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Would a NAS setup be appropriate for this use?

W

whittech

Weaksauce
Joined
Apr 26, 2007
Messages
76
Hello everyone
looking for opinion here.
With 8 computers that need to access an alike database of files -- aprox 1gig in size, would a RAID 1 setup on a NAS (network attached storage) be a better solution then running an actual windows server? This way, no server to maintain!?

Thanks
 
are we talking about database files, or does "database of files" just mean a bunch of files?

If you need a database server, a NAS probably won't do you much good.. if you just have a bunch of files, that would work fine too.

If you need user authentication + restrictions, most of your cheaper NAS devices would be annoying to set up, but if we're only talking 8 devices (and assuming 8 users) it probalby wouldn't be too bad.
 
qnap has awesome has boxes with user restrictions and etc. If its real DB the throughput wouldn't be that good
 
the database is multiple files.
but it seems it is only accessed for files. Does not need policy, etc.
 
For just 1GB of files you could repurpose an old machine if you've got one and stick FreeNAS on it. It works well and gives plenty of methods to manage and serve you storage.

Edit: You don't say what the front end to the files is (Access? MSSQL? Something else?), but if it's a real DB server (not Access ;) ) be careful with concurrent access to the files - you could end up with corrupt data.
 
just use a old machine and leave it in a closet or something. i would keep 1 HDD in a enclosure outside the system and use robocopy to backup the database every night.
 
chronic9 said:
just use a old machine and leave it in a closet or something. i would keep 1 HDD in a enclosure outside the system and use robocopy to backup the database every night.
Click to expand...

This would be okay if uptime isn't too important. Otherwise RAID1 is worth using, but still take backups. As it's only 1GB it could be backed up to one of the clients.
 
AMD_RULES said:
I would suggest a dedicated Server "NAS" rather than a NAS SoHo box.
Click to expand...

not that good of a suggestion for what hte OP has posted.

he wants a simple way to store 1GB of data for the workstations to read/write too.

a cheap raid1 nas will run maybe 500 complete compared to atleast a grand for a server.

get a Raid1 Nas device and be done with it. Raid1 mite not even be needed you need to weigh your options. A single drive + offsite backup would be my choice.

We have done that for a few clients that if the drive fails they could be down for a day or so and not mind or not be without $ loss. So we get a simple Buffalo 1 drive nas, have everyone save to it, and have one computer using Mozy Pro and backing up.
 
i implemented my posted solution at a clients office before, and robocopy make daily backups of the file and nero burn a dvd with the files once a month.
 
chronic9 said:
just use a old machine and leave it in a closet or something. i would keep 1 HDD in a enclosure outside the system and use robocopy to backup the database every night.
Click to expand...

I agree with this solution. If you don't have an old machine, get a refurb off of Dell's outlet. They even come with the same warranty as the new machines. Also, I love robocopy for backups of data.
 
okay problem with that tho.

i consider a backup to be stored offsite. you guys mention using a machine for a nas, great idea if you have the spare hardware but uses more power, etc. then you have a external drive to use to robocopy.

are your clients actually taking the removable drive out of the office each nite/week/backup period?

what happens if the office burns down during the day/night and they forgot to remove the backup?

the cost of a:
used computer/new computer
new harddrive for storage
raid card (if being used)
external hard drive
extra power used

so when you compare that to the cost of a simple nas device for 1GB, + some kind of remote backup, the solution of using a computer for nas is out.

just for reference the cost to backup with something like Mozy Pro (new prices), 1.75 per GB minimum of 2GB, and 7 month for the program. So your talking $130 or something for a year of backup with the peace of mind that you never have to touch it, dont have to remove hard drives and plug em in daily.

So with the OP, i think a simple nas or using one of the current desktops to share out a folder and let hte other ones work off that would be a good solution along with some kind of online backup.
 
a little off topic, but i have been using synctoy (microsoft powertoys) to do backups for small networks / individuals computers.. and it seems to work real well.. and of course there is ntbackup.. it does the trick..
 
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