Data is an essential asset for any small business. Without a backup, a sudden hard drive failure can be disastrous. Therefore, it's crucial for small businesses to back up critical data. A Network Attached Storage (NAS) device is an excellent option. If you're unsure what NAS is or how to choose one, this article will address all your concerns and help you select the best NAS for backing up your small business.
A Network Attached Storage (NAS) system is just such a setup. It connects to computers, allowing users to access data over a network that has been stored on the NAS device. A NAS system requires a NAS appliance – essentially a small computer – consisting of:
Now that you know what a NAS is, let's see how it can help with small business data backup.
Network-attached storage (NAS) is ideal for small businesses looking to back up their data securely and reliably, without the need for dedicated staff to maintain it. And NAS is highly efficient, with benefits for small businesses that include:
In summary, using a NAS for data backup is a great convenience for small businesses, boosting efficiency and enabling employees to work anytime, anywhere. Next, we'll discuss factors to consider when choosing a NAS.
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A network-attached storage (NAS) device's primary function is to store data. But, given the variety of other capabilities that are available – for example, to serve as a media center for watching films – more is now expected of these devices. When selecting a NAS for small-business backup, then, several factors should be considered:
There are other software and hardware considerations to take into account when choosing a NAS, depending on your preferences. With that said, here are five NAS recommendations for small business backups.
Here are five of the best NAS systems for small business backups:
Synology is the best overall NAS device among your options. It offers swift support for a wide range of applications. It provides up to 32TB of storage and encrypted read/write speeds of up to 112 megabytes per second (MB/s). Here are the pros and cons of Synology:
Synology DiskStation DS220j | ||
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Pros | Military-grade encryption for comprehensive protection. | Low power consumption: Only 12 watts |
Cons | Increased risk of plastic wear on screw areas. | Free access only to 2 of the 12 available cameras. |
Price | $549.99 (4GB version) |
Seagate offers the best security. Their NAS devices can store data and allow remote access to up to 16TB of information. Additionally, when sharing files, administrators can control the security levels and access permissions. Here are the pros and cons of Seagate: Pros: 1. Enhanced Security Features: Seagate NAS devices often come with robust security options, including user authentication, encryption, and firewall integration. 2. Scalability: Their products cater to various storage needs, from small businesses to large enterprises, allowing for easy expansion as your data storage requirements grow. 3. Reliability: Seagate has a reputation for manufacturing reliable hard drives, ensuring the safety and integrity of your stored data. 4. User-friendly Interface: The Seagate NAS operating system is intuitive and easy to navigate, simplifying the management process for users. 5. Remote Access: With built-in remote access capabilities, you can easily access your data from anywhere in the world. Cons: 1. Higher Cost: Seagate NAS solutions may be more expensive compared to some other brands in the market. 2. Power Consumption: Some Seagate NAS devices have higher power consumption rates, which could lead to increased energy bills. 3. Customer Support: While generally good, customer support experiences can vary, and some users have reported slower response times or difficulty resolving issues. 4. Software Complexity: Although user-friendly, the advanced features might be overwhelming for first-time NAS users. 5. Compatibility Issues: In some cases, Seagate NAS devices might not be fully compatible with certain software or third-party applications. Remember that these points are general observations, and individual experiences may differ. It's essential to research and compare different NAS options before making a purchase to ensure they meet your specific needs.
For basic needs, TerraMaster will do the trick. The most affordable option for a NAS device, it has a maximum raw internal storage capacity of 72TB and a maximum drive size of 18TB. Here are the pros and cons of TerraMaster:
TerraMaster F4-210 | ||
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Pros | User-friendly operating system. | Decent base RAM. |
Cons | May be somewhat noisy when using hard drives. | Lacks a unified cloud backup app. |
Price | $450.78 |
Given QNAP's hardware specifications, upgrade options, and broad support for cloud storage solutions, it's best suited as a backup device. QNAP supports over 30 different cloud backup services. Here are the pros and cons of QNAP:
QNAP TS-253D | ||
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Pros | It supports numerous cloud backup and local backup options. | It comes with dual 2.5GbE interfaces. |
Cons | Some settings and options are not very clear. | Performance is average for media software. |
Price | $514-$802 (4GB version) |
Western Digital has plenty of NAS options. Its largest 36TB capacity model goes for under $200 and can significantly boost your network's value. Here are the pros and cons of WD's My Cloud EX2 Ultra:
WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra | ||
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Pros | Affordable. | Smooth video streaming. |
Cons | Limited features. | No HDMI port. |
Price | From $304 to $2,599, depending on storage. |
This article introduces five NAS devices, each with its pros and cons. You can choose based on your actual needs:
With your needs in mind, you can choose your NAS device. The next section will cover how to back up a computer to a NAS.
Backing up your computer to a NAS with professional software is a very convenient operation. Todo Backup Advanced Server might be the best backup option, as it allows you to:
Using Todo Backup Enterprise is the best choice to back up NAS, which is compatible with various devices and easy to operate. The following is a step-by-step guide.
1. Launch tools Todo Backup Enterprise and click "Create a task" to set up a new backup.
< Image src="/images/en/screenshot/todo-backup/business/click-new-task.png" width="700" height="439" alt="Click Create New Task to start a backup" />
Step 2: From the top options, click “File” and select the specific files you want to back up.
Then click “Browse” to choose where you want to save the backup file.
Choose Destination
4. Click on "Schedule: Off" to set up your backup schedule. Here, you can see "Schedule," "Backup Cleanup," and "Advanced Settings." Under the "Schedule" tab, click "New."
Then, set the backup frequency as needed.
Alternatively, you can choose the Scheduled Backup option, which will monitor changes to selected files and back them up automatically.
Step 5: Click the “Backup Options” button in the bottom left corner of the screen.
Here, you can change the performance, encryption, email notifications, and other options to your liking. When you're done, click Save to return to the main screen.
Step 6: Once all settings are configured, click "Start Backup" to begin the backup process.
Click Start backup to continue.
Data security is vital for business. This article recommends five NAS devices best suited for small business backup. For swift data backup and recovery on your NAS, try Todo Backup Enterprise – it's a reliable option!
After going through our recommendations for the best NAS devices, here are some frequently asked questions to wrap things up:
< strong > 1. Can I use NAS as a backup? </strong>
Sure, you can use NAS to back up your files. You can use professional backup software like Todo Backup Enterprise. However, if you have important data, it's not recommended to rely only on NAS storage for backup. To ensure data safety, you should back up your data in multiple locations.
2. Is NAS good for businesses?
A NAS is an excellent option for businesses due to its large storage capacity, making it effortless to store data. Additionally, it operates via network access, facilitating collaboration among employees. Consequently, NAS ensures efficient workflow.
3. How much does a good NAS cost?
It depends on the network-attached storage device you choose. They typically run from $500 to $2,000. There are cheaper devices, but they lack features.