NAS(Network Attached Storage) vs Server | Which one is better for Small Businesses?

It is important to have an effective way of data storage in place regardless of your business type and size. Any business that has Local area network with more than 3 users needs to access same data, again and again, can get lot benefits from accessing the data on the server. However many small businesses are not aware of benefits that resource sharing on the network can provide them. When it comes to network storage solutions, small business has two types of options available to that that Network attached storage or Server

First have a look how NAS and server differ with each other.

What’s the Difference?

A server is a computer system but pretty different from the regular computer because of it serves totally different purpose. The server is responsible for handling and managing network resources. There are many different roles that are associated with management of network resource performed by server. In case you are using cloud server solutions instead of the in-house server. All of these capabilities are offered to you through cloud services where you don’t have to own and manage your own server.

Network Attached Storage solutions or NAS is the type of network storage solution that is attached to your network and offers data storage to the whole network. It is a device that works as part of network to make data storage and access easy. In many ways, it offers similar services to an application server or file server.

Both Server and NAS are pretty much similar but Server performs much more functions, while may act as storage device, while NAS mean to provide storage solutions only.

At Whitehats, We offer reliable Server solutions in Dubai for any type of business needs. If you need file server solutions, print server solutions, application server solutions, email server solutions, virtual server solutions

How can both be compared?

In order to decide which one better option for small business users, here are few benefits that are associated with network storage solutions.

Functionality and Ease of Use.

Although network attached storage and Sever offers similar capabilities in many ways. The application server is more powerful then NAS due to its more capabilities than NAS.  server have fewer limitations where you can install and use third party software while on NAS you have limited options and cannot use third party software that significantly restricts its capability. However, NAS device is easy to manage and may not require IT professional for maintenance. Organizations that have dedicated staff available to look after server can opt for more capable server while organizations who don’t have their own IT department and lack of IT staff should install NAS device instead of Server.

Resource Sharing Capabilities.

NAS and File server solutions both offer sharing capabilities on the network. Both offers access control where you can allow and restrict users. User groups can be created and managed as per requirements. However, application server offers even more configuration options regarding access control and security as compared to NAS.

Cost Effectiveness.

Functionality and capability always come with increased costs. A server that has more powerful hardware and offers more capabilities is more costly as compared to NAS device. In addition to that, you will also have to spend more money on server maintenance. NAS software that comes with NAS device needs no software while Server software often needs license on per user basis Cloud server solution can provide you server capabilities without need of maintenance however you will have to pay a monthly subscription fee for using the service. NAS is only one-time expense.

Conclusion.

Both Server and NAS devices have their own benefits and drawbacks if you have a small business with limited budget, no IT department and IT staff then it will be more advisable to use NAS device as network storage solution. Otherwise, if you have more employees and can handle server yourself, you can use file server or cloud server solution and get benefit from extra capabilities it offers as compared to NAS.

If you are looking to install NAS Storage solutions in Dubai  for data storage purposes or need Server Solutions in Dubai then you can contact us at +971 4 3382 500. Whitehats provides complete package of reliable Network IT solutions in Dubai