Multi User NAS for Mac?

[MickyM]

Hi. I'm seeking opinions on the best NAS for use in a multi user classroom environment connected over gigabit ethernet. It has to be Mac compatible with the ability to connect seamlessly with Time Machine or alternative backup software. We have 50-60 users at any one time. It looks like QNAP and Synology appear to be the front runners. What is the opinion regarding ease of use and reliability? Any info will be gratefully received.

 

[Stork]

Synology - But look at ReadyNAS Seriers

I must precede my recommends by stating that my experiences are from home use, not from small business or school IT perspective. However, if you want to spend less time setting up the NAS & maintaining it, then read on.

I recommend Synology for it's web based GUI which is, to me, outstanding. Period. Easy to use. Well written and informative Users Guide, too. Time Machine is a piece of cake to setup - here the steps from the Users manual:

"Synology DiskStation provides compatibility for backup with Apple Time Machine. Mac users can back up their data to Synology DiskStation's shared folder without problem.

To set Synology DiskStation as Time Machine's backup destination:
1 Go to File Sharing > Win/Mac OS and tick Enable Mac file service.
2 Choose a shared folder from the Time Machine drop-down menu. The chosen shared folder will become Time
Machine's backup destination."

I have a D-Link 323 which has to be hacked with the "funplug" s/w to get afp and Time Machine capability. I can't recommend for your situation.

I almost bought the Netgear ReadNAS Duo because of it's Mac Time Machine compatibility. But, it's expensive w/o a robust user interface.

The tie breaker for me (Synoglogy vs ReadyNAS) was the information on the company's web site and the Users Guide. (I downloaded both to compare.)

Finally, think about several NAS units as part of your risk management. For your 50-60 users, if one machine or the disks goes Tango Uniform, less users are effected. BTW, although I haven't tried it, Synology has backup procedures for their NAS, too, described in the Users Manual.

OK. My 2 cents. Measure twice, cut once.

 

[zurge]

Do the Synology NAS drives offer a method to limit the amount of space a Time Machine backup/user uses on the NAS? It seems like most NAS devices do not have such a method.

This is one reason why I looked at going with a TonidoPlug or Iomega iConnect for Time Machine backups and a NAS for any other storage needs.