From NAS to Cloud NAS
From NAS to Cloud NAS
For many organizations, Network Attached Storage (NAS) has long been the default choice for data storage. Configured with RAID 5 or similar data-redundant setups, NAS devices offer relatively good data protection for everyday scenarios. However, as data demands grow and unexpected challenges arise, the limitations of traditional NAS are becoming increasingly evident. From human error and hardware failures to site-wide disasters, the risks associated with NAS can no longer be overlooked. Enter Cloud NAS: a modern alternative that leverages the power of the cloud to offer scalable, cost-effective, and resilient storage solutions. By combining local cache capabilities with cloud-based storage, Cloud NAS ensures seamless access to data while addressing the shortcomings of traditional NAS systems.
What is NAS (Network Attached Storage)?
Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a dedicated file storage device that provides local area network (LAN) users with centralized and consolidated disk storage through a standard Ethernet connection. NAS devices are specialized for serving files either by their hardware, software, or configuration. They are often used to facilitate data sharing among multiple computers and provide a solution for expanding storage capacity without the need to modify existing network infrastructures.
NAS Backup
When it comes to primary storage and backup solutions, a NAS device is a common choice amongst small and medium size businesses (SMB). NAS provides fast access to your critical business data and is easy to scale up and relatively inexpensive. With many attractive benefits, does it really make economic sense for SMBs? We break down the total cost of ownership (TCO) of using NAS as primary storage.
What are the limitations of NAS?
Other than the risk of data loss, NAS is limited by the limited resources and scalability. With the rapid data growth, businesses have to purchase one larger external drive and copy the data over. In addition, end users need to back up data through an installed operating system.
NAS vs. DAS
Direct Attached Storage (DAS) can provide better performance than Network Attached Storage (NAS) for applications that require high-speed access to data, such as databases, virtualization, or multimedia editing. Connecting directly to the computer or server, DAS offers lower latency and higher throughput than NAS, which requires network access.
However, managing DAS can be more complex and expensive than NAS. Unlike NAS, which can be managed from a central location, each DAS device has to be managed separately. This can increase administrative costs and complexity, especially in larger environments with many devices. In addition, DAS may not be as scalable as NAS or Storage Area Networks (SANs), which can support multiple devices and users simultaneously. DAS is typically limited to a single device or server, which can limit its usefulness in larger organizations.
The most common causes of data loss in NAS
1. Human Error
We all know that to err is human. In fact, human error is the number one cause of data loss. So, when your critical data is at stake, you need protection from the biggest single threat any business faces – its workforce. Employees overwrite data, delete files, or – believe it or not – break the NAS. The overwriting and deletion is probably fairly self-explanatory; when left to their own devices, users make all sorts of errors, not thinking about the ramifications their actions may have to the organization’s storage strategy. Once a file is no longer on the local filesystem, it typically disappears from the NAS, as well.
But another human error issue is one that many organizations don’t stop to consider. Until it’s too late. The problem with the NAS is that it’s a physical device, located on-site, (and at least when it comes to desktop models) often somewhere in the middle of the office, where it can be moved and accidentally dropped. Do you know what happens to an HDD when it’s functioning inside a 20-pound desktop NAS that crashes to the ground? Yep, more often than not, it simply stops functioning. Now, this particular problem isn’t typically a concern for rackmount models, but overheating is. Of course, that’s really more of a sub-topic for the next section.
2. Hardware and Disk Failures
Like any hardware appliance, the NAS device can fail, putting the organization’s data at risk. Even though the disks are removable, it’s not as easy as popping them into a new NAS device and moving forward; the way the array is built can be hardware-dependent, and it will likely take time to extract the data and rebuild the array on a new platform. In the meantime, the organization is without its data.
Disk failures are an even more significant problem. It’s a well-known fact that all disks will eventually fail, so it’s no secret that any data contained on them is inherently at risk. That’s why nearly every business employs a RAID configuration for their NAS, to avoid a single point of failure. But what if more than one disk fails? After all, most of us populate a NAS with all disks at the same time; since they’re all relatively the same age, it’s not a far-fetched idea that the business could suffer multiple simultaneous disk failures. And if more than one disk fails, permanent data loss will occur, even in a RAID 5 configuration. And don’t take “simultaneous” too literally; a second disk failure at any point before the first disk is replaced and the array completely rebuilt would result in data loss. This, of course, can take as long as 24 hours, assuming spares are readily on-hand; and much longer if new disks need to be ordered!
3. Site-wide Disasters
Even if your NAS is safely contained in a rack in your data center; in a RAID 5 configuration; backed up on a second NAS; and spares are on-hand; fires, floods, and other site-wide disasters can still ruin your day. Even if you use offsite replication to another NAS device, any data that was developed or modified since the last backup will still be lost. Also, recovering all data from the offsite location to rebuild the primary storage can take several days – so days that the business will be down, without its critical data.
NAS Alternative – CloudNAS Global File Services
By utilizing Cache & Sync technology, Morro Data performs all cloud protocol transfers in the background without relying on legacy cloud WAN connections, which are plagued with speed and performance issues. Morro Data CacheDrive further enhances performance with local cache capabilities to avoid the inherent latency involved with retrieving files stored remotely. And with a regular file server interface, Morro Data delivers robust file service features just like a NAS, but with the added value of storing data directly to the cloud.
The Best Cloud NAS for Home
Morro Data’s cloud-first architecture enables users to access their files or manage the system from anywhere with an internet connection. Every account has a Team Portal accessed through a unique sub-domain. Users can access the team portal through a browser or the Morro Connect app.
Before you trust your business-critical data to a NAS device, you have to question if it’s really the best solution for your business. Visit www.morrodata.com to learn how cloud storage with instant disaster recovery can help you avoid these common NAS pitfalls to deliver efficient, reliable, cost-effective storage for your business-critical data.