Understand 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.

NAS appliances are small, dedicated servers or devices that are attached to an existing computer network. The aim is to improve performance, reliability and efficiency of the network and these devices are specifically for designed for this purpose. The information that is stored on the NAS can be shared or accessed by anyone with the authority to do so.

As with most storage products and services NAS has many vendors who compete in this market segment. The big boys in NAS are Dell, NetApp, Cisco and Seagate but the growth area is in the SME / Mid-Market where vendors like: SMC Networks, NETGEAR, Data Robotics with their Drobo product, Hostway and ZyXEL produce very efficient forms of NAS. Equally, Storage and Security vendor Symantec is well placed to provide Antivirus for NAS.

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.

Because network attached storage appliances are self contained, intelligent devices, they are designed to separate storage requirements from the organisations' network and application servers. As a result, performance is increased and people are able to access information faster and more easily. This enables them to become more efficient and productive.

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, it appears that these disadvantages are beginning to be resolved.

NAS is cost effective and easy to install. As a result, the market for NAS continues to grow.