The acronym NAS refers to a storage device connected to a network that offers different clients and authorized network users the ability to store data and retrieve it from a centralized place. Data can be retrieved from a centralized disk by numerous users and a variety of client devices using network-attached storage (NAS), which is dedicated to file storage. Users on a local area network (LAN) have access to the shared storage by using a standardized connection, which is typically a standard Ethernet connection.
Since NAS devices are highly adaptable and scalable, one may increase their capacity as needed. It is essentially like having a private cloud for yourself because it offers all the benefits of a public cloud in a local capacity. Furthermore, unlike the public cloud, NAS is quicker and offers total control.
One can use NAS systems to support accounting databases, email systems, payroll, video management, data logging, business intelligence, and more, in addition to a wide variety of other enterprise applications. A business can mix and match NAS storage systems and cloud services, which has the potential to optimize cost, management effort, and performance while giving the business total control over location and security.
Many enterprise IT organizations are considering moving NAS and Object data to the cloud to cut costs, increase agility, and boost productivity. NAS devices are typically keyboard- and display-less and are managed and configured using browser-based software. Businesses used to have to set up and oversee hundreds or even thousands of file servers before NAS.
A NAS device is essentially just a hard drive container with some extra intelligence added to allow for file sharing and authorization. Since it uses a technique known as a Redundant Array of Independent Disks.
Advantages of NAS Storage
Centralized File Storage Management – Consolidate and simplify file storage and sharing with a centralized NAS storage. By setting up access protocols, you can make sure that all departments and teams have access to important data seamlessly.
Complete Control of Infrastructure – With an on-prem NAS storage, you maintain complete control of your digital assets as opposed to cloud storage where you rely on the CSP and don’t know exactly where the data is stored.
Customize Your Private Cloud – Customize the CPU, system memory, network, and storage capacity of your NAS storage to build a private cloud as per your needs and budget.
Hybrid and Multi-Cloud Storage – Leverage cloud connect services to combine the performance of on-prem NAS storage with the scalability of the cloud to set up a hybrid and multi-cloud storage environment. Facilitate diverse workloads with a unified file storage solution.
Automate Data Management – With data services such as automated hot/cool tiering, automate data transfers between hot-tier storage hosted on SSDs, to cold tier storage using SAS/SATA so that you can ensure effective NAS storage with minimum IT staff intervention and no human error.