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Reasons to Use NAS Backup
March 18, 2019

Businesses know the importance of backing up all data to ensure that the company recovers if there is ever a disaster.

Today, businesses have more options for storing and securing their sensitive data. NAS devices are a convenient and affordable choice that is growing in popularity.

What is a NAS Device?

The NAS (Network Attached Storage) device is a server (computer) attached to a computer network. Its purpose is to provide data storage services to all the computers on the network. Data storage solutions are usually local or cloud-based; however, the NAS is like a hybrid of these two technologies.

Although the NAS device is a computer, it doesn’t have a standard operating system like Windows, a keyboard or monitor, and businesses usually don’t install software applications. Two of the most well-known NAS vendors are Qnap and Synology.

enefits of NAS Devices

There are many benefits to using NAS devices. The most important is that you can use the NAS device to store data locally and to use it for local backup. Other benefits include:

  • Additional storage space – provides large amounts of storage space for the network
  • Easy setup – use a web browser for simple setup
  • Cost effective – with one device you get a data storage system and a backup system which is less expensive than two different systems
  • Private cloud storage – the NAS provides private storage on the cloud
  • Fast Access – you can quickly access your business files from anywhere 24 hours a day
  • Automatic backup – configure the device to schedule automatic backups
  • Network-wide collaboration – documents and files are easily accessed by anyone on the network

Why Remote Backup is So Important

How you use your NAS device determines the level of safety and protection you receive. You need to do more than use the NAS to store your primary copy.

Are you interested in backing up your essential data on the NAS device as well? This is a smart move because you can use the NAS device also as a local backup. But a device on the premises has risks. There is the possibility of fire, flood, theft, ransomware, dropping the device, or spilling liquids on it, any of which can damage or destroy your data. For the optimum level of security for the data, you need to backup all your business information on the NAS device offsite to a remote location.

Two Approaches for NAS Remote Backup

There are methods for sending data on a NAS device to a remote or cloud-based location. The approach you choose depends on your business needs and preferences.

In the first method, backup software is run on a computer or server within the network. The software then connects to the NAS device and accesses all the data and backs it up to an offsite location.

The second method is a little different. You run the backup software on the NAS device itself, and backup all its data directly to a remote location. Many NAS vendors include proprietary utilities that make backup easier.

The type of backup software you use is also an important factor in both situations. Most backup software currently available takes up memory and CPU, and can slow down or even crash the computer when handling millions of files.

ingStor can help you deal with this challenge with either approach to remote backup. Its backup software has the ability to handle millions of files for each backup, and its streamlined processes use minimal memory and CPU.

NAS devices are reliable and efficient solution for keeping your important data protected, secured and backed up. With remote backup there is an excellent recovery of critical data should disaster ever strike.

To learn more about how RingStor helps keep your data secure with a NAS device, contact us today at info@ringstor.com or call (609) 955-3422.