This depends on the exact pieces software and hardware that are
under comparison. Although hardware is generally considered more
costly, a software program may prove more costly than a hardware
device.
its a software! you can look in the dictionary if you still want
to no more :)
What are differences between software raids and hardware raids?
Hardware raid is supported by hardware and usually more stable
and achieve better performance. Software raid does not need raid
hardware support and can be used on machines without raid options.
In the same time stability and performance of software raid is not
as high as hardware.
Software raid is usually recommended for low budget machines
(it's a part of many linux-based system, and it's free of charge)
if you are not able to afford a good hardware raid.
well it depends on how much you want to professionalize your
classroom, and how much software do you need. Anyway, you wont be
spending your money on it, as it aims to get only more expensive by
day, since the hardware parts are getting rather cheaper.