6 Reasons to Use NAS for Data Storage and Backup

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There’s no denying it – more and more of our digital lives are moving onto the cloud. While there are a whole host of benefits that come along with cloud computing, it’s only natural to feel a little apprehensive sharing all of your data with a third-party company.

If only there was a way to make the most of cloud computing, without any of the perceived security risks that come with trusting someone else to look after your data…

Well, there is. And it’s called Network Attached Storage, often referred to as NAS.

In this article, we’ll talk a bit about what NAS is, and 6 reasons you should start using it for data storage and backup.

What is NAS?

Generally, there are two types of storage solutions:

1. Local storage solutions. These have a tangible presence, and include the popular external hard drive.
2. Cloud-based storage solutions. These are looked after by a third-party company, such as G Drive or Dropbox.

NAS doesn’t fit into either category. Instead, it’s a combination of both.

NAS devices are basically hard drives connected to a network. In addition to storage and backup functionalities, NAS units usually offer additional software functionalities, such as media streaming, printer connection, and remote access.

Unlike external hard drives, data stored on a NAS can be accessed by multiple PCs and devices at once, as long as they are connected to the same network. And, in contrast to cloud storage services that utilise third-party drives, there’s no need to share your personal data with a large company. What’s more, you don’t need to worry about ongoing subscription fees.

NAS solutions offer the best of both worlds. They are as private and secure as an external hard drive, and provide the flexibility and remote functionalities of cloud-based storage services.

6 Benefits of Using NAS for Data Storage and Backup

NAS devices are truly unique in the world of data storage and backup. But, are they worth the investment?

Here are 6 fantastic benefits of using network attached storage.

1. Cost-Effective Data Storage

Computers – laptops especially – are becoming slimmer, lighter, and more portable. While there are many benefits to a smaller device, one of the major downfalls is lack of storage space.

Laptops are getting thinner and lighter, resulting in less storage space.

To overcome this issue, many people have adopted cloud-based storage solutions. Cloud storage gives them the additional space they need, along with the remote accessibility they can enjoy with their portable device.

Unfortunately, third-parties can charge an arm and a leg per month for 100GB to 1TB and more of storage space.

That’s where NAS solutions come in. There are a few ways NAS devices are more cost-effective:

• Instead of paying $20, $30, maybe over $50 per month for storage space, some of which you don’t use, you can pitch in for an NAS device as a group, and share the storage space as needed. This works well for family homes, share houses, and office spaces.
• If you run out of space on your NAS device, it’s easy and relatively cheap to add more. There’s no need to upgrade your whole system.

2. Streamlined Collaboration

Collaborating on documents without a cloud-based sharing solution can be a nightmare. Think emailing attachments back and forth again and again only to have a whole bunch of clone copies saved. Which one is the latest version? Who knows.

When using a NAS, multiple people can access the one document in one shared location. Any edits made are synced across the entire network, making collaboration a whole lot less messy.

3. Automatic Backups

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, if you don’t backup your data regularly, you’re asking for trouble. Sooner or later your hard drive will break down. When it does, if you haven’t backed up personal and important data, it’ll be gone for good.

One of the main reasons many computer-users fail to back up their devices is the hassle. It’s all too easy to get lazy, skip a few weeks, a few months, until you forget about backing up all together.

With an NAS device, you can set up automatic backups. These make a copy of every single change you make on your computer, as you make them. NAS automatic backups can be configured on both Mac and Windows computers.

4. Private Cloud Storage

Cloud storage is easy to use and so convenient. But, you might be concerned about who can access your documents. This can be particularly problematic if, for example, you run a business that deals with highly sensitive information, or you’d like to backup things like bank account information and photocopies of identification documents.

Laptops are getting thinner and lighter, resulting in less storage space.

NAS solutions give you all the conveniences of cloud storage without the potential of third-party snooping.

On the majority of NAS devices, remote access can be configured. This will allow you to open and work on your files and documents anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection.

What’s more, some NAS devices have a mobile app, giving you the functionality of a large-scale cloud-storage service with the addition of 100 percent privacy.

5. Data Protection

If you’re someone who takes advantage of your device’s portability, you must consider the safety of your data.

As you take your laptop out into the big, wide world, there’s a greater risk of it becoming damaged or stolen. Think drops and knocks, heavy rains, and spilled drinks. As we mentioned above, if you fail to backup, your important files and photos will be gone for good.

6. Fast Setup

NAS devices may sound complex, but they are actually quick and easy to setup. The process is much the same as setting up a Wi-Fi router.

Most use a web-based interface. From there, you can adjust settings and configure accessibility. Some also offer a mobile app, which can make things even easier.