as photos, videos, music, and documents.
• Small business: Drobos are a cost-effective solution for small businesses that need to store and manage large amounts of data. They can be used for file sharing, backups, and disaster recovery.
• Home media: Drobos are ideal for storing and streaming digital media, including movies, TV shows, and music. They provide ample storage capacity and fast access speeds for smooth playback.
• Data protection: Drobos offer reliable data protection through RAID technology. They can help prevent data loss in the event of drive failures or other disruptions.

History

Drobo technology was first introduced in 2005 with the release of the Drobo S, a compact desktop storage Device. The Drobo concept quickly gained popularity due to its ease of use and scalability. Over the years, Data Robotics has released several generations of Drobo devices, including rackmount models and portable storage solutions.

The latest generation of Drobos, the Drobo 5N2 and Drobo 5C, offers advanced features such as NVMe SSD support and cloud integration. Drobos have also expanded their functionality beyond data storage, with features such as iSCSI support and surveillance recording.

Today, Drobo technology is widely recognized for its user-friendliness, reliability, and versatility. It has become a popular choice for data storage and backup in a variety of applications.