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by Bridget.Giacinto on Apr 23, 2014 7:24:00 PM
Network Attached Storage (NAS) boxes are commonly used to add shared storage to small business network infrastructure. NAS backup is cost-effective, convenient, and user-friendly. Directly Attached Storage (DAS) infrastructure is also cost-effective and convenient. However, there are numerous issues associated with utilizing DAS or NAS as a standalone method for storage and redundancy, and multiple levels of redundancy are strongly encouraged.
Top 5 Reasons to Backup to NAS:
Listed below are five reasons to consider investing in NAS and DAS appliances for backup storage and data protection.
1. Backup Focus and Design
NAS boxes are typically designed for local storage, and they are not designed for regular data transportation off-site. NAS boxes can be used as part of a comprehensive backup plan, or NAS boxes can include drives designed specifically for daily removal. NAS appliances also require motherboards, processors, RAM, chips, and other devices subject to mechanical failure. Multi-tiered alert systems and automated data duplication can be implemented in the event of suspected or imminent hardware failure.
2. Formatting Options for Data Backup
Almost every NAS appliance can be used for backup. However, numerous high-rely designs for DAS are available. Different formats include Windows-based NAS and Linux-based NAS, some of which include automatic mirroring technology and the ability to quickly seed backup off-site or in conjunction with remote monitoring and management tools.
3. Off-site Replication Capabilities
Automatic Mirroring Technology (AMT) provides features in select backup NAS products that are not widely available. AMT automatically copies every backup job to a removable drive, which is duplicated every time the drive is replaced. The jobs are sent to remote locations over the Internet, and redundancies are increased.
4. Speed and Hardware Compatibility With Existing Networks
DAS backup systems connect drivers directly to an existing server with the use of a USB or eSATA port. Traditionally, an interface card could easily be added. In the past few years, numerous top manufacturers have made it more difficult to achieve full functionality with third-party software. NAS configurations connect to servers via Gigabit Ethernet, which runs at a raw data rate of 1Gbps, or frequently 150 to 300 BG per hour in real-life scenarios. However, DAS backup systems typically run raw data at a rate of approximately 300 to 400 GB per hour in similar scenarios.
5. Removable Drive Trays and Additional Redundancies
NAS drive trays can be removed for improved security off-site. Protected hard drives that are compatible with DAS appliances can also add increased backup security from floods, fire, extreme temperatures, or other common hazards.
Multi-tier Backup Solutions From NovaBACKUP
NAS backup and DAS backup solutions can be an effective method for data storage as well as data redundancy when combined with a more comprehensive plan for backup. Cost-effective hardware that is available on- and off-site can offer necessary upload/download speed in addition to ease of use. Instead of opting to overhaul an existing network that meets most data storage needs, invest in supplemental hardware and software solutions that have necessary off-site capabilities.
Data storage and protection is intended to have multiple safeguards without interfering with mission critical operations. Reduce lag time and increase backup capabilities with the right hardware coupled with other data storage solutions that are likely to function with next-generation technologies.