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]]>Data is very crucial in running your business. So, you need to store these data in a safe but accessible place. Storing valuable data inside a cabinet and securing it with a lock is a thing of the past. Technology advancements have made it possible to store data digitally.
Most data storage solutions are either local or cloud-based. NAS device is a combination of both local and cloud-based technology. This hard drive is connected throughout your entire network and allows your team, through their computers, to access data from a centralized disk capacity.
Your business will always have vital information to save and access easily. Manually storing these data will consume much of your time and physical space in your office. But, if you’re going to keep everything on your computer, you might run out of storage space.
A NAS device can add more storage space to your computer and your team’s computers. The NAS device pools together the storage space to use only the amount they need, thereby freeing space for other users.
Using a NAB device allows you and your team to access, review and edit a document in real-time. You don’t need to keep emailing documents to collaborate certain information with your team. With a NAS device, copies are made available from one central location that anyone with permission can easily access.
A NAS can help cut down on unnecessary steps that save time and effort and lead to better collaboration.
With the cloud, the third party takes responsibility for your data. But with NAS, you directly manage your private cloud storage.
When using cloud storage, you worry about intruders accessing confidential information like financial records and trade secrets. A NAS device gives you the convenience of storing in a cloud-based system without the fear of losing your privacy.
Regular backup of data is essential to the smooth flow of a business. When your hard disk fails without backup, you lose important data that can cause serious problems. Lost files mean lost time and money to restore or recover essential information to your business.
When using a NAS device, you can set up automatic backups, reflecting any changes to documents or folders made locally on a computer. Changes you make are carried out immediately on the NAS.
If you need more assurance, you can use the NAS RAID setup. NAS RAID setup automatically creates copies of data to multiple hard drives with no additional effort on your part. What’s good is that you can configure backups on Mac and Windows.
Damage to computers caused by accidents such as dropping or spilling a drink on them can compromise the data stored in them. Fortunately, when you use a NAS device, your data is safe and is not affected by local hardware failures. Instead of isolating data on each computer, a NAS server puts the information on a secure network-attached drive protected from local hardware failures.
Setting up a NAS device is simple. You don’t waste time figuring out complicated setup instructions. Most NAS devices use a simplified web-based interface that makes it easy to understand and access the settings. Some NAS manufacturers also provide mobile apps with an effortless setup experience.
If your business requires sending videos and audio content to clients, using a NAS device is good. Having your own media server is possible with a NAS drive, but not when you’re using cloud storage facilities.
You can get some form of media server even with the most basic NAS device. If interoperability is essential for your media streaming, explore NAS devices that are DLNA compliant. This type of NAS can let you stream content directly to your smart TV, PS3, and other DLNA-compliant devices.
Setting up a comprehensive data infrastructure may require a hefty sum, especially for small-and-medium businesses working with a limited IT budget. Because of the high cost, NAS systems are ideal for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
NAS systems are simple to operate, so a dedicated IT professional is often not required. If you’re storing all your documents via NAS, you can opt for less expensive hard drive options for your company PCs with less storage capacity. This savings on hardware can add up significantly over time. You get an all-in-one package with a NAS device—a data storage system, a backup system, and a media server.
You spend more time and effort using a conventional data filing and storing system. More so, you are prone to mistakes. The more documents you hold, the more it becomes difficult to retrieve files when you need them.
When you save these files in a storage device like NAS, you can manage your business data more easily and quickly.
The NAS device is an innovative technology that allows you to access your files anywhere and anytime. Most NAS devices have software options that will enable you to configure remote access to get to your documents and files wherever you are in the world.
NAS is growing in popularity and with good reason. With these benefits, your business will gain competitive advantages, provide better customer service, and improve collaboration across teams and projects.
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]]>Different types of NAS may be found on the market based on: the amount of data they can store, the volume of data to be sent via the internet connection at a given time, the type of supported hard drive interface, the type of client connectivity, RAID support, and many more.
We will discuss all NAS devices based on the three must-have features in a NAS storage solution:
There are three main types of NAS devices.
The enterprise-level NAS servers have high storage capacity, RAID support options, virtualization, clustering, and other innovative features.
Scalability: These features make it possible for businesses to scale up. The NAS server can provide connections to more than 1000 clients or users. A large company can expand swiftly across several locations with this extensive connection. Branch offices may access data remotely from a NAS device installed at the main office. It supports business applications such as email systems, accounting databases, payroll, video recording and editing, and data logging.
Redundancy: Enterprise-level NAS includes features like RAID and component redundancy to enhance disk performance, increase storage availability, and improve the ability of the system to operate without interruption in case of a hardware failure.
Manageability: Rack mounting is an enterprise-level NAS’s most important physical trait. With this feature, your servers are easily accessible and in one location, making maintenance, tracking down an issue, and troubleshooting more efficient.
Its centralized management interface allows you to configure new drives and nodes easily and store even more files in the available capacity.
Enterprise-level NAS also uses the Global namespaces technology, which simplifies file management when scaling up. It logically expands single file systems into tons of petabytes and files.
Examples of Enterprise-level NAS devices are: Infortrend EonNAS 3310, Infortrend EonNAS 3510, Synology Diskstation RS10613XS+.
A Small-Medium Business NAS setup typically consists of a few computer users who share a printer and an internet connection. You can share files across the network in this setup, but there is no clear access and storage system.
Scalability: If you’re planning to use NAS storage to scale up your file-sharing environment but only require 20-64 TB storage capacity, a Midmarket or SMB-level NAS server is for you. A NAS device with fast processors will provide a better overall file transfer performance.
This type of NAS server is scalable, but unlike the enterprise-level NAS, it connects to fewer users.
Redundancy: Most SMB-level/ midmarket NAS servers have RAID and virtualization support. This type of NAS provides redundancy features that simplify various functions like backing up data in a system or hardware failure. It uses multiple hard drives, so if one fails, another drive takes charge of the task.
Manageability: The clustering of these devices is not supported, leading to file system siloes if multiple NAS devices are required. Backing up data becomes problematic since it resides in various locations. These NAS servers have advanced processors suitable for hosting applications that support email systems, accounting databases, payroll, video recording and editing, data logging, etc.
Examples of a small business line of NAS are QNAP TS-569 PRO and Synology Diskstation DS1512+.
Consumer-level NAS servers are the cheapest among NAS types. These low-end NAS are designed mainly for home users who need only the bare minimum of connectivity.
Scalability: Consumer-level NAS is not as scalable as the Enterprise and SMB levels. It supports up to 20 TB of storage capacity, providing connectivity to at least 20 clients. You can store and backup home users’ data, stream media files, share and synchronize files, and have remote access to your data with this NAS server.
Redundancy: Consumer-level NAS usually doesn’t support RAID functionality, and cloud backup is unavailable. But you can share files privately with friends and family.
It can provide private users with a personalized media server to backup and synchronize files or edit remotely. It can also create a private network between users and the printer, making it easy to edit photos and transfer them for immediate printing.
Manageability: This type of NAS provides user-friendly features such as a printer server and media server capabilities. It also has a built-in backup and file syncing that makes sharing documents around the office effortless.
Examples of Consumer-level NAS are Netgear ReadyNAS Duo v2, Synology Diskstation DS 713+, and QNAP TS-212 Turbo NAS.
No matter what size they are, businesses generate more data throughout the years as they grow. One of the best solutions is a network-attached storage (NAS) device. Acquiring a NAS becomes an investment that should help businesses long-term.
As mentioned earlier in this article, it is essential to know how and why you need one to buy the right NAS. Not all NAS drives are built equal, and like most technology purchases, the best fit for your company’s needs depends on your budget and planned usage.
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]]>NAS storage capacity depends on how many drive bays a NAS system can hold. The more drive bays your NAS has, the bigger the storage capacity you’ll have for your users, and the better protection your data can get from disk failure.
Most NAS devices support RAID technology. RAID makes redundancy possible to protect your data. But with only one drive, you get no additional performance or data protection. With two drives, you have the primary function of simple mirroring or RAID 1, with the other disk holding a mirror image of the main drive. This scenario prevents data loss if the primary drive fails.
Some NAS devices only have one disk bay, and others offer 16 slots. In general, having more drive bays provides you with more options in choosing the RAID configuration for your desired level of data protection.
You can quickly calculate your storage needs by getting the total number of the following: the hard drives and external drives you want to back up, shared storage you wish to provide your users, and your projected growth requirements for shared storage.
Purchasing NAS with larger drives and more drive bays will give you more storage space and data protection. However, be careful in going too big and wasting money on unused storage space for an extended period.
NAS’s primary functions are data storage and file access, and the processor, controllers, and memory to support these functions.
Smaller NAS systems only provide basic functionality that might bog down when too many users access them. At the same time, larger NAS systems provide you with numerous storage controllers that deliver the fastest performance and superior data protection capability.
Processor: The processor runs the computing intelligence and power to manage the file system, serve multiple users, integrate with the cloud if desired, also read and write operations, run applications, process multimedia files (such as video).
It fuels the performance of the system operation, services, and applications. Your choice of processor plays a significant role, particularly when you have more users working on the network.
A wide range of processors is available to do the tasks you want NAS to perform. An Intel Atom or Pentium processor can do the job if you only intend NAS for file and media storage. But if your need is more advanced like streaming, Plex use, and multi-user optimization, you may want to purchase an Intel Core i3 chip or an equivalent for better performance.
Controllers: The NAS controllers perform various functions for the system, such as connecting users, interacting with servers and workspaces, and allocating storage space as data is written or changed. As your data grows, you need to add controller processing power for better performance.
Memory: Like any computer, the more RAM a NAS device has, the better it can accomplish its tasks. More RAM helps when the device handles multiple simultaneous connections, encrypts data, and does other duties. You should match 1GB RAM to every terabyte (TB) of storage as a general rule. Look for a NAS model that you can expand with more RAM and upgrade later when the need arises.
Even though a NAS works wireless, for the most part, Ethernet ports ensure that the NAS connects to the internet at all times. You choose between GbE, 5GbE, and 10GbE. A basic NAS most often comes with a 1GigE Gigabit Ethernet connection. With this capacity, it can only serve a few users.
The higher the number of an ethernet port, the faster the throughput. If you need to transfer images, you need an HDMI port. Many systems have expansion capabilities if you want to upgrade to a 10GigE network card in the future.
Another option is a Thunderbolt connection. Thunderbolt ports allow laptops and workstations to be connected straight to the NAS and get higher bandwidth of up to 40GigE (5 GBs). You can edit large files straight on the NAS using this port.
Some NAS models come with built-in Wi-Fi functionality. With this function, you can create an access point that other devices can connect, eliminating the need for Ethernet cables and routers.
Most higher-end NAS systems make it possible to match standard 5.25″ hard drives with higher-performing, smaller form factor SSD like mSATA or M.2 drives. By combining these different drives, your NAS can have a better file serving performance and larger capacity.
These capabilities will come in handy as your user base increases in number. It’s a simple way of boosting your NAS performance. You can choose a NAS system with these slots unoccupied and add them in the future.
NAS devices need to have an OS to run the variety of available applications. They are business applications such as ERP and CRM, productivity tools such as email, documents, spreadsheets, collaboration, multimedia transcoding and serving, file-sharing applications, and many more.
Some NAS vendors provide access to their demonstration virtual machine to preview the interface and tools and assess specific needs about user management features. Some OS options are Synology and QNAP.
Here are the main points we’ve discussed when choosing a NAS system:
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]]>NAS is dedicated file storage that enables numerous users and various client devices to collaborate and share data from centralized storage. You can access the shared storage from a local area network (LAN) via a standard Ethernet connection. NAS consists of either SATA or SAS disks arranged in a RAID.
SANs are complicated, interlaced systems most often utilized with indispensable data and databases. A SAN is not a single device but a cluster of storage devices that function as an integrated unit. Multiple servers or computers can access this dedicated network and share the storage resources. You can access data stored on the SAN from any computer on your network as if a hard drive is attached to your computer.
Direct-attached storage is a reasonably simple, low-maintenance, low-cost solution connected directly to a host computer without passing through a network. You can attach the storage internally or externally and access the data straight from the host computer. Other users must go through the host computer to work with the data.
Let’s compare the NAS, SAN, and DAS to help determine which solution would benefit your environment the most. Storage capacity, scalability, reliability, ease of management, and budget are key factors to consider. Your choice depends on which factors are relevant to your needs.
Comparing the critical features of NAS, SAN, and DAS shows that they are not three competing technologies. They address different storage needs in different ways.
If you are operating a small or medium business, NAS has all the features you need–it costs little and is dependable and easy to implement. It can handle more data as you scale up.
DAS is best for small businesses that only need to share data locally and want a simple, low-cost, and low-maintenance solution. Larger DAS storage units can accommodate multiple disks in one enclosure but have a limited ability to grow and scale. So, if you expect to see business growth over a short period, this is not a good idea.
SANs are intricate, highly-efficient systems, perfect for mission-critical devices and enterprises requiring excellent storage performance and dependability. It can support extensive data distribution surrounding multiple host servers, storage devices, or even storage systems. You can add new hosts and storage as your business scales up.
A NAS is a single system for file storage and distribution, bringing together data protection functions. It has a simple architecture with fewer moving parts that do not require network configuration changes. This simplicity allows ease of management and maintenance. A dedicated IT professional is often not required.
DAS’ storage system is a part of the host computer or connected directly to it. DAS is also less complex than network-based storage systems like NAS and SANS, making it easier to implement and maintain. As with NAS, it requires little to no IT support.
SAN’s architecture is more complicated than NAS and DAS. SAN is a network of intricate and interconnected devices. It requires significant changes in the existing architecture during implementation. It is pretty challenging to manage.
NAS is good at centralizing storing of data safely and reliably. It allows 24/7 multi-user access and offers easy data backup. Continuous operation and RAID configuration set NAS apart from desktop HDDs.
Although DAS is simpler to set up and configure, it may not have the same level of redundancy as NAS or SAN. It lacks the centralized management and backup capabilities that other storage platforms have. It doesn’t have the system to facilitate recovery should the server crash.
SAN storage is more reliable than traditional server disks because of its underlying hardware. It makes speedier backups and data storage possible. On the other hand, it is the software that makes SAN storage disks reliable. The software ensures that everything works continuously in backing up and other related processes.
Generally, NAS is cheaper than SAN. Although a high-end NAS will cost more than an entry-level SAN, NAS is usually less expensive to purchase and maintain. You will spend less with a NAS because it has fewer hardware and software management components.
DAS is the cheapest option as compared to NAS and SAN. DAS has a more straightforward and diverse range of external drives and a more negligible overall cost considering the storage and scale.
With the comparisons on scalability, reliability, ease of management, and budget—which solution is best for you? There’s no perfect answer. Every piece of hardware has its benefits and trade-offs. You have to know which benefits work for you best and which trade-offs you can disregard.
In choosing between NAS, DAS, or SAN storage, decide strategically according to the needs of your company’s data center. Each has its advantages, and it all depends on your priority. As you can tell, there are also lots of options with each type of storage. NAS, DAS, and SAN come in many forms, so keep exploring which one works best for you.
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]]>Because of this data abundance, data analytics has gained growing attention, not only from the business sector but also from individuals. For instance, you may check the pattern of your calls on your mobile phone over several months or perhaps the social media stats that indicate your popularity in the online world. You can even keep track of the number of hours or minutes you spend on your daily walk for the health-conscious.
Data used to be a management decision tool for businesses, but not anymore; it has become a critical asset. The absence of data can create significant problems that include customer complaints, lost sales, failed marketing campaigns, discordant teams, and many more. These problems may even scale up and result in loss of income, decreased profit, reduced market share, higher operating costs, low employee morale, and more.
But how do we ensure data availability?
For most personal users, the most common approach to give way to new data is to delete old files. But what if you require them in the future? Another approach is to transfer files to an external drive. Depending on what you can afford, it could be a choice between the tiny flash drives or the bigger, more expensive ones with bigger memory. But since the external drive is attached to your device, you cannot immediately share your data with others who may need them.
While those approaches may work for personal users who do not need to share their files with others, using them in business is undoubtedly an ill-judged choice regardless of size. However, we understand that small and medium businesses are constrained by the cost of more sophisticated storage space, especially if they do not have knowledgeable staff who can source, evaluate, select, and implement an upgraded storage solution. Their best bet: a Network Attached Storage (NAS).
But if you think that NAS is good for businesses only, think again! Most individuals use multiple devices to get things done in today’s digitized world. A NAS would allow you to sync your data from your multiple devices, giving you a satisfying work from anywhere experience. You can also give other people access to your storage data, so whether you are co-located or not, you can work on your documents and save them to the NAS, while your daughter binges on downloaded flicks or TV shows, and your son enjoys his online games.
Sounds cool, but there’s one other concern. You do not understand how NAS works and, therefore, are unsure how to go about it.
Our blog commits to providing our readers who are not tech-savvy with useful information on what NAS is. We will share articles on NAS types, their uses, and their benefits. We will even compare it with other storage solutions and post a guide on choosing the best NAS for you.
Visit our Directory and Catalog section to select the best NAS for your need and find out where to get it.
If you are a technology expert proficient in NAS, we invite you to share your knowledge with us. Submit an article, answer questions in our online Q&A platform, or call our attention to the information we have shared that you find incorrect or incomplete.
If you have experienced using NAS, feel free to share with us your experience. The concept and principles we post here may be well-researched, but nothing beats first-hand experience.
We also call on readers who are not well-informed about NAS to post questions on our platform to give us an idea of what you need, and we will strive to give them to you.
Let’s all do our share, so everyone enjoys the benefits of NAS. We’ve done our part. We encourage you to contribute in any way you can.
Let’s work hand-in-hand to promote tech literacy.
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