The Buffalo LinkStation is equipped with two USB ports that let you connect a printer and additional external drives to the unit.
The most basic advantage to adding storage to your network is that it offers increased disk space to every computer on your network. It also gives you a central repository for shared files on your network and helps provide 24/7 access to important documents. Some solutions come with special features such as an integrated print server or special backup capabilities. Particularly compelling backup technologies include RAID 1, or disk mirroring, and RAID 5, otherwise known as disk striping with parity, a high-end backup solution that increases disk performance and ensures disk recovery in the event of a hard drive failure.
What can't a file server or an NAS unit do for my business?
Full-blown file servers are typically more capable than products marketed as NAS devices. Like file servers, NAS units connect a hard drive or a disk array to a network, but they often lack components, such as RAM, needed to run a full server operating system. Some low-end units even lack support for file transfer protocol (FTP), making it difficult to share files over the Internet. Also, many low-end NAS units are not upgradable and have limited expansion options--a bummer if you run out of room on your NAS device as your staff grows.
Bonus business uses
- Some servers and NAS units do double duty as print, e-mail, or Web servers.
- File servers allow you to share files based on user and group assignments. For example, you can make a file with tax records available to the accounting group but keep the file hidden from members of other departments.
Expect the price of your storage and backup solution to parallel the value you place on your data. If you're just looking for an affordable way to add a few gigabytes of disk space to your network, a $200 NAS unit might do the trick. On the other hand, if you need oodles of space in a device that runs very quickly, is extremely stable, and also covers backup and recovery, expect to pay upward of $1,300.
Are there any hidden, recurring, or long-term costs of owning a file server or an NAS unit?
File sizes have mushroomed since the days of floppy drives, and it's fair to say that the office of tomorrow will probably require more disk space than most offices have today. Many servers and NAS units are expandable or upgradable, allowing you to swap in additional storage--a feature that will cost more now but will help you eke a few more years out of your unit before retiring it. If you plan ahead and select a solution that gives your business room to grow, you can keep recurring costs to a minimum.
