What does JBOD stand for in storage terminology?

JBOD stands for "Just a Bunch of Disks." This term is used in the context of storage systems to refer to a configuration where multiple hard drives are present in a system but are not set up in a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configuration. Instead, each disk operates independently, and data is distributed across them without any redundancy or performance enhancements that RAID would provide. This setup is often chosen for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, especially when an organization needs to increase storage capacity without complex management requirements.

In contrast to RAID, where complex algorithms might be used for redundancy and data protection, JBOD simply allows each disk to be addressed individually, making it a straightforward and flexible option for expanding storage needs. This makes JBOD a popular choice in environments where high availability and data resilience are not the primary concerns, or where simplicity and low cost are prioritized.