A RAID array (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a data storage technology that combines multiple physical disk drives into a single logical unit. RAID arrays are used to improve data redundancy, performance, or both, depending on the RAID level chosen (such as RAID 0, 1, 5, or 10). By distributing data across several drives, RAID can protect against hardware failure, increase read/write speeds, or both. Commonly used in servers and enterprise environments, RAID arrays are an essential component in ensuring data availability and integrity. However, RAID is not a substitute for regular backups.