Should an industrial computer run two drives in RAID 1? With RAID in place, do we still need backups?

RAID 1 writes the same data to two drives. If one fails, the machine keeps running on the other; you fit a new drive and the array resynchronises. Use it on machines that must not stop: central SCADA, video recorders, on-site data servers. To get real value from RAID: 1. Choose a machine with front-access hot-swap drive trays, so a drive can be replaced without shutting down. 2. Enable alerts when the array becomes degraded, by email or on the SCADA screen. Many systems run for months on one drive without anyone noticing. 3. Use two drives of the same type and capacity. RAID still does not replace backups. An accidental deletion, ransomware or software corrupting a database damages both drives at once. You still need regular backups to another drive or machine, plus a system image for fast reinstallation.