Uses of Network-Attached Storage (NAS)

In this post, we’ll tell you about:

• NAS Device and how it works
• The Advantages of using NAS

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.

Main Advantages Of Using Network-Attached Storage

1. Boost Storage Space

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.

2. Effortless Collaboration

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.

3. Your Private Cloud Storage

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.

4. Reliable Data Backup

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.

5. Guaranteed Data Safety

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.

6. Easy Server Setup and Use

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.

7. Potential Media Server

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.

8. Cost-Effective Solution

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.

9. Easier Data Retrieval

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.

10. Remote Access

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.

Conclusion

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.