NAS for DAS for me?

[Xraptorx]

I currently have 2 Qnap NAS. in total I have 7TB and it is completely full. I was thinking of buying the Sysology DS1812+ and putting 8 3tb drives in there. Then expanding if needed later.

Another thought would be to use a DAS. This could be attached to a mac mini and put in the media closet. But I am not sure how all this would work. Here are my requirements and hopefully some one can offer advice.

Requirements / Wishes:

Need

• to access Files on NAS/DAS from Windows PCs, Apple compters and IOS devices.
  
• Need to be able to save files and access files from NAS/DAS from outside network doman via web browser
  
• Need to have a backup Share for PC and Time machine for Apple Imacs and mac Minis
  
• Need quiet and low energy operations
  
• Want to rsync backups to old Qnap nas servers for photos and other key files
  
• Should offer printer sharing on network

I am not a network admin and not familar with Lion Server or Windows servers or LINUX. So wanted something easy, good performance and reliable.

What would you guys recommend NAS or DAS on mac mini?

 

[stevech]

Don't DASes require special proprietary software on the PCs?