8bayIs your business in need of extra storage?  Don’t get caught up in the idea that storage solutions cost tons of money.  Your storage needs may be addressed very simply by implementing a inexpensive NAS Solution.

Network-attached storage (NAS) is file-level computer data storage connected to a computer network providing data access to a heterogeneous group of clients. NAS not only operates as a file server, but is specialized for this task either by its hardware, software, or configuration of those elements. NAS is often manufactured as a computer appliance – a specialized computer built from the ground up for storing and serving files – rather than simply a general purpose computer being used for the role.

We can help you to decide which NAS is the right one for you based on your needs and get you and running in no time at all.  We can install, configure, and even provide administration services for your NAS.

Why use NAS?

Many SMBs lack the specialized IT staff required to manage a complex storage environment. When storage systems are difficult to deploy or maintain, or if they must be managed locally for proper performance, many businesses will manage their storage incorrectly or inconsistently,  which leaves critical data vulnerable to catastrophic loss. That’s why an effective storage solution for your SMB must provide a combination of reliability, flexibility and ease of use, along with superior performance and solid protection.

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Unlike a general purpose server, which utilizes a wide range of hardware and software to perform many different tasks, a NAS server consists of a streamlined operating system and  specialized hardware and software components, designed specifically for efficient system performance. It isphysically separate from your network server, which avoids bandwidth bottlenecks and allows the entire network to run more efficiently. Additionally, since the NAS device runs independently of the network server, the storage remains accessible during network server outages.

Three main advantages for using NAS:

  • Expandability: Simply add another NAS device to expand the available storage if you need more storage space.
  • Fault tolerance: NAS brings an extra level of fault tolerance to your network. Fault tolerant measures such as RAID prevent the NAS device from becoming a point of failure. NAS systems often contain more than one hard disk drive; they are arranged into logical, redundant storage containers or RAID arrays for added redundancy/security – thus, protecting data in the case of disk failure.
  • File sharing: Whether you are a home, small office or business user, NAS devices allow you to share large amounts of data with other PCs or laptops in your network – easily, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

How can NAS benefit you?

Network Attached Storage (NAS) is becoming a powerful and proven technology for storing and sharing data in an office or home network. The increasing demand for NAS is fuelled by a number of factors:

  • Cost benefit: You can now add storage to your network without upgrading or replacing existing servers – which can be an expensive option. NAS offers an affordable and expandable solution for end-users requiring network shared storage in a home or office environment. NAS architecture allows you to add storage on the network without having to buy a new and bigger server or upgrading it. NAS is therefore, an effective strategy for extending your existing investment in server technology.
  • Administrative convenience: NAS offers a simple solution: store and share photos, files, music or videos from one central location and make it accessible to anyone with a PC or laptop in home or office network.NAS-based storage offers administrative features that simplify or reduce manual disk expansion and archiving functions, user and application partitioning, data protection, and other time-consuming storage maintenance activities.
  • Greater data reliability: NAS devices with more than one hard drive bring an extra level of fault tolerance to the network as many offer mirroring RAID features and functionality

Want more information?

If you would like to inquire about our services for installing, configuring, or administering a NAS, please contact us.