Network attached storage devices are wonderful storage solutions for businesses who need a server with file sharing built-in. But, as with any physical storage device, NAS devices need to be backed up in order to protect the data they hold.
Choosing a software to backup your business’s NAS devices is a big task. As the data within these devices is frequently accessed and used by multiple, if not all, users within your organization, it must be equipped to handle the data loss events that are often associated with heavy use of shared files. These events include human error, accidentally deleted or changed files, hardware damage and more, not to mention the slew of other catastrophes that can strike and compromise a physical storage device.
Below are three of the top NAS backup softwares built for organizations who want to protect their shared data from deletion due to human error, viruses, physical device damage and more.
What is an NAS device?
NAS devices are a type of file server used by small offices and private users that centralizes the storage and management of files. This provides any computer with network access the ability to view or manage files in the network, rather than having to physically transfer data via removable media.
NAS devices are introduced within small to medium sized businesses as storage/sharing devices for a number of reasons — they can minimize downtime during server maintenance periods, or they can be used alone as their own as mini file-servers.
Why do NAS devices need backup?
Because NAS devices are physical storage devices, the data that resides on them is at risk for loss and corruption due to a number of factors. Any physical storage device has the potential to undergo physical damage, whether by fire, flood, hardware crashes, or tampering. Physical storage devices are also easily stolen and may experience technical failures, rendering the data within them difficult to retrieve, or even lost forever.
The data within NAS devices is also vulnerable to loss and corruption due to everyday human error — one of the most common causes of data loss. A file changed or deleted within the shared network will be synced, copying the changes to all access points. If a change or deletion is made to a file accidentally, a previous version of the file may not be available or retrievable if an off-site backup is not available. Similarly, if a virus deletes or encrypts a file in the NAS, it also won’t be retrievable if no other backup of that data exists.
Top NAS software backup providers
As a you select an NAS backup provider for your business, keep these top 3 backup providers in mind:
Nordic Backup
Nordic Backup is an off-site fully managed cloud backup provider offering a range of cloud backup plans, with NAS backup built in, for businesses of all sizes. The Nordic Backup software displays NAS devices and shared folders in an easy to use system browser, which is a part of their simple backup wizard. This makes selecting your network folders for backup as simple as selecting a local folder on your computer.
Their software is continuous and automatic, backing up your business files, documents and folders as changes are made. Even with this syncing capability, Nordic Backup builds unlimited previous file versioning into each of their cloud backup plans to ensure that no change is ever lost. This version history feature is a must-have with any NAS backup software option. It ensures that even if a technological, human, physical error or virus strikes your data, it can be recovered by reverting to the most recent, unaffected file version. In a shared-network, this feature is critical and makes complete data recoverability possible.
In addition to offering unlimited previous file versions, their small business cloud backup plans offer NAS backup, unlimited computer backup, continuously synced file backup, unlimited local and external hard drive backup, and a range of storage capacities — a checklist of features that combine to create a thorough, complete small business backup solution.
Nordic Backup’s enterprise cloud backup solutions offer NAS backup on top of universal server and database backup, limitless cloud storage, mail-level backup, managed virtual server hosting, and bare metal cloud recovery, making their Server Pro plans perfect for businesses with robust data storage needs.
Mozy
Mozy provides server backup — but at a steep price. For $1,220.78 a year, your business can backup 250 GB plus an unlimited number of NAS devices and servers to the cloud — an increase from their typical $1,044.89 rate without servers included.
One limitation of Mozy is that they only offer 30 days worth of previous file versions. This can be dangerous for businesses when it comes time to restore a previous file version. Viruses and even accidentally changed files can go unnoticed for months at a time. Having a cloud backup provider who offers unlimited previous file versions (like Nordic Backup) will ensure your data can be recovered no matter what.
While they offer most of the other backup features a good cloud backup provider should have, like previous file versions, server and NAS backup, and military grade security, the same features can be found with a cloud backup provider like Nordic Backup, without the high ticket price, and with unlimited NAS and server storage included.
By comparison, Nordic Backup’s Small Business plans start at $249/year for 250 GB, include NAS backup, and include the same security, backup, and data recovery features your business needs to keep data retrievable and available remotely and when you need it.
To access a greater range of backup options, including exchange, database and virtual server backup, your business can opt for a Server Pro plan from Nordic Backup with metered storage with prices starting at $10/month.
Overall, both software solutions are equipped to backup your NAS devices and then some, but Nordic Backup affords more pricing and feature benefits. Nordic Backup also offers a free, no-risk 30 day trial of both their Small Business and Server Pro plans, so you can decide for yourself if their NAS backup and cloud backup features will work for you.
