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The Difference Between DAS and NAS Servers

Getting the right data storage solution for your business can be a daunting task. With so many options, settling for the one that suits your business’s data storage needs requires you to understand the options available to you.

  • Should you get portable NAS storage?
  • Should you get portable DAS storage?
  • What do those acronyms mean anyway?

Let’s briefly look at the main differences between DAS and NAS servers, the most common options for enterprise-level data storage solutions.

What Are DAS Servers?

Direct-attached storage (DAS) is a digital storage system directly attached to a host computer accessing it. Examples of DAS include:

  • Internal hard drives and SSDs
  • External hard drives and SSDs
  • CDs
  • USB flash drives

Pros of DAS Servers

DAS servers bring a lot of advantages to the table. Here are some of the most important ones:

  • High performance
  • Low maintenance
  • Easy to set up and configure
  • Relatively inexpensive

These advantages of portable DAS storage make it suitable for small to medium businesses (SMBs) that require a lot of storage but don’t have large budgets for advanced storage solutions.

Cons of DAS Servers

While DAS servers have many advantages, they aren’t without their drawbacks. One of the biggest is that a DAS system can’t be managed over a network. Data can only be accessed and manipulated by the DAS’s host computer.

Another drawback is DAS systems don’t typically have the same data redundancy level options as their NAS counterparts.

What Are NAS Servers?

Network accessed storage (NAS) refers to a self-contained storage system that’s attached to a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN). All devices connected to the network can be granted access by the network administrator to the data stored on the NAS system. It comprises portable NAS servers and network management software that permits different users to log in to the storage system.

Pros of NAS Servers

Are there any advantages of going with a storage system that relies on a network?

There sure are. Here are some of the advantages you get with NAS servers:

  • Centralized file storage and access
  • More efficient use of data storage resources
  • Easy data recovery
  • Easy scalability
  • Better data redundancy
  • Save space due to their compact nature
  • Affordable high-capacity storage solution

Cons of NAS Servers

  • Require more administrator management than DAS.
  • Latency issues may arise due to network issues.
  • NAS servers are more advanced than their DAS counterparts and offer a more reliable data storage solution.

DAS Servers vs. NAS Servers

The main difference between DAS and NAS servers is that DAS servers are a more localized storage solution. As such, they don’t offer you the flexibility of file sharing and remote updating that NAS servers offer you. When you need more storage, NAS beats DAS because you can easily add another portable NAS storage device to your network as your data storage needs grow.

Future Trends in Data Storage Solutions

As technology evolves, so do the trends in data storage solutions. With the advent of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, data storage is not just about capacity anymore; it’s also about accessibility and smart data management. Future trends indicate a significant shift towards hybrid storage systems that combine the best of both DAS and NAS. These hybrid systems offer the high performance and ease of a DAS with the advanced network capabilities and scalability of a NAS. This integration is particularly beneficial for businesses that require both the fast, direct access provided by DAS for certain applications and the network-based sharing and collaboration features of NAS.

Another emerging trend is the incorporation of AI and machine learning algorithms into storage systems. This advancement will enable businesses to optimize data storage, access, and analysis more efficiently. AI-driven storage solutions can predict data needs, automate backups, and enhance security protocols, making them a game-changer in data management. For companies considering DAS or NAS, understanding these future trends is crucial. While DAS might be suitable for immediate, high-speed requirements, NAS, or a hybrid system, could be a more forward-thinking choice, aligning with these technological advancements and providing a more adaptable and future-proof data storage solution.

Which Ciphertex® Data Security Product Is Right for You?

If you’re a growing business, you’ll need a data storage solution that grows with you. That’s why we recommend you invest in our SecureNAS® systems. Depending on your needs, we have a complete offering of portable NAS servers and portable DAS servers to meet your needs.

If you need help choosing the best solution for your business, just give us a call at 818-773-8989. We will help you get a solution perfectly suited to your business’s data storage needs.

Source:

  1. https://www.techopedia.com/definition/18707/data-redundancy

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MARYMAN
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Joseph Greenfield, Ph.D VP and Chief Forensic Examiner, Maryman

Anonymous Forensics Project
"We perform large-scale e-discovery and forensics work for classified government agency projects. We’ve used several Ciphertex SecureNAS CX-160KSSD-X 480TB servers recently to great success for an ongoing project."

Large Enterprise Government contractor

Anonymous Forensics Project
"We were assigned the monumental task of handling a staggering 960 Terabytes of data across four locations, alongside an additional 175 Terabytes spread across three more locations, seemed like an insurmountable challenge. The urgency to transfer this vast amount of data to our forensic lab within a tight timeframe was daunting, especially considering the necessity for multiple examiners to analyze the data concurrently.

Navigating through various network environments, some of which demanded heightened security measures in a different data center, only added to the complexity. After multiple meetings and investigations in search of the most efficient and cost-effective solution, our team turned to Ciphertex Data Security, a reputable U.S.-based company headquartered in DC."

Large Enterprise Government contractor

Anonymous Government Contractor Project
"In our consultations with Ciphertex, their technical team proved invaluable, offering insightful advice that preemptively addressed potential delays. Within a mere week, we had the product in our possession. With swift implementation, our system was soon operational, requiring just a few additional days for software fine-tuning and setup adjustments before deployment.

Thanks to Ciphertex’s solution, our mission was accomplished seamlessly, meeting our deadlines and significantly reducing costs. Moreover, the versatility of their product allowed for immediate reuse in subsequent assignments through Ciphertex Instant Secure Erase feature. Ever since, Ciphertex has been a dependable ally whenever we’ve required their expertise and support."

Large Forensics Enterprise Government Contractor

Government Agency Project
"Our experience with Ciphertex was nothing short of exceptional. Entrusted with the critical task of relocating a substantial volume of data (480TB) from disparate locations to a highly secure data center boasting a distinct network environment, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. The data we handled was of utmost sensitivity, demanding foolproof protection throughout its journey.

Utilizing Ciphertex’s SecureNAS systems across three separate locations, we were equipped with encrypted solutions tailored to safeguard our valuable data. What’s more, with the flexibility to operate seamlessly across both 10G and 40G copper and fiber networks, Ciphertex’s technology proved adaptable to our diverse needs.Thanks to Ciphertex’s robust encryption protocols and efficient systems, the transfer of our encrypted data was executed flawlessly, without encountering any hiccups along the way. With peace of mind knowing our data was secure, we successfully completed our mission."

Large Government Agency

Anonymous Forensic Accounting Project
"Our team encountered a significant challenge relocating a vast amount of forensic accounting data from one state to Washington DC, requiring several machines each with a capacity of 275TB useable data. The scale of this task demanded a resilient and highly secure solution. We opted for Ciphertex’s SecureNAS systems to tackle this challenge. With their advanced encryption technology, these systems offered the perfect protection for our sensitive data. Transported via aircraft in durable travel cases, all our data arrived safely at its destination. Upon receiving the SecureNAS units, we were eager to put them to the test.

Once plugged in, they operated flawlessly, seamlessly integrating into our workflow without any issues. Thanks to Ciphertex’s dependable technology, our encrypted data transfer was executed smoothly, contributing to the successful completion of our forensic accounting project."

Large Government Agency

APA (American Photographers Association)
"I’ve been using the SecureNAS CX-40KSSD with 120TB storage for more than 8 years, and it’s incredibly convenient and user-friendly. I handle numerous high-res images and videos while constantly moving between studios. The SecureNAS is my go-to data backup and archive, offering top-notch security and encryption that gives my high-profile clients peace of mind. Because of the piracy issue in our industry, protecting digital video and photos is essential. The portability is also a nice touch as I frequently move from one studio to another.

I’ve also worked with the SecureNAS CX-80KSSD-X with 240TB of space. It’s been smooth, fast, and secure, saving me both time and money. Thanks, Ciphertex for providing such an excellent solution!"

Brooks Ayola Professional Photographer, APA

Ciphertex was able to deliver a very secure and robust portable NAS solution that met the United States Air Forces stringent requirements and everything was accomplished. Not an easy task. The USAF has very high security standards with regards to encryption and the need for a very customizable Portable Storage solution. From initial consultation with the USAF to make sure all of their needs were met, to sending evaluation NAS devices and hosting support calls, there was a very open and good exchange of ideas. Our partnership on this Storage project resulted in a volume order with the USAF and a successful deployment. Thanks very much to you and your staff for always being available for support and your professional courtesy. It was a pleasure working with you and we look forward to future projects!

Gary Mosso ATPGOV & Ace Technology Partners

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