NAS stands for Network-Attached Storage, which is a file-level computer data storage server connected to a computer network providing data access to a heterogeneous group of clients. NAS systems are storage devices connected to a network that allow storage and retrieval of data from a centralized location for authorized network users and heterogeneous clients. Some key features of NAS include:
- File-level storage: NAS provides file-level storage, as opposed to block-level storage.
- Centralized storage: NAS allows storage and retrieval of data from a centralized location for authorized network users and heterogeneous clients.
- Flexible and scalable: NAS systems are flexible and scale-out, meaning that as you need additional storage, you can add on to what you have.
- Ease of access: NAS stands out for its ease of access, high capacity, and low cost.
- Customizable: NAS systems can be customized based on the size and requirements of the organization.
NAS devices are often manufactured as a computer appliance, which is a purpose-built specialized computer optimized for serving files either by its hardware, software, or configuration. They typically contain one or more storage drives, often arranged into logical, redundant storage containers or RAID. NAS systems are perfect for SMBs, as they provide a private cloud in the office that is faster, less expensive, and provides all the benefits of a public cloud on site, giving complete control.
