drobo

Drobo is a brand of data storage devices, primarily known for its line of direct-attached storage (DAS) and network-attached storage (NAS) enclosures. These devices are characterized by their ease of use and data protection features, particularly their proprietary BeyondRAID technology. BeyondRAID allows users to mix and match different types and sizes of hard drives within a single enclosure, and the system automatically manages redundancy and capacity. This flexibility distinguishes Drobo from traditional RAID configurations which often require identical drives.

Drobo devices are designed for consumers and small businesses seeking a simple yet robust storage solution. They typically connect to computers via USB or Thunderbolt for DAS models, or to a network for NAS models. The software interface for Drobo is generally user-friendly, making it accessible to those who may not have extensive IT knowledge. The company has offered various product lines over the years, catering to different needs in terms of capacity, performance, and connectivity.

While Drobo devices offer significant advantages in terms of data protection and drive flexibility, their proprietary nature means that if a Drobo enclosure fails, the data stored on its drives may not be easily accessible without another Drobo unit. This is a trade-off for the simplified management and data redundancy features. The brand has undergone ownership changes, impacting its product development and support availability at various points in its history.