What are the advantages of NAS storage?

What are the advantages of NAS storage

Are you considering a NAS (network-attached storage) solution for your business?

If so, it’s important to understand the advantages of NAS storage before making a decision. In this blog post, we’ll outline the top benefits of using a NAS system in your organization or home. If you’re like most people, you probably think of storage as something that’s either built into your computer or is added through an expansion card. But there’s another kind of storage-network attached storage (NAS)-that can be a great option for businesses and homeowners alike.

If you’re looking for a way to centralize your storage and make it more accessible for everyone in your organization, then a NAS system is the way to go. Thanks to their many advantages, NAS systems are becoming more and more popular every day. So if you’re considering purchasing one, be sure to research the different options available to you and find the one that best suits your needs. You won’t regret it!

When it comes to data storage, there are two main types of systems: server-based and network-attached storage (NAS). Server-based systems include a central processing unit (CPU) and a hard drive, while NAS systems consist of just the hard drive(s). NAS systems have several advantages over server-based systems.

NAS systems are also easier to set up and use than server-based systems. With a server-based system, you have to install and configure the operating system, as well as set up the networking components. With a NAS system, all you have to do is connect it to your network and you’re ready to go. This makes NAS systems ideal for small businesses and home users who don’t have IT staff or experience setting up servers.

There are many advantages to using NAS storage in your business.

Here are some of the most important ones:

NAS systems can provide high-performance, reliable storage for your company’s critical data.

With a NAS system, your data is stored on a centralized computer that you can access from any location. These systems are easy to configure and maintain, allowing admins to control who has access to what files. Additionally, with the right kind of software solution, they can be used as network backup devices with up-to-date copies of all company information.

NAS systems are easy to manage and maintain on your own.

You don’t need to hire an IT professional to keep things running smoothly with a NAS system. Instead, you can do it yourself or give limited permissions to certain members of the company so that only they may make changes to the system. This self-service approach means more productivity for your business since there’s no delay in waiting for IT assistance when someone needs access to data quickly. Since you’re not paying professionals six-figure salaries, this also brings down your operating costs considerably, making NAS storage affordable for any budget or business size.

Some models even come with specialized software that helps facilitate backups of all company files onto external drives and computers.

Since the operating system is installed on a separate hard drive, frequent upgrade and servicing of the main RAM chips are not required. This prolongs the life cycle of your investment in a NAS storage server considerably.

The CPU unit is often fanless or has a small cooling vent that’s quiet during operation. While this does reduce noise levels when compared to regular servers, you need to ensure that the ambient temperature isn’t too high for optimal performance. Installing it in a cabinet with well-placed ventilation openings should solve this problem.

In case something goes wrong with any part of your NAS device, replacement parts are readily available from authorized dealers around the world and can be easily swapped out after you’ve removed the faulty one. Since these units are compact, they can be easily transported to another location if needed.

They can also help you save money on energy costs since they use less power than traditional servers.

Perhaps the most obvious advantage of NAS storage is its price. A NAS system costs significantly less than a server-based system with the same amount of storage space. This is because a NAS system doesn’t require the extra components that a server-based system does. Aside from its cost; they are also cheaper to run and maintain.

NAS systems are scalable and easily expandable, so you can add storage as your needs grow.

NAS systems are easily scalable and its memory can easily be expanded when needed. You don’t have to worry about running out of storage space or upgrading your system as your business grows.

Reliability

NAS systems are also very reliable and can withstand power outages and other unexpected problems.

NAS systems are designed for continuous operation and have multiple redundancies built in to protect your data. They can also withstand power outages and other unexpected problems. This makes them a more reliable option than traditional servers, which can be susceptible to failure.

Increased data security

Because NAS devices are often connected to the network, they’re less likely to be affected by power outages or other problems. This also makes them ideal for storing sensitive data.

More efficient storage management

Many NAS devices support the iSCSI protocol, which enables servers to share data in a SAN-like environment. This type of sharing reduces the amount of time IT staff spends managing separate sets of storage.

SMB support

NAS systems are also capable of supporting file protocols, such as Server Message Block (SMB), that allow for centralized storage on your network. SMB is compatible with most Microsoft Windows server platforms and enables users to access files stored on shared folders via the CIFS/Common Internet File System protocol. This makes NAS systems ideal for efficiently storing large amounts of data across multiple users.

Increased flexibility

Smaller businesses benefit from having NAS because they can be expanded as the company grows. NAS systems can also be more easily integrated into an existing IT infrastructure than traditional SANs.

Remote access

Another advantage of NAS is that it can offer remote access to files and folders stored on the system, which can be helpful for employees or contractors who work remotely. This allows users to access files and folders as if they were on-site, without having to VPN into the network.

Reduced backup time

NAS systems can also speed up the process of backing up data. Because NAS supports multiple protocols, including CIFS and FTP, you can use a variety of backup applications without having to worry about compatibility issues. This allows you to select the most appropriate backup solution for your specific needs, which can result in faster and more reliable backups.

Improved disaster recovery

NAS systems can also improve your organization’s disaster recovery plan. By storing important files and folders on a NAS system, you can create a backup copy that is protected from natural disasters or other unexpected events. If your primary data center goes down, you can still access your files through the NAS system.

Increased security

NAS systems offer increased security for your data. With features like user authentication and file-level encryption, you can ensure that only authorized users have access to your sensitive information. NAS systems also offer the ability to create multiple user accounts, so you can give different employees access to different folders and files. This can help to improve security overall.

Reduced downtime

NAS systems can help to reduce downtime for your business. If you have important files that are stored on a centralized server, any issue with that server can cause major problems for your business. With a NAS system, you can store copies of your files on multiple devices, so if one device goes down, you still have access to your data. This can help to keep your business running smoothly in the event of an unexpected outage.

Increased collaboration

NAS systems offer several features that can help to improve collaboration among employees. For example, many NAS systems include support for file sharing, so employees can easily share files. Additionally, some NAS systems include support for cloud storage, which can allow employees to directly access files over the Internet. This eliminates the need to copy files onto a USB drive or other removable media before giving them to another employee.

Access from multiple locations

NAS systems are also beneficial for businesses with multiple offices or locations. If your company has more than one office, it can be difficult to keep track of which files are stored where. A NAS system can help you centralize your data and make it easier to access from any location.

Automatic backup

Another big advantage of using a NAS system is that it can automate the process of backing up your data. By configuring your NAS system to back up your files regularly, you can rest assured knowing that your data will be safe in the event of a disaster or hardware failure.

Many NAS systems also offer features like file versioning and remote access, which allow you to access your data from anywhere in the world, making them a great option for business owners who need to work remotely.

Also See: How To Create NAS from Old PC

Other advantages

– File sharing between computers on the network

– User and group permissions for file sharing

– RAID support for protecting data against disk failures

– iSCSI target and initiator support for connecting to storage arrays or virtual machines

– iTunes server capabilities for streaming music to Apple devices

– DLNA media server capabilities for streaming video and audio to smart TVs, game consoles, and other devices

– Backup software pre-installed or available for download

– Ability to run custom scripts or programs for automating certain tasks

If you’d like to setup a NAS or need a hand deciding which one will best suit your home or business, our technicians are ready to help

Author:
I am a computer engineer holding a bachelor's degree in Computer Science, complemented by a Master's in Business Administration from University of Strathclyde, Scotland. I currently work as a Senior IT Consultant in Melbourne, Australia. With over 15 years of...