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A NAS device is a dedicated network component which serves the purpose of storing files and making those files readily available for use and sharing. The device is specialized for only storing and sharing files. This results in higher file transfer speeds and greater reliability than found with a traditional network file server. Additionally, a network storage server will only share files and will not host applications, so they are more secure than multipurpose data servers.
A network storage device has the flexibility and capability to be custom tailored to meet individual business storage needs without becoming a budget buster. These devices perform many of the same functions as larger and more expensive storage area network devices. A NAS will also incorporate iSCSI technology without incurring the same expenses that a full scale SAN solution would require. By using this technology, remote workers can securely access files located on the NAS device from any location.
Depending on network size and data storage needs, a network storage server can often be an economical and smart alternative to deploying a full scale SAN. These devices can provide centralized storage for files and allow remote users access to files stored at an offsite location.