With over 40 zettabytes (or 40 billion terabytes) of data floating around the planet, file management and security are more important than ever. Fortunately, Network-Attached Storage (NAS) devices have emerged as indispensable tools for businesses seeking centralised, scalable, and secure data solutions.
Combining several storage drives into one comprehensive package, a NAS lets you house photos, videos, music, and documents via WiFi or wired networks. It’s the perfect cost-effective alternative to a server rack, improving collaboration and productivity, with far more features than you can shake a stick at. Let’s take a look at them.
Centralised data storage
A NAS device consolidates files into a single, easily accessible location, eliminating the inefficiency of scattered individual storage solutions. For example, an eight-bay QNAP TVS-h874T Thunderbolt 4 allows businesses to store up to 154 terabytes of data in one secure place. This centralisation ensures that employees can quickly locate files without sifting through multiple systems or devices. Gone are the days of easily misplaced external hard drives transferring a file from one PC to another.
Having a central hub also simplifies IT management. Instead of maintaining numerous storage systems, support teams can focus on optimising one system. TVS-h874T Thunderbolt 4, which includes up to a 16-core Intel Core i9 processor, allows businesses to handle demanding workloads and ensures that data remains accessible, even during peak usage periods.
QNAP TVS-h874T Thunderbolt 4
Itching to make your Thunderbolt port work for you? QNAP takes it to a whole new level. Read our review.
Data sharing and collaboration
NAS systems revolutionise team collaboration by enabling simultaneous access to shared files. Using QNAP’s Qsync Central, employees can synchronise files across devices, ensuring everyone is always working with the latest version of a document. Imagine a design team storing and sharing large project files from a single place. Each member can access and edit the files in real time, reducing delays and minimising versioning conflicts.
Cross-platform compatibility further strengthens collaboration. Most devices work seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and Linux systems, making them ideal for diverse IT environments. Whether your team is in-office or remote, a NAS ensures smooth and uninterrupted teamwork.
Remote access
Modern workplaces are no longer just the office, and NAS systems cater to this shift. In particular, QNAP devices come with myQNAPcloud, allowing employees to securely access files remotely. This feature is invaluable for hybrid or fully remote work setups, ensuring seamless productivity regardless of location.
QNAP also offers its Qfile Pro mobile app for added convenience, which enables users to access and manage files on the go. Whether you’re at home, travelling, or in a client meeting, remote access capabilities keep you connected to the most important data without issue.
Data redundancy and recovery
Equipped with RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations, NAS systems have a failsafe to keep your data intact in the event one drive falters. It does this by combining multiple disks into a single logical unit, with a set number of drives kept aside for redundancy. When one collapses, another kicks in to take its place, filling the void.
Some brands, like QNAP, also feature a simpler recovery system. Using snapshots, administrators can roll back to a previous system state, recovering from accidental deletions or ransomware attacks. This makes NAS systems a critical component of any data recovery plan.
Data security
Data security is paramount in any workplace. With advanced user access controls, administrators can restrict sensitive data to specific employees, ensuring that only authorised personnel can view or edit files. Protected per volume using 256-bit AES encryption, they use the same measures as the US government.
Additionally, NAS systems offer automated backup options. QNAP’s license-free Hybrid Backup Sync lets businesses schedule regular backups to external drives or cloud services, reducing the risk of data loss. These features ensure round-the-clock safeguarding of critical business data, providing invaluable peace of mind.
Cost efficiency
Compared to traditional file servers, NAS systems are significantly more affordable without sacrificing functionality. Devices like the QNAP TS-464 are budget-friendly options for small businesses, offering robust features at a fraction of the cost of a full server rack. With centralised storage, companies can also reduce oversaturation, cutting down on the number of individual devices required.
The cherry on top is that they’re also efficient to run. TS-464, for example, consumes just 19W when idle, staying inactive for most of its life. Given NAS systems run 24/7, it’s a blessing that they barely touch your electricity bill, keeping operational costs to a minimum.
Scalability
As businesses grow, so do their data storage needs. QNAP NAS devices will easily expand with your company. The QNAP TVS-H874, for instance, supports up to eight drive bays and can connect to expansion units, providing near-limitless storage potential. This scalability allows businesses to improve capacity without the need for a different system that would otherwise fragment repositories.
Moreover, QNAP’s Virtual JBOD technology enables users to leverage unused space on other QNAP devices, creating an interconnected storage ecosystem. Talk about future-proofed.
QNAP TVS-h874-i5
An eight-bay desktop NAS delivering powerful performance, extensive functionality and ample room to grow. Read our review.
Versatility
At their heart, NAS systems are simply multifunctional computers with designated purposes. Alongside file storage, you can use them as a Windows or Ubuntu virtual machine or host a WordPress site. They also come in handy as media servers, which can store all of your training videos.
Dip a toe into the best NAS out there, and it’ll even support AI features. QNAP’s QuMagie is capable of organising photos by identifying faces, objects, and locations, making it easier to find and categorise if you’re a photographer or marketer. It’s only a matter of time until this applies to video, too.
Incorporating a NAS into your workplace is more than just a storage upgrade. It’s a strategic investment in productivity, security, and scalability.
