FTP server and storage only

[darkhelmet]

Can I get some informed suggestions please?

We own a (very) small business and need a good platform to test Web development and store large files (graphic design projects).

Is there a NAS solution out there that:

1. Provides an intuitive interface
2. Facilitates daily use from several sources to develop Web sites via FTP
3. Allows synchronizing workstations - we utilize ViceVersa
4. Provides solid redundancy solution (RAID5 or 6)

Regarding #1 above, we looked at the QNAP, Netgear and Synology products, but could not find many screen shots of the user interface with the exception of Synology. From the few I could find of the QNAP and Netgear, the interfaces looked somewhat clunky.

We are not very familiar with TELNET/SSH but are comfortable with using FTP to transfer/work with files.

For some this may seem absurd or primitive but that's all we need right now.

 

[thiggins]

QNAP and Synology both have LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL and PHP) servers as well as FTP. The Netgear machines don't.

I can't judge "intuitive" for you. Synology's new OS looks nicer. There are screenshots in the QNAP reviews and these slideshows:
Slideshow: Qnap TS-409 Pro Turbo
Slideshow: QNAP TS-509 Pro

Remember that RAID is not a proper backup strategy. If a power supply or controller dies, all of your data could be lost, no matter what level of RAID that you use.

 

[maxwell]

CNet reviewer's comment on Synology management software:

which, in my opinion, was by far the most robust and intuitive firmware for NAS servers.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10043441-1.html?part=rss&subj=Crave

The CNet official review goes here

The Synology DS107+ is the most sophisticated NAS device we've tested to date. Its more advanced features require some networking know-how, but the included software and Web interface go a long way in helping you tackle the various offerings.