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Forum Discussion
ReadyNAS vs. Windows Storage Server NAS
I am preparing to replace our 4-year-old Dell Powervault NAS server. It is our third Powervault. These are "traditional" NAS's using Windows Storage Server 2003.
We are a small furniture design studio with 15 employees. We have 8 AutoCad seats, two Photoshop seats, and two Rhino 3d seats. We have 15 computers: 13 Windows and two Mac G5's.
I am considering the ReadyNAS 2100 8TB rack-mount unit. I am obviously attracted by the low price and features; however, I'm a bit nervous about leaving the familiar WSS environment.
My questions are:
1. What is this "RAIDiator" operating system based on? Is it a proprietary Netgear OS? And, how does its security compare to traditional Windows Storage Server?
2. I run Symantec Endpoint Protection Small Business Edition on the whole office network. Can I load a client on this unit?
3. Can I set different read/write permissions for different users? (some of these "creative" types are dangerous around computers, if you know what I mean)
4. Can I set different read/write permissions for different folders and/or shares?
5. Is there a rack rail kit for this unit that will work on a two-post rack? I can't find any mention of one.
Disclaimer: I am not an IT professional... I am a furniture designer first, de-facto IT person second... so there are surely gaps in my knowledge.
Thank you in advance for your time.
We are a small furniture design studio with 15 employees. We have 8 AutoCad seats, two Photoshop seats, and two Rhino 3d seats. We have 15 computers: 13 Windows and two Mac G5's.
I am considering the ReadyNAS 2100 8TB rack-mount unit. I am obviously attracted by the low price and features; however, I'm a bit nervous about leaving the familiar WSS environment.
My questions are:
1. What is this "RAIDiator" operating system based on? Is it a proprietary Netgear OS? And, how does its security compare to traditional Windows Storage Server?
2. I run Symantec Endpoint Protection Small Business Edition on the whole office network. Can I load a client on this unit?
3. Can I set different read/write permissions for different users? (some of these "creative" types are dangerous around computers, if you know what I mean)
4. Can I set different read/write permissions for different folders and/or shares?
5. Is there a rack rail kit for this unit that will work on a two-post rack? I can't find any mention of one.
Disclaimer: I am not an IT professional... I am a furniture designer first, de-facto IT person second... so there are surely gaps in my knowledge.
Thank you in advance for your time.
3 Replies
- (1) The entire ReadyNAS product line runs on Linux - which is not proprietary. RAIDiator includes the drivers needed, the linux OS, and the management software and network file protocols...
Linux security is usually viewed as being better than Windows - many appliances including routers use it. It is certainly not worse. However, I wouldn't leave a NAS (any kind) publicly accessible over the open internet unless you are knowledgeable about security. A corporate network is fine. You can also use port forwarding in your router to enable specific services over the internet to the NAS. (FTP or HTTPs access for instance).
(2) The symantec product has a linux version - though it might not be compatible with the ReadyNAS. It also might require computer skills you don't have to install it. Though it is likely that installing it on your client computers is sufficient.
(3) Yes
(4) Yes
(5) don't know... - Linux, eh? Never thought of that. So, Netgear basically adds their content and functionality, and gives it their own trade name. Makes sense.
Regarding internet security, we run our network behind a firewall that is maintained by a professional IT firm. By "security", I actually meant internal security - I've had problems in the past with things getting erased accidentally by users.
From the description I gave you of my company, does the ReadyNAS unit sound like a good replacement for the WSS NAS?
Oh, and one other question: does Netgear update their operating system periodically, like Windows Update? - I'm a home user (so I'm not as familiar with the rack-mount models). Hopefully a small business user will chime in.
They do update the x86 firmware fairly regularly (3 updates this year). (Note the 2100 is x86). The platform is pretty mature, so they aren't adding many features. You can have the NAS email you when it detects that new firmware is available, so you don't miss a firmware release. You can also set up the NAS to install them automatically - but I think you are better off not doing that. Generally it is better to wait a bit and check the forum for issues.
BTW, I would also look at the ReadyDATA products - they are newer, and have some interesting features. They are more expensive though.
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