Expensive server operating systems,  incomplete or uninformative information on what a file server is and how it can help a company with its data management are two of the larger obstacles one faces when determining if a server is not only right for you and your company, but makes application sense.

File servers are simply a computer attached to a network that has the primary purpose of providing a location for the shared storage of computer files ( documents, sound files, photographs, movies, images, databases, etc.) that are accessed by workstations that are attached to a computer network. The term server highlights the role in the client-server scheme, where the clients are computer workstations using the storage. A file server is does not run any programs on behalf of the clients. It is designed primarily to enable the rapid storage and retrieval of data.  Running of programs and heavy computation is done at the computer workstations.

units are self-contained computers connected to a network supplying file-based data storage services to other devices on the network. The operating system and other software on the NAS unit provide the functionality of data storage, file systems, and access to files, and its management.  They do not require a general operating system, instead minimal-functionality or stripped-down operating systems are used.

Centralizing storage of common, multiple user files simply increases company efficiency, through data sharing and information streamlining.  It also allows for a data storage safety feature of building in redundancy.  Redundancy is achieved by either writing the same data to multiple drives, or writing extra data across the array, calculated such that the failure of one (or possibly more, depending on the configuration)disks in the array will not result in loss of data. A failed disk may be replaced by a new one, and the lost data reconstructed from the remaining data.

systems allow this to be possible.  By using the proper RAID for the business utilizing the server we help to ensure that data safety, access and network speed are optimized for the best applied data security and usage.

RAID is not a good alternative to backing up data. Data may become damaged or destroyed without harm to the drive(s) on which they are stored. For example, part of the data may be overwritten by a system malfunction; a file may be damaged or deleted by user error or malice and not noticed for days or weeks; and, of course, the entire system is at risk of physical damage.  This is why it is important, if not necessary to keep an ongoing backup schedule on a regular interval, and make use of off-the-premises backup storage. 

Our Direction

We make use of Open Source operating systems in our servers to eliminate the expensive server operating systems out on the market today.  Our platforms are tried and true, stable, well established models of server efficiency without ridiculous software costs and possible license and re-licensing fees.  They have proven long term use track records with multi-platform compatibility and file management abilities.  You get a streamlined operating system with power to spare, utilized market wide, saving you the expense of downtime and initial capital outlay.

Whether you require a server, or a NAS unit would suit your budget and needs better, we are here to help you get what you need.  For more information on these file server types, or information on off-site backup, simply contact us.