Network Attached Storage (NAS)
and Personal Servers
Backup all your computers
to one storage device!Network attached storage is something I've been proposing for some time; unfortunately I didn't have the money to create and promote the products to accomplish that dream. So naturally I am very excited now that these types of products are available to the average computer user. Why? Because it is essentially a home server without all of the expense, hassle and maintenance of a full blown file server.
"It's a mini PC with a hard drive"
Network attached storage is basically a hard drive, or system of hard drives tied together in a small package with a network card and just enough of an embedded computer to allow other PC's to store data on it. Rather than moving a USB hard drive from machine to machine or setting up file sharing between PC's, the NAS device just sits in a corner, basement or wherever is convenient with power and a network connection. Access it at will.
Let's face it. The cost of this 500GB unit from Seagate shown below is less than what it would cost for just the LICENSE for Windows Server 2003 operating system on a regular server!
The NAS devices that are tailored to the SOHO (small office home office) environment are typically packaged with software to automate backups for you. The Seagate offering includes mirroring software to automatically save the data on every PC in the building (home or work) and Seagates guarantee they will help restore the data if necessary. (There are caveats so keep reading!)
The more expensive units are comprised of multiple hard drives that are setup in redundant fashion (mirroring hard drives or RAID 5 configuration), including options for hot spares. You can even buy a unit with no drives so you can spend whatever you want.
A friend I recently advised bought a bare bones network attached storage device shell that included gigabit ethernet and embedded software that allowed RAID 5 with hot spare. He then bought Seagate enterprise quality SATA drives for added reliability and performance...
Total drive space - 1.5 Terabytes; total cost - about $2500.
If that's a bit pricey for your blood, see my full review of the Seagate Mirra Sync and Share Personal Server; I've got screen shots and a short video of what's going on behind the scenes.
Personal Server is a term ascribed to lower priced units, some with fewer capabilities but designed to be more automated in backup function. They are likely to include backup software more designed for the computer novice, not the expert.
This device from Seagate has been getting good reviews from users who want a simple, automatic backup.
Keep Reading ...
 Seagate Mirra Sync and Share Personal Server (Pictured at right)
Available in 320GB or 500GB 8MB 7200RPM
Return from Network Attached Storage to Computer Backup
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