We first looked at the ease of setup for each NAS, paying particular attention to the following:
- Discovery, connect to the device and log in
- Disk array configuration, RAID 5 data volume setup and shares
- Creation of user accounts
- General administration
To test the devices, we set up small network in the Lab, comprising:
- NAS unit under test
- 3com SuperStack3 10/100/1000 Switch
- Server with 4 1.5GHz Xeon processors, 2GB RAM, Intel Pro/1000 XT adaptor, Windows 2000 Professional SP2, and a 72GB Ultra 320 SCSI 10K HDD.
The server was used to simulate a typical user on a 1000TX LAN saving and retrieving files of various sizes to and from the NAS.
We then copied a series of files to and from each NAS from our client to look at common file transfer speeds using a variety of file sizes. Before we ran any test we restarted the NAS box as well as the Server box. Each test was carried out in the same order for all the NAS devices.
Write: 1 large file of 476MB
Write: 16 folders and 8850 subfolders containing 53,632 medium-sized files for a total of 38.4GB
We then copied the same files back to the server to calculate read speeds. We then took an average of the transfer speeds for each.
Interoperability
Will the NAS unit be able to connect to a good range of operating systems and protocols?
Futureproofing
Does the NAS unit have room to expand and redundant or swappable components?
ROI
The age-old comparison of price, performance, and features.
Service
What warranties and service contracts are available? Can you get prompt service at a reasonable price?
Company: Clarke's Clerks. This company needs additional storage to cope with the rapid expansion of its e-mail and other storage needs.
Approximate budget: $40,000.
Requires: 1TB of total storage, either in one or two units, with gigabit Ethernet (preferred) or fibre channel connections.
Concerns: In addition to the performance of the storage unit(s), the ability to manage the unit(s) easily and to integrate with current systems such as directory servers will be very highly regarded. For maximum uptime, redundancy of disks, power supplies, and network connections will also be a consideration.
Best solution: When considering the scenario the Network Appliance FAS250 stood out, not only because it was blindingly fast but the special attention that was placed on redundancy. The FAS250 also ships with a comprehensive software suite that will help you manage and easily integrate with current systems.
With your storage requirements expanding all the time there is no point going for a product that will be adequate for the time being. That's why we have chosen the FAS250 as this months Editors' choice winner. Even though it's the most expensive NAS, its expandability and built-in redundancy make it an excellent choice.
For someone not quite having the 35K budget and likes the idea of NAS then you should look at the Snap Appliance Server 4500. It doesn't have a high initial price and it offers great bang for your buck.
This article was first published in Technology & Business magazine.
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