For most creative businesses, the days of keeping everything in separate hard drives and manually transferring files between devices seem as distant a memory. Network Attached Storage or NAS has helped studios store, maintain, and secure data quickly and easily–with the right solution and configuration.
Here are a few of the factors to consider when picking the right NAS solution:
Storage Capacity: Although most NAS solutions are scalable (meaning you can add more storage space as needed), it’s important to have an accurate sense of how much data you’ll be accessing. Needing to add more storage capacity in the middle of a busy work week can potentially bring your business to a screeching halt.
Speed: The many benefits of NAS go out the window if it takes too long to access and transfer files. A well-designed NAS solution should keep lag time to a minimum, especially in an environment with many users.
Security: SMBs are a prime target for cybercriminals, as is their data. As many companies of all sizes have found, data breaches and ransomware attacks have the potential to hobble, if not ruin, businesses and productivity. The ideal NAS solution should be able to secure sensitive files, use zero-trust architecture, and be configured to prevent unauthorized access.
Reliability: The ideal storage system can operate without breaking, but a few NAS misconfigurations or incompatibilities can cause regular disruptions. Fault-resistant and error-correcting hardware and diagnostic and alerts-capable software are essential to reliable and consistent performance.
Total Cost of Ownership: Whether you’re on a shoestring budget or flush with cash, no one wants to overspend on storage and services. When choosing a NAS, be sure you’re not paying for more than you need. Conversely, do not sacrifice any of the above considerations for the cheapest possible solution.
Looking to install, improve, or enhance your NAS? Not sure where to begin? Nodal can help! Contact us today.