How To Choose a Small Business NAS for Secure Data Storage

Small Business NAS

Running a small business comes with many challenges. One big one is keeping personal and financial data secure from the wrong users.

Having a good Small Business NAS solutions is vital. They help us store data securely and grow with our business needs.

These solutions make managing data easier. They protect important information, help teams work together better, allow secure remote access, and simplify backups.

In this external storage guide, we’ll consider different NAS options when choosing a small business NAS. We’ll see what makes some devices stand out.

Let’s get going and learn how a Small Business NAS can change how we manage data.

What is a Small Business NAS?

A Small Business Network-Attached Storage ( SB NAS) device is a central storage spot. It lets many users access and share data from anywhere. Learning how to manage and support a NAS is vital for businesses wanting better data security and backups. These devices offer many features for small businesses, keeping data safe and easy to get to.

Like a home NAS, they provide centralized storage for storing and accessing data files and media. The main difference between a home NAS and a small business NAS is that an SB NAS has a larger storage capacity and is more powerful for supporting lots of users. Many are also known as hybrid NASs because they can support multiple drive types and connect to cloud storage providers for scalability.

Benefits of Network-Based Storage Solutions

An SB NAS is great for automated backup solutions. It keeps data safe with encryption, access controls, and recovery options. Plus, it grows with your business. You can add more storage as needed without big changes to your setup.

How NAS Differs from Traditional Storage

Traditional storage is different from NAS. Traditional storage is for one device, while NAS lets you access files from anywhere. This is super helpful for businesses with remote workers or offices in different places. NAS also uses RAID to spread data across drives, keeping it safe even if one drive fails.

Technical Skill Requirements: Moderate to Advanced

NAS devices are easy to use, but you need some tech skills. Knowing basic networking helps a lot. For bigger setups, you might need more advanced skills. But, most NAS devices have simple tools that make managing them easy, even for those not tech-savvy.

What Makes a Small Business NAS Different?

Choosing the right NAS solution is key for small businesses. These systems offer secure, scalable, and efficient ways to share, access, and back up files. Most importantly, they grow with your business needs.

Scalable

Scalability is a big plus of NAS. As your business grows, so does your need for storage.

A business NAS lets you add more storage easily without replacing everything. It’s great for sharing files with your team, making working together easier even when you’re not at the office.

Technologies like RAID make your data safe. It protects your files from disk drive hardware failures. This means your important data stays safe.

Robust Security

Business NAS systems have top-notch security. They use things like user access controls and encrypted protocols. This keeps your business data safer from hackers.

They also perform well so that you can get to your files fast. This is true whether you’re in the office or working from home. It makes remote work easier and more effective.

Adding cloud solutions makes things even better. It gives you options for syncing files, which is a big help for teams working apart. More on this topic later.

Unpacking a Small Business NAS

QNAP TS-464 and QNAP TS-664

Systems like the QNAP TS-464 and TS-664 are popular, offering expandable storage and upgraded hardware compared to previous models. Both models come with 4 and 6 hard drive bays, respectively, allowing small businesses to grow their storage as needs increase.

Data Safety and RAID Support

Data safety and reliability are top priorities. RAID support is crucial for this purpose. The TS-464 supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, and JBOD, providing flexible options for data redundancy and performance. This ensures that businesses can protect their data and optimize the performance of their storage setup.

Hardware Improvements

The TS-464 features an Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 Quad-Core CPU, which provides enhanced performance for multitasking, virtualization, and media usage. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses requiring smooth operations across various tasks, including file sharing, data backup, and media playback.

Network and Connectivity

Looking at network options is also important. The TS-464 is equipped with dual 2.5GbE ports, allowing for improved data transfer speeds compared to older models with only Gigabit Ethernet. It also includes two HDMI 2.0 ports, which allow for 4K video output, making it suitable for use in digital signage, video surveillance, or multimedia applications. The system also supports up to 16GB of RAM, ensuring that it can handle growing business demands effectively.

Affordable Alternatives: QNAP TS-233 and TS-453D

For businesses seeking more affordable solutions, the QNAP TS-233 and TS-453D are great options. The TS-233 is an entry-level model with 2 drive bays and an ARM-based CPU, which makes it suitable for basic file storage and backup purposes. On the other hand, the TS-453D features a Quad-Core Intel Celeron J4125 processor, providing better performance for businesses that require more advanced features, such as virtualization and video encoding.

PCIe Expansion and Performance

The TS-664 includes a PCIe Gen 3 slot, allowing for expansion cards such as 10GbE network adapters or SSD caching cards. This feature helps boost overall system performance, making the TS-664 a future-proof option for businesses anticipating growth. Unlike earlier models like the TS-351, the TS-664 supports faster RAID rebuild times and more efficient data handling.

Security and Backup

Security is vital for protecting business data. QTS 5.1, the latest version of QNAP’s operating system, includes enhanced security features such as two-factor authentication, advanced firewalls, and easy-to-configure network security settings. The TS-453D also includes USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for fast external backups, making it convenient to safeguard critical business data.

Model Bays RAID Options Processor RAM Upgrade Network Ports Special Features
QNAP TS-464 4 RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 Quad-Core Up to 16GB 2 x 2.5GbE Dual HDMI 2.0, PCIe Gen 3 slot
QNAP TS-664 6 RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 Quad-Core Up to 16GB 2 x 2.5GbE PCIe Gen 3 expansion, HDMI 2.0, SSD caching
QNAP TS-233 2 RAID 0, 1 ARM Cortex-A55 Quad-Core Fixed 2GB 1 x Gigabit Affordable, basic file storage
QNAP TS-453D 4 RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD Intel Celeron J4125 Quad-Core Up to 8GB 2 x 2.5GbE USB 3.2 Gen 1, virtualization, HDMI output
Affordable, Basic File Storage
QNAP TS-233-US 2 Bay Affordable Desktop NAS with ARM Cortex-A55 Quad-core Processor and 2 GB DDR4 RAM (Diskless)
  • ARM Cortex-A55 quad-core 2.0GHz processor with 2...
  • Budget-friendly Home NAS for file storage and...
  • Centrally store and organize personal or family...
  • Mitigate the threat of ransomware with QNAP's...
  • Effortlessly backup your Windows Computers with...
USB 3.2 Gen 1, Virtualization, HDMI Output
QNAP TS-453E-8G-US 4 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS with Intel Celeron Quad-core Processor, 8 GB DDR4 RAM and Dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) Network Connectivity (Diskless)
  • Quad-core Intel Celeron J6412 4-core/4-thread...
  • Dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) ports accelerates file...
  • Dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x2 NVMe SSD slots enable cache...
  • Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (type-A) with up to...
  • Centrally store and organize personal or family...
Dual HDMI 2.0, PCIe Gen 3 Slot
QNAP TS-464-8G-US 4 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS with Intel Celeron Quad-core Processor, M.2 PCIe Slots and Dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) Network Connectivity (Diskless)
  • Quad-core Intel Celeron N5105/N5095...
  • Dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) ports accelerates file...
  • Dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x2 NVMe SSD slots enable cache...
  • Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (type-A) with up to...
  • Centrally store and organize personal or family...
PCIe Gen 3 Expansion, HDMI 2.0, SSD Caching
QNAP TS-664-8G-US 6 Bay High-Performance Desktop NAS with Intel Celeron Quad-core Processor, M.2 PCIe Slots and Dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) Network Connectivity (Diskless)
  • Intel Celeron N5105/N5095 4-Core/4-Thread...
  • Dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) ports accelerates file...
  • Dual M.2 PCIe Gen3x2 NVMe SSD slots enable cache...
  • Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (type-A) with up to...
  • Centrally store and organize personal or family...

Choosing a Small Business NAS Solutions

Choosing the right NAS for our small business can be tough. There are many options available that fit different budgets and needs. We’ll look at budget-friendly NAS options, mid-range solutions, and top-notch premium devices.

Budget-Friendly Options

For those on a tight budget, the QNAP TS-233 is a great choice. It costs around $200 and meets basic storage needs. It’s perfect for new businesses needing simple file storage and backup without additional complexity. With 2 drive bays, an ARM Cortex-A55 Quad-Core processor, and RAID 0/1 support, it ensures basic data redundancy and functionality at an affordable price.

Budget-Friendly
QNAP TS-233-US 2 Bay Affordable Desktop NAS with ARM Cortex-A55 Quad-core Processor and 2 GB DDR4 RAM (Diskless)
  • ARM Cortex-A55 quad-core 2.0GHz processor with 2...
  • Budget-friendly Home NAS for file storage and...
  • Centrally store and organize personal or family...
  • Mitigate the threat of ransomware with QNAP's...
  • Effortlessly backup your Windows Computers with...

Mid-Range Solutions

The Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen2 and TerraMaster F4-423 are mid-range options, offering good performance and features at a reasonable cost. The Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen2 is equipped with an Intel Celeron N5105 Quad-Core processor, supporting up to 8GB of RAM and dual 2.5GbE ports for fast network speeds. It also offers two drive bays and PCIe expansion, making it suitable for growing businesses.

The TerraMaster F4-423 is another strong contender, featuring 4 drive bays and an Intel Celeron N5105 Quad-Core CPU, similar to the Lockerstor 2 Gen2. It supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, making it ideal for small teams who need reliable data protection and fast LAN speeds for efficient collaboration.

Mid-Range Solutions
Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen2 AS6702T - 2 Bay NAS, Quad-Core 2.0 GHz CPU, 4x M.2 NVMe slots (PCIe 3.0), Dual 2.5GbE, 4GB DDR4 RAM, Network Attached Storage (Diskless)
  • Quad-Core 10 nm Intel Celeron N5105 CPU brings 31%...
  • Memory: 4GB DDR4 -2933 SO-DIMM (Expandable....
  • Four M.2 Slots
  • Two 2.5 GbE ports with up to 5 Gbps under Link...
  • Flexible PCIe slot for M.2 SSDs
Mid-Range Solutions
TERRAMASTER F4-423 4-Bay High Performance NAS for SMB with N5095 Quad-core CPU, 4GB DDR4 Memory, 2.5GbE Port x 2, Network Storage Server (Diskless)
  • Powerful Hardware: N5095 Quad-core 2.0GHz CPU, 4GB...
  • Maximum Internal Raw Capacity: 80TB (20 TB drive x...
  • Multiple Backup Solutions: Centralized Backup,...
  • Easily build file storage servers, mail servers,...
  • Small-sized compact design, can be used vertically...

Premium NAS Devices

Premium NAS solutions are ideal for businesses with big data needs and high-performance requirements. The Synology DiskStation DS1522+ offers up to 60TB of storage across its 5 drive bays and is powered by an AMD Ryzen R1600 Dual-Core processor. It supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 10, providing robust data redundancy and security. With four 1GbE LAN ports and the option to add 10GbE connectivity, it’s perfect for businesses with demanding data requirements.

The QNAP TVS-h674 is a new addition, catering to creative professionals and businesses with large storage needs. It comes with 6 drive bays, an Intel Core i3-1220P processor, and supports up to 64GB of RAM. The TVS-h674 also features dual 2.5GbE ports, two HDMI 2.0 ports for multimedia output, and PCIe Gen 4 slots for expansion, making it ideal for creative work that requires high-speed data access and Thunderbolt 4 compatibility.

Another premium option is the OWC ThunderBay Flex 8, designed specifically for creative work, such as video editing. It offers up to 160TB of storage, 8 drive bays, and Thunderbolt 3 speeds for ultra-fast data transfers. It also includes PCIe expansion options, making it versatile and highly scalable.

Premium NAS Devices
Synology 5-bay DiskStation DS1522+ (Diskless),Black
  • Up to 736/796 MB/s sequential read/write...
  • Leverage built-in file and photo management, data...
  • Four 1GbE ports for simple integration into...
  • Add up to 10 extra drive bays with 2 DX517...
  • 3-year warranty
Premium NAS Devices
QNAP TVS-h674-i5-32G-US 6 Bay High-Speed Desktop NAS with 12th Gen Intel Core CPU, up to 64GB DDR4 RAM, 2.5 GbE Networking and PCIe Gen 4 expandability (Diskless)
  • Intel Core i5-12400 6C/12T up to 4.4 GHz processor...
  • Dual M.2 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD slots enable cache...
  • Dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) ports accelerates file...
  • Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (type-A & type-C)...
  • 4K media playback and real-time transcoding;...
Premium NAS Devices
OWC Thunderbay Flex 8 Thunderbolt 3 Storage Docking Station w/PCIe Capabilities
  • Eight universal 3.5/2.5-inch Drive Bays use...
  • Convenient front mounted USB-C and (2) USB-A...
  • Future ready: top four bays can use U.2 SSDs, the...
  • PCIe x16 connector/x4 lane slot for audio/video...
  • Create, manage, and monitor advanced RAID sets...
Model Bays RAID Options Processor RAM Upgrade Network Ports Special Features
QNAP TS-233 2 RAID 0, 1 ARM Cortex-A55 Quad-Core Fixed 2GB 1 x Gigabit Budget-friendly, basic file storage
Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen2 2 RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 Intel Celeron N5105 Quad-Core Up to 8GB 2 x 2.5GbE PCIe expansion, fast LAN speeds
TerraMaster F4-423 4 RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 Intel Celeron N5105 Quad-Core Up to 8GB 2 x 2.5GbE Reliable data protection, fast LAN speeds
Synology DS1522+ 5 RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 AMD Ryzen R1600 Dual-Core Up to 32GB 4 x 1GbE Optional 10GbE, great for demanding workloads
QNAP TVS-h674 6 RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD Intel Core i3-1220P Up to 64GB 2 x 2.5GbE PCIe Gen 4, Thunderbolt 4 compatibility
OWC ThunderBay Flex 8 8 RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 Intel Xeon W Processor Up to 128GB Thunderbolt 3 High-speed data transfers, PCIe expansion

Choosing the right NAS for your small business depends on your specific needs—budget, performance, scalability, or advanced features. From the budget-friendly QNAP TS-233 to the high-performance OWC ThunderBay Flex 8, there’s a NAS solution to fit every business requirement.

Note: Prices change without notice – please see updated information on the vendor’s site.

Technical Hardware & Software Details

Knowing the tech specs of a Network-Attached Storage (NAS) is key for small businesses. The CPU is vital for handling many user requests and tasks well. A strong CPU makes the system run better, even with lots of data.

RAM size is also crucial for how well the system works. More RAM means you can do more things at once and get to files quicker. If your NAS has many users or big datasets, more RAM is a good investment.

Having the right network interface, like Gigabit Ethernet, is important for fast data access. This ensures smooth work across all devices on the network. Good hardware choices make data handling and retrieval more efficient.

On the software side, NAS software has many features. RAID options help keep data safe and secure. Backup solutions are key for protecting important business data. User permissions help control who can access what.

The table below shows important parts and how they affect performance:

Component Functionality Performance Impact
CPU Handles processing tasks Affects speed and multitasking ability
RAM Stores active data and applications Boosts performance during high usage
Network Interface Connects NAS to the local network Determines data transfer rates
RAID Configuration Data redundancy and recovery Protects against data loss
User Permissions Access control for data Enhances security

Remote Access and Cloud Integration Features

Remote access NAS solutions change how we manage data in our work. They let us access files from anywhere with the internet. This means employees can work from home or travel and still keep data safe.

Many small business NAS devices work with cloud services. This makes it easy to sync local storage with cloud platforms. It also helps with backups through safe external storage. Services like Amazon S3 and Microsoft Azure add extra security and backup.

Cloud-based NAS combines the best of storage and cloud services. It means we don’t need many storage solutions. The NAS market is growing fast, showing how useful remote access and cloud integration is for businesses.

These systems support different file-sharing protocols like SMB and NFS. This makes sure they work well with many operating systems. As we need more and more data, having a NAS with good remote access and cloud integration is key to staying ahead.

Storage Capacity and Scalability Options

Choosing the right storage for small business NAS is key. We need something that can grow with us. NAS systems let us add more storage as needed.

Storage matters a lot for businesses. A study shows that 85% of small businesses want both more storage and the ability to grow. The demand for NAS is growing by 7% each year.

NAS is cheaper upfront compared to cloud storage. However, it might cost more in the long run if significant storage expansion is needed. Cloud storage, on the other hand, offers a pay-as-you-go model, which can be more cost-effective depending on usage.

Here’s a table of popular NAS options and their scalability:

Up to 20
QNAP TS-233-US 2 Bay Affordable Desktop NAS with ARM Cortex-A55 Quad-core Processor and 2 GB DDR4 RAM (Diskless)
  • ARM Cortex-A55 quad-core 2.0GHz processor with 2...
  • Budget-friendly Home NAS for file storage and...
  • Centrally store and organize personal or family...
  • Mitigate the threat of ransomware with QNAP's...
  • Effortlessly backup your Windows Computers with...
Up to 36
Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen2 AS6702T - 2 Bay NAS, Quad-Core 2.0 GHz CPU, 4x M.2 NVMe slots (PCIe 3.0), Dual 2.5GbE, 4GB DDR4 RAM, Network Attached Storage (Diskless)
  • Quad-Core 10 nm Intel Celeron N5105 CPU brings 31%...
  • Memory: 4GB DDR4 -2933 SO-DIMM (Expandable....
  • Four M.2 Slots
  • Two 2.5 GbE ports with up to 5 Gbps under Link...
  • Flexible PCIe slot for M.2 SSDs
Up to 60
Synology 5-bay DiskStation DS1522+ (Diskless),Black
  • Up to 736/796 MB/s sequential read/write...
  • Leverage built-in file and photo management, data...
  • Four 1GbE ports for simple integration into...
  • Add up to 10 extra drive bays with 2 DX517...
  • 3-year warranty
Up to 80
TERRAMASTER F4-423 4-Bay High Performance NAS for SMB with N5095 Quad-core CPU, 4GB DDR4 Memory, 2.5GbE Port x 2, Network Storage Server (Diskless)
  • Powerful Hardware: N5095 Quad-core 2.0GHz CPU, 4GB...
  • Maximum Internal Raw Capacity: 80TB (20 TB drive x...
  • Multiple Backup Solutions: Centralized Backup,...
  • Easily build file storage servers, mail servers,...
  • Small-sized compact design, can be used vertically...
Up to 108
QNAP TVS-h674-i5-32G-US 6 Bay High-Speed Desktop NAS with 12th Gen Intel Core CPU, up to 64GB DDR4 RAM, 2.5 GbE Networking and PCIe Gen 4 expandability (Diskless)
  • Intel Core i5-12400 6C/12T up to 4.4 GHz processor...
  • Dual M.2 PCIe Gen4x4 NVMe SSD slots enable cache...
  • Dual 2.5GbE (2.5G/1G/100M) ports accelerates file...
  • Multiple USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports (type-A & type-C)...
  • 4K media playback and real-time transcoding;...
Up to 160
OWC Thunderbay Flex 8 Thunderbolt 3 Storage Docking Station w/PCIe Capabilities
  • Eight universal 3.5/2.5-inch Drive Bays use...
  • Convenient front mounted USB-C and (2) USB-A...
  • Future ready: top four bays can use U.2 SSDs, the...
  • PCIe x16 connector/x4 lane slot for audio/video...
  • Create, manage, and monitor advanced RAID sets...
Model Brand Storage Capacity (TB) Scalability Options RAID Support
QNAP TS-233 QNAP Up to 20 Fixed 2 drives RAID 0, 1
Asustor Lockerstor 2 Gen2 Asustor Up to 36 Add 2 drives RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10
Synology DS1522+ Synology Up to 60 Add expansion unit (DX517) RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10
TerraMaster F4-423 TerraMaster Up to 80 Add 4 drives RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10
QNAP TVS-h674 QNAP Up to 108 PCIe expansion slots RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, JBOD
OWC ThunderBay Flex 8 OWC Up to 160 PCIe expansion, Thunderbolt RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10

Choosing the right storage capacity and scalability options ensures that your small business NAS can grow with your needs, whether you require simple storage or a scalable, high-performance solution.

Fast data access is crucial for business. Knowing the differences in NAS devices helps us work better. This includes RAID setups and cloud options.

Advanced Security Features and Data Protection

Advanced Security Features and Data Protection

Protecting business data is critical, and having robust NAS security features is essential for safeguarding sensitive information.

Important features like data encryption and user access control ensure that only authorized individuals can access sensitive data.

Encryption Options

Data encryption is a crucial defense mechanism for NAS-stored files.

It ensures that data is unreadable if accessed by unauthorized users. Most modern NAS systems offer AES 256-bit encryption, securing files both during storage (“at rest“) and during transfers over the network (“in transit“).

For businesses dealing with sensitive client information or proprietary data, encryption is essential to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.

However, it’s important to consider that encryption can impact system performance, especially on NAS devices with less powerful processors.

User Access Control

Implementing effective user access control is vital for protecting business data.

By configuring roles and permissions, administrators can control who can access specific files and folders, reducing the risk of internal data breaches and ensuring that employees have access only to the information they need.

Many NAS solutions support role-based access control (RBAC), LDAP, and Active Directory integration, allowing for a highly customizable and easily manageable way to manage user permissions across the organization.

Backup Strategies

A solid backup strategy is essential for keeping data safe from accidental deletion, hardware failure, or cyber threats.

NAS systems allow for automatic, scheduled backups, ensuring that important data is regularly saved. Advanced NAS units offer features like multi-version backups and snapshot technology, allowing data to be restored to previous versions or points in time, which is invaluable in case of data corruption or ransomware attacks.

Integration with cloud storage services like Amazon S3, Google Drive, or Azure also provides an additional layer of protection by creating off-site backups, offering a hybrid approach to data security.

RAID Configuration and Data Protection

The RAID setup for NAS is crucial for protecting our data. Different RAID levels, like RAID 1 or RAID 5, offer different levels of redundancy and speed. For example, RAID 1 mirrors data, keeping it safe if a drive fails. Picking the right RAID setup not only keeps our data safe but also boosts system performance.

RAID Level Data Redundancy Performance Minimum Drives Required
RAID 0 No High 2
RAID 1 Yes Moderate 2
RAID 5 Yes High 3
RAID 6 Yes Moderate 4
RAID 10 Yes High 4

By knowing about these advanced security features, we can pick and manage a NAS that meets our business needs. Using encryption, access control, and backup strategies, along with the right RAID setup, gives us a strong security plan for our data.

Choosing Drives for Your NAS

When building a NAS system, it’s essential to choose the right type of drive. Depending on your needs, SSDs, NVMe drives, and traditional HDDs all have different advantages. Here’s a quick overview to help you make the best choice for your business:

HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

HDDs are the most traditional form of storage for NAS devices. They are known for their cost-effectiveness and high storage capacity. If you’re looking for large amounts of storage at an affordable price, HDDs are the way to go. However, they come with slower read/write speeds compared to SSDs or NVMe drives.

SSD (Solid State Drive)

NAS SSDs provide faster performance compared to HDDs, with better reliability and no moving parts, which makes them less prone to failure. They are an excellent choice for improving overall NAS performance, especially if used as a cache drive to speed up access times for frequently used files.

  • Best for: Running virtual machines, multimedia streaming, and NAS caching.
  • Pros: Faster performance, lower power consumption, silent operation.
  • Cons: Higher cost per TB compared to HDDs, lower capacity.
  • Recommended Models:
    • Samsung 870 EVO: A highly reliable SATA SSD that offers excellent read/write performance for NAS environments.
    • Crucial MX500: Affordable and efficient, providing a good balance between performance and cost for small business NAS setups.

NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express)

NAS NVMe SSDs are the fastest storage option for NAS systems, providing extremely high read/write speeds. These are ideal for businesses requiring the highest performance, such as for running databases, virtualization, or editing high-resolution video directly from the NAS. NVMe drives are commonly used in conjunction with SSDs and HDDs for tiered storage setups.

  • Best for: High-performance applications, virtualization, and real-time video editing.
  • Pros: Blazing-fast performance, extremely low latency.
  • Cons: Expensive, smaller storage capacity.
  • Recommended Models:
    • Samsung 980 Pro: Offers exceptional read/write speeds, making it perfect for NAS systems needing top-tier performance.
    • Western Digital Black SN850: High-performance NVMe SSD with low latency, ideal for demanding applications.

Recommendations for Small Businesses

  • Balanced Approach: For most small businesses, combining HDDs for storage capacity with an SSD as a cache drive offers a good balance between cost and performance.
  • High Performance: If your business requires high-speed data access or you are working with video editing and virtualization, consider adding NVMe drives to your NAS to maximize performance.
  • Cost Efficiency: HDDs remain the best choice for archiving and general file storage due to their low cost per TB.

Drive Comparison

Drive Type Best For Pros Cons Recommended Models
HDD Archiving, general storage Affordable, high-capacity Slower performance, noisy Seagate IronWolf, WD Red Plus
SSD VMs, multimedia, caching Fast performance, silent, reliable Higher cost, lower capacity Samsung 870 EVO, Crucial MX500
NVMe High performance, virtualization Extremely fast, low-latency Expensive, smaller capacity Samsung 980 Pro, WD Black SN850

Selecting the right combination of HDD, SSD, and NVMe drives will ensure that your NAS meets your current storage needs while also providing the performance necessary to support future growth.

Unpacking Performance and Hardware Specifications

When selecting the best NAS for small business needs, understanding the performance metrics and hardware specifications is essential.

Components like the processor, RAM, and network interfaces significantly affect how efficiently and effectively the NAS operates.

Since NAS systems run continuously, choosing an energy-efficient model is not only smart for saving on operational costs but also beneficial for reducing environmental impact.

Processor Requirements

The processor in a NAS determines its speed and capability for handling multiple tasks simultaneously.

Basic NAS models typically use lower-end processors, such as ARM-based chips or Intel Celeron CPUs, which are sufficient for basic file sharing and streaming.

High-end NAS units are equipped with powerful processors, such as Intel Core, Xeon, or AMD Ryzen, designed to handle demanding workloads, including multiple-user access, real-time encryption, and virtualization.

RAM Considerations

RAM plays a crucial role in NAS performance.

Basic NAS devices might include 1-2GB of RAM, suitable for simple, low-demand tasks. Mid-range NAS models often support expandable RAM, allowing for upgrades to 4-8GB, which boosts multitasking capabilities and performance.

High-end NAS units may include 16GB or more of RAM, which is beneficial for intensive tasks like media transcoding, virtualization, and handling multiple concurrent users.

Upgrading RAM can significantly improve performance, particularly in environments requiring high data throughput or when running applications directly on the NAS.

Network Interface Options

Fast data transfers depend heavily on network connectivity. Basic NAS devices typically come with 1 Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE) ports, which are sufficient for everyday file sharing.

High-end NAS models can offer 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) or even 40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GbE) for significantly faster data transfer, making them ideal for quick file access and editing directly from the NAS.

Choosing advanced networking options like 10GbE or 40GbE helps ensure smooth operations, especially for demanding tasks like video editing or large data backups.

Power Consumption and Energy Efficiency

A good NAS is not just fast but also energy-efficient. Many models are made to use less power, saving costs while running all day. Thinking about power use when looking at NAS performance helps find devices that are good for the planet and business.

Comparing Operating Systems and User Interfaces

Choosing a small business NAS means looking at different NAS operating systems and user interfaces. These choices affect how easy it is to use and what features are available. We’ll look at Synology DSM, QNAP QTS, and other systems to see what makes them special.

Synology DSM Platform

Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) is easy to use and has lots of features. It lets us add apps from the Synology Package Center to fit our needs. It’s also great for backups and keeping data safe.

QNAP QTS System

QNAP QTS has a wide range of apps through its App Center. Its user interface is simple, making it easy to navigate. It’s good for multimedia and cloud services, and it grows with our needs.

Other NAS Operating Systems

FreeNAS uses ZFS for advanced storage, such as data deduplication and snapshots. Unraid lets us mix drive sizes for flexible setups and protects data. OpenMediaVault is light and supports plugins. Windows Storage Server works well with Windows Active Directory, which is perfect for big businesses. Each system has its own strengths for different users.

Comparison of NAS Software Operating Systems

Operating System Key Features User Interface Best For
Synology DSM App Center, Backup Efficiency Intuitive, User-Friendly Small to Medium Businesses
QNAP QTS Multimedia Apps, Cloud Services Simple Navigation Diverse User Preferences
FreeNAS ZFS, Data Deduplication Advanced Management Tools Data-Intensive Applications
Unraid Flexible Configurations User-Friendly Dashboard Home Users & Power Users
OpenMediaVault Plugin Support, Lightweight Minimalist Approach Home Users
Windows Storage Server Active Directory Integration Integrated Windows Experience Enterprises

Installation and Setup Process

The NAS installation starts with gathering all the needed hardware. This includes putting together the NAS enclosure, securing drives, and connecting cables. It’s key to make sure each part fits well and works together.

After setting up the hardware, we move on to the NAS setup. This is often guided by an initial setup wizard. This wizard helps us set up network settings and RAID setups. It’s easy to use, making it great for both tech experts and beginners.

Next, we set up user permissions and storage. This is important for keeping data safe. It helps with teamwork or managing customer data, making the setup easy.

In short, setting up NAS devices needs careful attention to hardware and a clear setup process. Using an initial setup wizard helps make it smooth and effective.

Maintenance and Upgrade Considerations

Keeping our NAS devices in top shape is key. We should regularly check disk health, update firmware, and tweak settings. These steps help our devices last longer and work better.

It’s also important to back up our data often. Backups protect us from losing important files. Modern NAS devices make this easy with automated backup options.

Upgrading our NAS can add more storage or speed it up. Adding more drive bays or switching to SSDs are good options. Mixing HDDs for storage and SSDs for speed can be a smart choice.

Keeping software up to date is also crucial. It brings new features and better performance. This is true for tools that help with backups, reducing data, and encrypting it.

Lastly, network speed matters a lot. Faster connections like 10Gb Ethernet can greatly improve our NAS use. Staying ahead with maintenance and upgrades is key to success.

Maintenance Task Description Frequency
Check Disk Health Monitor the status of disk drives to prevent failures. Monthly
Firmware Updates Install the latest firmware to ensure optimal performance and security. Quarterly
Regular Backups Automate backups to preserve important data against loss. Daily
Upgrade Hardware Enhance the system by adding drives or updating to SSDs. As needed
Optimize Network Protocols Upgrade to faster protocols to improve data transfer speeds. As needed

Conclusion

As we finish looking at the best NAS solutions for small businesses, we see their value. A good SB NAS system lets us grow our storage as needed. It also makes it easy to get to our data from anywhere, which is great for working from home.

Choosing the right NAS involves looking at storage, speed, reliability, and safety. Getting a NAS is smart because it saves money by keeping our data safe. It uses RAID and backups to protect our data.

In the end, NAS is a smart choice for small business owners. It helps us keep our files safe, makes backups reliable, and helps teams work together.

FAQ

What is a Small Business NAS?

A Small Business NAS is a special storage device. It connects to a network. This lets many users access data from anywhere, making it easier to work together.

What are the key benefits of using a Small Business NAS?

Using a NAS helps manage data in one place. It makes working together easier. It also helps backup data, and a NAS can grow with your business.

How does NAS differ from traditional storage solutions?

NAS is different from old storage because it lets many users access data. This is over a network, not just on one device.

What technical skills are required to set up a NAS?

You don’t need to be a tech expert to set up a NAS. But knowing some networking basics helps. It makes managing the system easier.

What important features should we consider when choosing a Small Business NAS?

Look for features like how many drives it can hold. Also, check if it supports RAID for safety. Make sure it has good network options and software. And it should have security features that fit your needs.

What are some budget-friendly options for Small Business NAS?

For a good deal, check out the QNAP TS-233. It’s affordable and still offers great performance. It’s perfect for small businesses on a tight budget.

How can remote access and cloud integration enhance our NAS experience?

Remote access and cloud integration let employees work from anywhere. This makes working together easier. It also helps with backups.

What security features should we look for in a Small Business NAS?

Look for strong security like encryption. Also, check for user access control and good backup plans. These keep your data safe.

How can we maintain optimal performance of our NAS device?

Keep your NAS running well by updating its software. Check disk health and adjust settings. Upgrading hardware can also help keep it running smoothly.

What are the potential alternatives to using a Small Business NAS?

You could use cloud storage for easy access. Or external hard drives for local backups. You can even use both with a NAS for even better backup options.

Note: Amazon product details were last updated on 2025-02-11 at 00:25.

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