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Best and cheapest Network storage device?

I want to set up some central file storage on my network, rather than having it on several computers. This would be easier for remote backup purposes and organization. What are the best options for hard drive storage that plugs directly into the network with no extra computer required? The most cost effective and upgradable solution would be prefered.

Thanks,

Carsten

kode99

There are a few consumer products that allow USB drives to be shared on a network directly but they require special drivers for clients to connect. All in all they seemed like more trouble than they were worth.

These NAS (network attached storage) are quite well priced and do not require any special drivers to connect with,

http://www.buffalotech.com/products/category-detail.php?categoryid=16

I think they are in the $250 - 500 depending on capacity.

Iomega also have a network hard drive as well as NAS units. Thier full fledged NAS starts close to $1000.

Here's a link for the hard drive unit it starts around $250 ish as well. (I don't think this unit requires drivers)
http://www.iomega.com/na/products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=17981417&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=23556043&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=63191&bmUID=1110214124935

I came across this just the other day, looks quite interesting. If you have a old PC to put in on $25.00 is about as cheap as it gets for a NAS device.

http://www.serverelements.com/naslite-plus.php

It really depends on just how much space you need and what level of data protection you want. Any full blow NAS system with RAID support is going to at least ~$1000 and up.

Anyway hope this gets you started.

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joe-quick

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MCIce_2004

ASKER

That's true, already have several graveyarded boxes sitting at home. Maybe I'll set one up on a trial basis.

Thanks all,

Carsten

jonawal

Carsten, what kind of space for back up are you taking about here? 1gb? 1 terabyte?

MCIce_2004

ASKER

Right now it's at 6.9GB, but this varies depending on how much of the data is used by employees during the day. I only back up changed and new files. The backup could go as low as 1-2GB or the full 7GB.

Carsten

MCIce_2004

ASKER

Oops, sorry. I thought I was repling to the remote backup question I posted. But for network storage I would probably have to start with 10GB.

Carsten

jonawal

take a look at Iomega's new rev drive
http://www.iomega.com/na/products/family-save.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=16006169&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=63191&bmUID=1110305291489

You possibilites are somewhat limited as the 10GB is going to be too big for a really simple device, but too small to be spending $1000 on. Check out that Iomega