Know about attributes and benefits of network attached storage before buying

The decision to select the right data storage for home or office purposes needs to be taken prudently. With so many options to choose from, users tend to get confused trying to pick up the right one. Hence arises the need to analyze own requirements before selecting the best storage solution.

There is one data storage solution which is preferred by users because of its simplicity, easy usage and safety features. Popularly known as NAS or Network Attached Storage, it is actually a storage mechanism which can be accessed via the network. The configuration is very simple and so is the installation process. It consists of a single or multiple hard drives for data storage purposes. The data can be accessed from anywhere by a number of authorized users via the server which acts as a gateway to the data. Sometimes the NAS device can be accessed directly by the clients without an intermediary.

Storage capacities of these devices vary from 2 to 4 GB or even higher, depending on the configuration. If you are planning to store and share all your pictures, videos or music libraries, then it is advisable to go for higher storage space. A thorough assessment of your storage needs should be done in advance which will help in buying the right NAS device. The NAS with high storage capacity, suitable for business setups may not be needed for home purposes. Another advantage of the network attached storage structure is that a number of users running different operating systems can exchange data amongst themselves or access the centralized data storage. This eliminates the need to maintain localized data storage. NAS servers ensure a very simple and effortless way of storing, managing and protecting valuable files and that too at an affordable price. These can be installed and maintained with minimum costs.

Before buying the NAS, you need to have some basic idea about product features and benefits. With so many manufacturers coming up with sophisticated attributes, it can become quite a difficult task for the user to make the right choice. First, you need to decide whether the requirement is for a single or multiple drives. The decision will depend on the size of the organization. NAS with RAID options offer additional data protection. So, you need to be aware of this feature too, before deciding whether to opt for it. Apart from these, you should enquire about connectivity, media and print servers, device-to-device data replication support and all such additional features. NAS products of reputed manufacturers come with warranty period. You need to collect all these details before making the final purchase.

While you can always visit local shops to enquire about NAS servers, an online search will offer you information about a range of products. This way you will be able to compare and judge their attributes and costs even without personally visiting any outlet. Gathering such details will help in getting the best deal.