Understand Network Attached
Storage & File Sharing

About network attached storage

What is network attached storage? - Network Attached Storage (known as NAS), is a type of storage system that enables individuals and organisations to quickly and easily store and access large volumes of information very cost effectively... [Read More]

The future of network attached storage - Network attached storage appliances are continually being developed to allow for more functionality, faster speeds and flexibility. While many people don’t advocate using NAS in highly confidential situations where the sharing of data could become a problem... [Read More]

Alternatives to network attached storage - The main alternative to NAS is storage area networks (SAN). At first glance, the differences appear to be few but it is imperative that you have a complete understanding of both before making a decision to buy either... [Read More]

Why network attached storage? - Most organisations require storage because they need to retain documents, files and other types of information that their users can access from the computer network... [Read More]

What can I expect to gain by implementing a network attached storage system? - Quite simply, installing a NAS is a cost effective and efficient way to add further storage capacity to your network. It is generally, inexpensive and easy to install and allows lower maintenance costs than storage systems... [Read More]

Benefits of network attached storage - Organisations can gain a number of benefits by implementing a network attached storage system. The exact benefits will depend on the requirements, the situation and possible the type of organisation... [Read More]

Potential pitfalls - Heavy use of a network attached storage system can potentially slow down a network thereby impacting the users of that network. NAS is really not suitable where... [Read More]

Buying and installing network attached storage

Six steps to successfully buying a network attached storage system - In the initial phase, an organisation must ask questions such as what sort of information do my employees store and retrieve... [Read More]

Points to remember when installing a network attached storage system - Depending on the size and nature of your business you may wish to install a network attached storage solution yourself, assuming you have some technical experience. However, it always better to seek the advice and guidance of your supplier who should install the NAS relatively quickly and inexpensively... [Read More]

Storage case studies

Coming soon.

Questions and answers

What is NAS - Network Attached Storage? - Network Attached Storage (known as NAS), is a type of storage system that enables individuals and organisations to quickly and easily store and access large volumes of information very cost effectively... [Read More]

Why do I need network attached storage? - You will only need it if there is a genuine need for more storage. Generally speaking, moving data across to a NAS rather than using a file or application server can speed up the servers and make access to the data faster... [Read More]

Is network attached storage something that I can install myself? - Generally speaking, yes. NAS appliances are ‘plug and play’ and as a result very little installation and configuration is required... [Read More]

How does it work in practice? - Network attached storage appliances are easy to use so staff will still be able to access their files and data without requiring a large amount of training... [Read More]

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In summary about network attached storage

Network attached storage is an inexpensive option when you are seeking to expand your storage requirements. It must be noted, however, that although it is generally a cost effective way of expanding storage, you must make sure that you purchase the right capacity (better to grow into something than grow out of it quickly!) and ensure that it meets your organisations' needs from performance and application perspective.

Your supplier will be able to advise you whether network attached storage is suitable. NAS is a great way to meet many requirements because it is so simple to install, use and ultimately maintain.

NAS has a place in most organisations regardless of size, so it can often meet the demands of small companies, home use and major institutions, though rest assured the capacity requirements will be different!

Glossary

Operating System - An operating system is a piece of software that sits in between your PC or computer hardware and the applications running on it. It allows the computer to allocate resources according to the user needs and the applications running on it. Examples of operating systems include Microsoft Windows, MAC, and Linux.

Mission Critical - Mission critical refers to a computer, application or process without which an organisation could not operate.

SNMP - Simple Network Management Protocol is a form of communication running across a network that can be used for collecting information about devices connected to the network, such as printers and servers. It can also be used to configure such devices, manage faults, and monitor network activity, all of which can all be performed remotely.