mirror a remote folder with NAS

[mygiantcircle]

Hi everyone!

I have a question I hope you can help me with.

My first NAS was an Acer EasyStore WHS. I was not too impressed with it, and right after one year its LAN port went belly up. So now I am back looking for a replacement.

I did not have a good experience with WHS, so this option is out.

I am now investigating Synology and Qnap option.

Here is my question;

For these two products, is there an option of mirroring a folder remotely? The NAS would have a folder that mirrors or duplicate a folder on my notebook. It would serve both as a folder back up, and my work partner can log in and has access to the latest work file.

Is this possible?

Also, when you use Synology or QNAP to backup your remote computer, can you access files/folders in the backup?

Thank you for your input.

dewey

 

[thiggins]

Both QNAP and Synology support rsync-based backup. This can run on a scheduled basis, but not real-time.

 

[mygiantcircle]

Tim:

Given the rsync on Qnap or Synology is on scheduled only, do you know of any system that allows real time?

Also, when you use Synology or QNAP to backup your remote computer, can you access files/folders in the backup? I would love to know about this.

Your input has been invaluable. Thank you.

dewey

 

[stevech]

what about WebDAV?

 

[claykin]

The thought of someone accessing and potentially modifying backup files makes me cringe. Keep backups and accessible files separate.

Look at a solution designed for multi person access of same files. This way you avoid conflicts and other unwanted problems. Egnyte, Box.net, Hosted Sharepoint, etc...

 

[thiggins]

Given the rsync on Qnap or Synology is on scheduled only, do you know of any system that allows real time?

Also, when you use Synology or QNAP to backup your remote computer, can you access files/folders in the backup? I would love to know about this.

I think QNAP's latest OS update adds real-time replication. http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/nas/nas-news/31424-qnap-releases-v34-firmware

Both Synology and QNAP backups are in readable form.

 

[claykin]

I think QNAP's latest OS update adds real-time replication. http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/nas/nas-news/31424-qnap-releases-v34-firmware

Both Synology and QNAP backups are in readable form.

QNAP RTRR does not support two way sync. I believe the OP wants to allow his remote user access to work with files. What happens if this remote user makes changes to those files? What if his remote user is modifying a file while the home office is modifying the same file? I see write errors, collisions, etc..

 

[mygiantcircle]

Tim and all:

Thank you for your valuable input. It definitely clears up this question in my mind and I also take your warning about real time replication at heart. I am still reading on the alternatives but I think I will pull the trigger on either a qnap 259 p+ or a Synology DS710+ soon. Decisions decisions!