I can highly recommend Synology. I've had a 411+ configured with raid 4 for over a year now and find it superb. Your choice of Raid will probably come down to the amount of read /writes you need and the level of risk mitigation you want. Both a microserver or commercial NAS can be usually be configured to support whatever you decide.
You do need to play about a little with the Synology OS to get a bit more freedom, there are lots of guides on google, but the web management tool (DSM) is superb and very easy to use for the basic stuff, with a l huge array of additional options. You can always SSH in if you want to get into the nitty gritty of it. I've also managed to configure it to mount a truecrypt encrypted USB drive that I have on rotation for offsite backups. I also have a 4 bay HP micro server that I could have done much of this with. The synology was more expensive but saved me a lot of time fiddling about and has worked flawlessly. If I had to choose again and I had the money I'd still go with the Synology every time. Alex From: peterboro-boun...@mailman.lug.org.uk [mailto:peterboro-boun...@mailman.lug.org.uk] On Behalf Of Phil Thompson Sent: 10 November 2012 10:59 To: peterboro@mailman.lug.org.uk Subject: [Peterboro] NAS - buy or build ? I'm contemplating a NAS to server shared data files to an office / call centre of about 25 users. Currently they use one shared directory on a Windows 2000 server which is running on an ancient Systemax PC. My thoughts are that RAID 1 or better is advisable along with scheduled backups to an external USB HDD, and that a UPS for orderly shutdown / surge avoidance would be prudent. These features appear to be on offer in dedicated NAS boxes (subject to me RTM to check the reality). Or would it be better to build something on a microserver ? Anything to avoid or recommended as I've heard tales of very variable performance from commercial NAS boxes. Phil ________________________________ Please consider the environment. Think before you print this email. ________________________________ This message is intended for the stated addressee(s) only and may be confidential. Access to this email by anyone else is unauthorised. Any opinions expressed in this email do not necessarily reflect the opinions of BGL Group Limited and its subsidiaries . Any unauthorised disclosure, use or dissemination, either whole or in part is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, please notify the sender immediately. Please scan all attachments for viruses.
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