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.

Why do small businesses need NAS for backup?

Network-attached storage (NAS) is a file-level (as opposed to block-level) computer data storage server connected to a network that provides access to data for a heterogeneous group of clients. – Wikipedia

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:

    Hardware: Data storage requires one or more hard drives. Software: An operating system and processor are essential to access the data. Protocols: Data can only be shared over a network through transmission protocols. Network: It requires routers or other distributors to connect network storage to the network.

Now that you know what a NAS is, let's see how it can help with small business data backup.

Is a NAS drive suitable for small business backups?

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:

    1. Store data on external devices to prevent data loss. 2. Backup data via Network Attached Storage (NAS) for dual data protection. 3. Manage data from different computers through a network. 4. Share data with others over the internet. 5. Enable employees to collaborate in real-time. 6. Expand storage capacity on a computer.

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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**Factors to Consider for Small Business Backup NAS**

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:

    Here are the factors translated into English: 1. Storage Capacity: The capacity should be determined based on what you intend to store on your NAS hard drive. 2. Reliable Brand: Renowned brands typically have more reliable R&D capabilities, after-sales service, and warranty policies. 3. Performance: Speed and durability will determine the lifespan and efficiency of your NAS. 4. Features: Some products may offer additional functions such as mail servers or web servers.

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.

Best NAS for Small Business Backup in 2022

Here are five of the best NAS systems for small business backups:

1. Synology DiskStation DS220j

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
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)

2. Seagate Desktop 8TB External Hard Drive

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.

**Table:** | Serial No. | Advantages | Disadvantages | | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | **Easy setup, recognized by most systems** | **Primarily for file storage, not ideal for streaming** | | 2 | **Fast write speeds in most scenarios, runs quietly** | **Somewhat slower transfer speeds** | | 3 | **Price** | **$261.98** | **Translation Explanation:** This table outlines the Seagate Desktop 8TB External Hard Drive's pros and cons, along with its price. The advantages include a straightforward setup that is compatible with most systems, swift write speeds under most circumstances, and low operating noise. The drawbacks are that it is mainly suited for file storage rather than streaming, and it has relatively slower transfer speeds. It is priced at $261.98.

3. TerraMaster F4-210

Terramaster

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
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

4. QNAP TS-253D

qnap

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:

Here's the translation of the QNAP TS-253D pros and cons, along with its price, in English:
QNAP TS-253D
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)

5. WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra

wd

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
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:

    - If you're looking for the most affordable option, the WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra and TerraMaster F4-210 are great choices. - If your primary need is backup, the QNAP TS-253D is a good option. - For data security, the Seagate Desktop 8TB External Hard Drive is the best choice. - Overall, the Synology DiskStation DS220j is the top device to consider.

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.

How can I use my NAS device for backups? ...

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:

    Here are the translations for the features in Chinese: 1. **Control backups from multiple computers centrally**. 2. **Automated weekly or monthly backups**. 3. **Encrypt backup data for security**. 4. **Support for local and offsite backups**. 5. **Support system cloning, hard disk cloning, and partition cloning**. 6. **Backup multiple SQL databases**.

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.

Select files to backup

Then click “Browse” to choose where you want to save the backup file.

Choose Destination 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."

Setting up a Backup Plan Step 1

Then, set the backup frequency as needed.

Step 2: Set up Scheduled Backup

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.

Backup Options

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.

Conclusions

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!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the Best NAS for Small Business Backup - UTF-8 Encoded

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.