Network Attached Storage (NAS)

Over the last several years, Network Attached Storage (NAS) has become a proven technology with advanced data protection features and support for multiple file protocols providing an ideal solution for heterogeneous file serving in diverse environments.

NAS systems can integrate into any environment and serve files across all operating platforms. On the network, a NAS system appears like a native file server to each of its different clients. That means that files are saved on the NAS system, as well as retrieved from the NAS system, in their native file formats. NAS also makes sense for enterprises looking to consolidate their DAS resources for better utilization. Since resources cannot be shared beyond a single server in DAS, systems may be using as little as half of their full capacity. With NAS, the utilization rate is high since storage is shared across multiple servers.

AS systems can integrate into any environment and serve files across all operating platforms. On the network, a NAS system appears like a native file server to each of its different clients. That means that files are saved on the NAS system, as well as retrieved from the NAS system, in their native file formats. NAS also makes sense for enterprises looking to consolidate their DAS resources for better utilization. Since resources cannot be shared beyond a single server in DAS, systems may be using as little as half of their full capacity. With NAS, the utilization rate is high since storage is shared across multiple servers.

NAS allows Storage to connect to via an Ethernet network become directly accessible via TCP/IP one of the most cost effective means to deploy storage!  NAS device does not need to be located “next to” the server but can exist anywhere in a LAN and communicate server platforms through a variety of protocols such as:  TCP/IP, Apple Talk, IPX, and NetBEUI.  One great advantage is that IceWEB NAS engines support the Operating System (OS) File Systems such as, Server Message Block (SMB) / Common Internet File System (CIFS), Network File System (NFS 4.0), Novell Netware, AppleTalk, HTTP, WebDAV, Distributed File System (DFS).  IceWEB NAS engines provide the flexibility in a turnkey solution to support your mission critical applications, and provide several key benefits of NAS:

• File Serving
  Deploy as a dedicated file and print server to address growing storage requirements. Data protection features and support for multiple file protocols makes FileStorm NAS the ideal solution for heterogeneous file serving
   
• Server Consolidation
  Consolidate multiple file servers to reduce costs and improve availability. FileStorm NAS is a proven solution for server consolidation, with customers benefiting from reliability, manageability, and lower total cost of ownership (TCO).
   
• Backup, Restore, and Replication
  Benefit from the rapid restoration of stored data. FileStorm NAS can be used for backup of multiple production servers without taking them offline. Third-party solutions from industry partners can help to ensure high data availability through replication across multiple sites

• Integration with existing Storage Area Networks
  Provide a highly scalable file serving environment while making full use of existing storage area network (SAN) investments. Integration with the Active Directory service makes possible data security and ease of management. Turn your legacy storage into a NAS regardless of the manufacturer

• Easy To Add - Network Attached Storage
  FileStorm Series devices can be added to the network in a matter of minutes, without the need to bring the network down.

• Facilitates Sharing of Data
  The FileStorm Series allows you to connect to multiple operating systems and share data among disparate clients and servers. The FileStorm Series network attached storage solution supports both the UNIX Network File System (NFS) protocol and the Microsoft Common Internet File System (CIFS) in order to facilitate cross-platform data sharing
   
• Minimizes Staffing Costs 
  Because of the FileStorm Series simplified file serving nature the management and maintenance required is negligible compared with network server Direct Attached Storage.
   
• Easy Management:
  Browser-based Java, Unix Shell, Telnet, Windows GUI and Command Line Interface.
• Built-In Tools
  Snapshot: 250 snapshots per volume.
  Backup: Native utility for use over SAN, LAN, WAN and Internet.
  Replication: Native utility for use over SAN, LAN, WAN and Internet.
  Unix Management: Over 300 CLI tools, Unix Shell

IceWEB’s FileStorm devices are designed for dependability, seamless integration, and best value in networked storage. The IceWEB FileStorm line integrates with existing infrastructures and supports heterogeneous file serving as well as backup and replication of stored data, providing a consolidating multiple file servers into a single solution that enables cost reduction and policy-based management of storage resources.