In the rapidly evolving business landscape of 2024, small businesses need efficient, reliable, and scalable storage solutions. Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices provide a centralized platform for storing, accessing, and managing critical business data, streamlining workflows and ensuring security. For small businesses, choosing the right NAS device can be key to optimizing data management, enhancing collaboration, and ensuring data safety. This article explores the best NAS devices for small businesses in 2024, focusing on performance, scalability, and ease of use.
Synology DiskStation DS923+: A Compact Powerhouse
Synology has long been a trusted name in the NAS market, and the DiskStation DS923+ continues to deliver in 2024. This device is designed specifically for small to medium-sized businesses, offering excellent scalability and robust performance. It comes with four drive bays, providing flexibility to expand as data needs grow. The DS923+ supports up to 64 TB of raw storage, making it a great option for businesses that handle large amounts of data, such as graphic designers, videographers, or software developers.
The DS923+ is equipped with the DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system, which offers a user-friendly interface and comprehensive data management features, including advanced file sharing, backup solutions, and virtualization capabilities. It also supports a wide range of third-party applications, making it highly customizable to suit specific business needs.
QNAP TS-453D: A Versatile NAS for Business Growth
The QNAP TS-453D is a top-tier option for small businesses looking for a balance of performance, scalability, and versatility. With its quad-core processor, dual 2.5GbE ports, and four drive bays, the TS-453D ensures high-speed data transfers and the ability to handle intensive workloads such as video editing or virtual machines.
QNAP’s operating system, QTS, offers comprehensive data security features, including AES 256-bit encryption, RAID protection, and backup options to the cloud, making it a great choice for businesses focused on data protection. Additionally, the TS-453D supports HDMI output, allowing businesses to connect directly to monitors or TVs for real-time data presentations, further enhancing its versatility.
Western Digital My Cloud EX4100: An Easy-to-Use NAS
Western Digital’s My Cloud EX4100 is a great entry-level NAS solution for small businesses that need simplicity and reliability without the complexity of more advanced systems. This NAS device is equipped with four drive bays, providing scalable storage with RAID options for data protection. One of the standout features of the My Cloud EX4100 is its user-friendly interface, making it easy for non-technical business owners to manage their data.
The My Cloud OS 5 operating system offers essential backup and data sharing features. It supports remote access, allowing users to securely access files from anywhere, which is particularly useful for businesses with remote employees. The EX4100 is also compatible with various cloud services, making hybrid storage an option for businesses that want to combine local and cloud storage solutions.
Asustor Lockerstor 4: High Performance and Future-Proof
The Asustor Lockerstor 4 is designed with performance and scalability in mind. This NAS device is equipped with an Intel quad-core processor, dual 2.5GbE ports, and four drive bays, allowing small businesses to handle high-performance tasks such as data backups, file sharing, and media streaming. It supports up to 72 TB of raw storage, ensuring that businesses have plenty of space for future data growth.
Asustor’s ADM operating system provides a sleek and intuitive interface, making it easy to manage data and applications. The Lockerstor 4 also offers enhanced security features, such as AES-256 encryption and virus protection, making it a solid choice for businesses concerned about data security. Its compatibility with a wide range of apps ensures that it can integrate seamlessly with business operations, from cloud backups to media streaming.
TerraMaster F4-423: Cost-Effective Storage for Growing Businesses
The TerraMaster F4-423 is an excellent budget-friendly option for small businesses looking for reliable storage without the high cost. It comes with four drive bays, allowing for up to 80 TB of storage with RAID support. The F4-423 is powered by an Intel Celeron quad-core processor, offering decent performance for small business tasks such as data backup, file storage, and media streaming.
While TerraMaster is a lesser-known brand compared to Synology or QNAP, it offers a robust, easy-to-use operating system with basic features such as file sharing, backup options, and cloud integration. The F4-423 may not offer the advanced features of higher-end NAS devices, but its affordability and solid performance make it a worthy consideration for businesses with tight budgets.
Conclusion
When selecting the best NAS device for a small business in 2024, it’s essential to consider factors like scalability, performance, ease of use, and security features. The Synology DiskStation DS923+ stands out as a top choice for businesses that require advanced data management and high storage capacity. QNAP TS-453D offers versatility and high performance for growing businesses, while Western Digital’s My Cloud EX4100 is perfect for business owners seeking simplicity and reliability. The Asustor Lockerstor 4 provides future-proof performance, and TerraMaster F4-423 is an affordable, reliable option for businesses with budget constraints.
These NAS devices can significantly improve data storage, management, and collaboration, ensuring that businesses can grow while keeping their data secure and easily accessible.
