In recent years, the physical security industry has seen more changes than just about any other time in modern memory. Digital or IP (Internet Protocol) cameras, based on CCD technology, have replaced more familiar analog surveillance cameras in most new installations. And to support them, DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) have virtually eliminated the use of tape and VCRs.

Combined, these two IP technologies have opened the way for the physical security industry to dramatically improve video surveillance and other common applications while greatly reducing costs and increasing service levels.

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Learn More:
IP-based video surveillance storage was the topic of a recent webinar from SecurityInfoWatch.com. You can register to view this archived webinar for free.

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Yet moving to IP also has its own challenges, especially as security users come to rely more and more on the improved resolution, higher frame rates, and megapixel quality that the technology offers. In fact, many security practitioners and integrators admit that over half of their support and customer satisfaction problems relate to DVR drive failures, which can result in the loss of all recorded video and data.

So is it a mistake to move from tape to IP? The answer is a resounding "no", as the benefits of scalable, open IP far outweigh the problems. In fact, most IP storage problems in DVRs can be either fully eliminated or the risk mitigated with the application of basic techniques and strategies that are common in the Information Technology (IT) industry.

One way to avoid data losses is to use RAID technology, either built into the DVR system or added on as an external IP storage array.

What Is RAID, and Why Do We Need It?

RAID is the acronym for Redundant Array of Independent (or Inexpensive) Disks, in wide IT use since the late 1980s and as defined in the SIGMOD paper, "A Case for Redundant Arrays of Inexpensive Disks". The Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA) defines RAID in part as "...a family of techniques for managing multiple disks to deliver desirable cost, data availability, and performance characteristics to host environments."

And like many families, not all members are suitable - or desirable - for every need or situation. Nowhere is that more true than in physical security for video surveillance. In fact, some RAID levels would be extremely bad choices for our industry.