> > If I have to do hardware raid, I'll definitely spec in a backup > controller. Learnt this the hard way when my raid 5 controller died > years after I first got it and I could no longer find a replacement. > > For high budget projects, having the extra raid controller as > insurance isn't a big deal. But for most budget setup and cost > conscious clients, soft raid obviates that hardware dependency. You forgot flaky hardware. Boards that lose their configuration from time to time and what not...I heard stories about Mylex for example...