We live in the Information Age and being able to share information quickly and effectively is what makes the world go around. For anyone who runs a small business this is especially important. You do not have access to millions of dollars worth of equipment and storage space along with highly paid engineers to maintain it and yet you need this capability just as much as any Fortune 500 company does.
You basically have two options: a server or network attached storage (NAS). In reality either can work but it is important to choose the one that you need as they both have advantages. Servers are computers whose primary task to to manage network resources and can fill numerous roles from file storage and print services to more advanced like running applications or keeping your business connected to the web. NAS is a device that specializes in storage by allowing a central folder to be updated on the cloud and syncing the folders of anyone who has access to them.
Servers are much more powerful and offer more functionality since a user can install third-party software onto them. They give a user more control of their network’s resources but also require more management and maintenance and may need a dedicated IT staff. Servers are great for file sharing and offer numerous access control and security options. Of course with all of this functionality and security comes a higher cost for both the hardware and any software licenses.
A NAS does not offer much of the functionality of a server but it has its uses. Apps are installed to give an NAS device its functionality. They are simpler to run and require much less maintenance so a small business that does not have an IT pro may find this much more attractive. It offers much of the same functionality as a server when it comes to file sharing through the cloud and even some functionality that a server does not offer. They are great for collaborative efforts as they can allow for outside-of-network access via an intuitive web interface or online portal with the cloud. Another reason a small business may find a NAS more attractive is the cost. Since a NAS is a file storage and sharing solution with some basic apps it does not need to be as powerful and fewer (if any) software licenses are required making the NAS much more affordable. These systems also do not use anywhere near the amount of electricity that a server does making them doubly more attractive.
If you are looking for a good file-sharing solution without spending a lot of money then Nicely Done Sites can help. We can help you set up a NAS solution. G Suite from Google is a good, low cost solution that is intuitive and effective. For as little as $5 per user you get a professional email service, cloud storage and sharing and a professional calendar that will help everyone stay in the loop. All information is stored on Google’s system freeing up space for you. Check out this link for more information and if you need any help we are here to answer your questions so feel free to drop us a line at 717-814-8658.