Network Attached Storage (NAS) systems are computing-storage devices that can be accessed over the network. NAS enables multiple users to share the same storage space simultaneously, and often minimizes overhead by managing hard disks centrally. In terms of design, a NAS server is simply a file server optimized for file system services.

NAS is an alternative to the storage area network (SAN), where devices communicate using the block-based protocol over dedicated Fibre Channel or Internet Protocol (IP) network. NAS devices are connected to a shared local area network (LAN), reducing overheads, while also reducing latency. NAS uses file based protocols such as Network File System (NFS), Microsoft's Common Internet File System (CIFS/SMB) and AppleTalk, providing heterogeneous data sharing.

The Open-E NAS software combines the ease of management of NAS with the performance and scalability of SANs. It offers the best combination of scalability, reliability, availability, and performance. The Open-E NAS software is a complete operating system, which turns a computer system into a NAS storage server in about 10 minutes. Pre-installation of the OS on the secured IDE flash ensures minimum downtime and the protection of the OS against viruses. File servers based on the Open-E NAS software deliver significant ease of use, and performance enabling organizations to automate and simplify their data management.

Available Versions

Open-E NAS SOHO is suited for ´Small Office/Home Office`users, who want to quickly and easily increase the storage capacity in their networks. This software contains all the key functions for sharing data on heterogeneous networks.	The Open-E NAS 2.0 is a comprehensive software providing cost-effective storage for small and medium businesses. It supports RAID controllers for higher performance and security.	The Open-E NAS Enterprise is especially developed for enterprise storage needs, offering maximum performance, flexibility and availability across different server and network environments.

Benefits

High Data Throughput
Optimized Storage Software, Adaptive Load Balancing (ALB)

High Security
Data Synchronization, Snapshot with Scheduling, Dynamic Disk, Local Backup Scheduling, built-in Agents for Backup-Software, OS on Secured IDE flash, minimized Downtime, Network UPS support

High Flexibility
Support for all leading: SCSI, IDE and Serial ATA Controllers, NICs and Networking Chipsets, Online Logical Volume Expansion, USB Storage Support

Easy Management
Web-based, Password-Protected User Interface, Disk Quota, Windows Active Directory Support, ACL, LDAP, Support for Network Information Service (NIS), Console Tool, SNMP Support

Features

RAID Controller Support
Open-E NAS supports leading SCSI, IDE, and Serial ATA controllers from AMCC/3ware, Adaptec, Intel, LSI Logic and ICP vortex. While creating a NAS server, system builders have flexibility in choosingHDDs, RAID level and storage volume.

Data Synchronization
Open-E NAS can synchronize files and directories from one NAS server to another. The data transfer is block-based in order to minimize network traffic. Synchronization can be used for disaster recovery or Disk-to-Disk Backup purposes.

User Authentication
Open-E NAS supports Windows Active Directory (ADS), PDC, NIS and LDAP to leverage information about users, groups, systems and other resources stored in the Active Directory. Open-E supports Access Control List (ACL), this notifies the system which access rights each user has to a particular directory or file.

Supported Network Clients
Open-E NAS supports the file based protocols CIFS/SMB, NFS, FTP, Secure FTP and Apple Talk enabling Windows, Linux, Unix and MacIntosh clients to share data on the same NAS server.

Snapshot
Snapshot is an immediate point-in-time image of the logical volume (LV). The snapshot image can be used for both consistent and temporary backup, while users still have uninterrupted and complete access to the LV. Also, if a user accidentally deletes or incorrectly modifies a file, that file can be recovered from a previous snapshot image. The Open-E NAS Enterprise version supports “Multi-Snapshot with Scheduling” to create snapshots at predefined points in time (e.g. automatically every hour).

Local Disk Backup
In the Open-E `Enterprise Version` a local drive can be defined as a Dynamic Disk. A Dynamic Disk contains volumes, on which a copy of LVs on the NAS server can be saved with the Local Backup Scheduling Function. This copy on the Dynamic Disk can be stored separately.

Multiple Network Interface Card (NIC) Support
Open-E NAS Enterprise supports usage of 2 or more network cards to access separate sub-networks. It allows administrators to select services to be enabled on a specified NIC.

Adaptive Load Balancing (ALB)
Adaptive Load Balancing enhances data throughput by automatically routing data through alternative paths as the application changes.

Adapter Fault Tolerance (AFT)
Adapter Fault Tolerance assures greater reliability by providing a secondary network adapter which automatically takes over if the primary network adapter fails.

Secured Administration Access
Administrators can access and configure the NAS server through the web-based, password-protected user interface, using Secured Administration Access (SSL). The Open-E `NAS Enterprise Version` allows assignment of multiple administrators with different administrator rights.

UPS Support
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) eliminates the effects of a temporary power outage and provides safe shutdown, without loss of data, in case of power failure. The UPS device can be connected by Serial or USB to the NAS server. The Open-E NAS Enterprise version supports Network UPS to ensure safe shutdown of all Open-E NAS servers in the network in case of a power failure.

More Information:
 Download Brochure (147.67 KB)
 Open-E NAS Comparison Chart (172.45 KB)