NAS with Dropbox type functionality

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networkn

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Topic # 191369 2-Feb-2016 13:12

Hi.

I have a client who for reasons I don't want to get into, wants to run an on-premise solution similar in functionality to what they are getting from Dropbox for Business. Key functions they are requiring.

1) Sync from NAS to PC, MAC, IOS, ANDROID, Web

2) RELIABLE

3) Ability to set permissions on a folder level, but also keen to do so for Files.

4) Ability to share files/folders from within client software (Right click > get sharable link or similar).

5) Easy to use and understand.

6) Recover from a previous version from within client software.

7) Reliable Logging to show what has and has not synced.

We traditionally use Synology NAS, however, their cloud station seems to get pretty mixed reviews with some terrifying stories appearing on their forums of files not synced, and deleted, unrecoverable.

Anyone got a recommendation on a NAS with software that meets these requirements. Budget is not a primary consideration.

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Reply # 1483531 2-Feb-2016 13:36

Well my NAS has dropbox....
https://www.synology.com/en-us/dsm/cloud_services

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networkn

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Reply # 1483536 2-Feb-2016 13:42

Killerkiwi2005:

Well my NAS has dropbox....
https://www.synology.com/en-us/dsm/cloud_services

Did you read my post?

soitb3gins

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Reply # 1483544 2-Feb-2016 13:49

I have been using a Qnap NAS. There is a very easy to use GUI for folders/permissions/sharing etc right from the OS. There are also native applications available for Android and IOS.

Support wise they are top notch if anything does go awry, and the forums are there for assistance.

networkn

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Reply # 1483548 2-Feb-2016 13:53

soitb3gins:

I have been using a Qnap NAS. There is a very easy to use GUI for folders/permissions/sharing etc right from the OS. There are also native applications available for Android and IOS.

Support wise they are top notch if anything does go awry, and the forums are there for assistance.

Thanks, sounds pretty good.

Anyone know who distributes QNAP?

WyleECoyoteNZ

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Reply # 1483565 2-Feb-2016 14:08

PB Tech have Qnap.

I'll be watching this with interest, as I want to get my first NAS and was thinking Synology DS214\6 Play

networkn

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Reply # 1483569 2-Feb-2016 14:12

Synology make awesome NAS's we have about 80 of them out in the market, but I have concerns about their cloudstation stuff.

CYaBro

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Reply # 1483575 2-Feb-2016 14:18

SnapperNet have them listed on their website but not sure if they are an official distributor in NZ.

What about OwnCloud?

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MackinNZ

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Reply # 1483627 2-Feb-2016 15:07

Snappernet are the distributors for QNAP.

I have several QNAP's with customers and find them very solid and reliable. However I have to say I haven't really used their cloud services.

Sounddude

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Reply # 1483635 2-Feb-2016 15:22

I have been using the Synology Cloud sync stuff for a while now. So far so good.

SumnerBoy

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Reply # 1483652 2-Feb-2016 15:35

One person supports this post

+1 for ownCloud - I am using on my personal NAS (service actually running on a separate virtual container but FreeNAS has an ownCloud plugin I believe).

Only configured with a single user, but works great. Also has the benefit of CardDav and CalDav built in - so all my contacts are stored in one central place (not in the cloud) and accessible by my phone, tablets, and Thunderbird email clients. Same with my calendars and task lists.

The Windows client seems to work just as well Dropbox etc, i.e. file syncing etc.

gjm

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Reply # 1483653 2-Feb-2016 15:36

I use synology cloudstation and have previously had mixed results. Sometimes I would delete files and then they would come back again. Never lost any files though. Havent had any problems for a while though and everything seems to be syncing well.

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1101

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Reply # 1483728 2-Feb-2016 16:40

What I wouldnt recommmend:

2bay QNAP , on SBS based network

It works OK, but the are some issues. I get the impression it was aimed at home users (ie its the 'cheaper' QNAP)
Main issues were with Win bugs: share mapping issues in Win8 (win bug, not the NAS) . Issues accessing directly from Outlook ( a security 'feature' in outlook & Win8)

Direct access, via a nice web based client, or via their software, from outside the network was a nightmare and never worked: The NAS wanted ports forwarded to it that were just
not do-able on a corporate server based network. Reassigning those ports in the NAS to other ports didnt work & I stopped when one couldnt be changed back in the NAS setup.
Obviously not a good choice for a corporate environment , but is now working OK just as a basic storage share.
Even the home page on this NAS screams home user BS .

:-)

michaelmurfy

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Reply # 1483743 2-Feb-2016 17:07

SumnerBoy:
+1 for ownCloud - I am using on my personal NAS (service actually running on a separate virtual container but FreeNAS has an ownCloud plugin I believe).

Only configured with a single user, but works great. Also has the benefit of CardDav and CalDav built in - so all my contacts are stored in one central place (not in the cloud) and accessible by my phone, tablets, and Thunderbird email clients. Same with my calendars and task lists.

The Windows client seems to work just as well Dropbox etc, i.e. file syncing etc.

I run OwnCloud personally since I just don't trust Dropbox etc. Really easy to setup. Mine is running on an Ubuntu VM on my HP Microserver.

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Reply # 1484985 4-Feb-2016 08:58

Sounds like they asking a lot, I was going to recommend the WD my cloud until I read the part about versioning. I have a Sinology NAS at home but YES the cloud station software is average. I am looking to replace it with a QNAP but have been busy with other things.

Netgear also do NAS boxes but not sure what features are available.

Sounds like a tough one, good luck!

Quinny

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Reply # 1485117 4-Feb-2016 12:02

Brought the Qnap TS-651 and overall like it but I would not call the setup "simple". It has very advanced features and like all NAS limitations that unless you do a lot of reading at the start you may have to rebuild the array a few times. Works well and overall good but yeah do much reading.

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