Network Attached Storage Drives (NAS)

Network attached storage devices (NAS) are hard drives that reside on a network. Usually built with some functionality, the NAS drive allows files from different computers to be shared, data to be backed up, users to have a private data storage areas, password and protection, etc.

NAS Drive Formats

NAS drives are supplied in a variety of formats, from single disk units to multi-bay RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) units, offering many terabytes of data.

One of the biggest reasons to buy a NAS device is centralised data storage, keeping files in one place. For everyone in a workgroup to share files is far more efficient than each user storing all files on his/her own computer.

Most NAS devices have other useful functions. Be on the look out for the following:

FTP (File Transfer Protocol support)
This enables users or customers who are out of the office to get access to files by connecting to the NAS over the internet.

Backup Features
You can of course backup your computers to any NAS, but some units are supplied with software to automate this.

Web Features
Some NAS units have a readymade Web setup, so you can create your own website quickly and easily.

Photo Storage
A nice feature for sharing photos with customers or family is provided by some NAS units which are set up to create photo albums, simply by dragging photos into the relevant section.

UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)
This is a neat protocol that allows the streaming of music, video or pictures to another UPnP device. For instance, you can look at your holiday pictures on your TV which are stored on the NAS, via an appropriate UPnP player (connected to your TV).

Network attached storage devices provide an elegant data storage solution for networked environments and are suitable for both the home and office.