Which is better: a NAS drive or the cloud? There are advantages and disadvantages to employing these various types of data storage servers, and which is ideal for you will typically rely on your business style and size.
This post will go through the benefits and drawbacks of a NAS drive, as well as how it compares to the cloud. If your business is experiencing any specific issues, Computers In The City’s IT services team can assist with finding the optimal solution.
What is a network attached storage (NAS) drive?
A NAS drive, which stands for Network Attached Storage, is a storage device that connects to a particular network.
It is possible to save and retrieve data via this centralised network.
NAS can provide file-based storage through an ethernet connection via local area network (LAN) points.
What is a cloud drive, and how does it work?
A cloud drive is a web-based service that enables remote storage.
It is mostly used to back up files and may be accessed through the internet from anywhere in the globe.
Most cloud drives will provide you with a free account with limited capacity and charge you a monthly subscription for more.
Google Drive and DropBox are two of the most popular drives.
Advantages and disadvantages
Here’s a quick review of the benefits and drawbacks of each:
Cloud Storage:
Benefits:
Files are more accessible since they can be accessed from anywhere in the globe. Cloud drives are relatively simple to set up and utilise when compared to local drives.
There are no hardware costs. Yes, there are expenses connected with storage space, but when compared to the higher setup costs involved with NAS systems, cloud drives are very inexpensive.
Another factor to consider is that most cloud drives function on a monthly subscription basis, making them far more affordable for short-term use. Cloud storage is far more adaptable.
The quantity of space utilised may be expanded as needed over time, which is linked to cost and spending. The apparent decrease in the performance of remote data storage is one element that some people are concerned about.
In actuality, the difference is negligible, and the cloud now provides consistently great performance. Finally, you may synchronise the accessibility to your data.
Negatives:
Power interruptions might make it difficult to access files. To store huge volumes of data, a lot of network bandwidth is required.
Changing suppliers may be difficult at times, especially if you have a program that is dependent on the service.
Governments might possibly obtain access to your online storage. If you want to avoid this, you’ll need to encrypt your data first. It’s tough to forecast expenses over a lengthy period of time.
If your business and storage demands increase quickly, low starting expenses might easily spiral out of control.
If your VPS (Virtual Private Server) has serious issues, it may be necessary to shut down your backup server.
It is necessary to have a steady internet connection. It is the host, not you, who is responsible for ensuring appropriate security. Many businesses utilise the cloud as a backup for their NAS drives or servers, which increases the cost.
NAS Drive:
Benefits:
A NAS drive connects to your wireless router rather than your computer, which means that several devices can access the same data at the same time.
Other storage alternatives provide less customization possibilities. For example, you may configure your system to add new hard drives as needed.
Not only can NAS drives connect to PCs, but they may also connect to other devices. It’s also possible to connect printers, USB cameras, and tablets.
It also allows you to couple numerous devices together, which can boost performance and efficiency significantly. Most NAS devices allow you to access your data from anywhere, offering you a lot of freedom.
NAS servers, albeit more expensive than cloud choices, might be a cost-effective alternative to bigger servers.
For as little as £50, you can get a basic NAS drive. Physical products appeals to people because it’s something that can be moved about if necessary.
NAS discs are controlled by a centralised system that provides a single point of contact. This is a fact that can drastically accelerate procedures. NAS drives are probably the cheapest solution for storing a significant volume of data for lengthy periods of time.
Finally, it allows numerous clients on the same network to view the same files at the same time.
Negatives
Because NAS drives use the Linux file system, data recovery after a machine failure or power loss will require specialist software.
End users who need to back up their data must do so using an operating system that has been installed.
The bandwidth provided to NAS discs is quite important. In the wrong circumstances, the entire system might be extremely sluggish.
It also uses a lot of network bandwidth, which might slow down the performance of computers connected to it. It also lacks security against theft or damage.
This is an issue that the cloud does not have. It has a restricted purpose because it is solely used for storage.
Summary
In conclusion, cloud storage is excellent for small businesses that do not generate a large quantity of data and do not want to be bound by long-term financial agreements.
NAS drives are ideal for businesses that process a lot of data and don’t want any restrictions or access concerns. It’s ideal for businesses that are fine with spending more on storage than the cloud storage options, but don’t have the funds or need for a huge server.
Computers in the City, your IT partner
Computers in the City is a top-class IT consultancy in London. With over 20 years’ experience, we can assist you to meet your IT support, consulting and cloud computing needs. We’re proud to be local, offering 24-hour support in straightforward language that takes the stress out of IT support.