What storage system can hold 12 months or more of image data and retrieve it quickly?

The correct answer is the Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID). This system is designed to combine multiple hard drives into a single unit for improved performance and data redundancy. In a RAID configuration, data is distributed across several disks, which allows for faster access and retrieval times because multiple drives can be accessed simultaneously. This is particularly beneficial when working with large image files, such as those used in mammography, where quick access to stored images is essential for timely diagnosis and patient care.

RAID can be configured in various ways, such as RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, or RAID 10, each providing different levels of redundancy and performance. For example, RAID 5 or RAID 10 setups not only provide data redundancy through mirroring or parity but also offer excellent read speeds, making them suitable for environments that need to store 12 months or more of image data accessible on demand.

While other storage systems may also be capable of holding and retrieving large amounts of data, RAID's emphasis on both speed and redundancy makes it particularly well-suited for the fast-paced, data-intensive needs of medical imaging.