A NAS (Network Attached Storage) server is a dedicated file storage device that is connected to a local area network (LAN) and provides centralized data access and storage for various clients on the network. NAS servers are designed for storing and sharing files among multiple users and devices within an organization. Here are some of the main uses and benefits of using a NAS server:

What is a NAS server used for?

Centralized Storage

One of the core functions of a NAS is to provide a centralized place to store files that can be accessed by all authorized users and devices on the network. Rather than saving files locally on individual computers, a NAS allows for all files to be stored securely on a single centralized device. This consolidation makes it easier to organize, backup, protect and share files across the organization.

Some of the benefits of centralized storage include:

• All users can access the same files from anywhere on the network
• No need to manage storage on individual computers
• Files are in one secure location instead of scattered among PC hard drives
• Easier to manage and organize large amounts of data
• Enable collaboration by allowing multiple users to access the same files

Overall, centralized storage on a NAS CPU minimizes data silos and fragmentation while providing enhanced security, automation, and collaboration capabilities.

File Sharing

One of the primary uses of a NAS is to enable file sharing within an organization. Once files are stored on the NAS, they can easily be shared with users across Windows, Mac, Linux computers and mobile devices.

File sharing through the NAS allows users to:

• Securely share files and folders with specific users or groups
• Collaborate on documents and projects from multiple locations
• Provide a centralized repository for company files that all employees can access
• Replace the need to email or transfer large files between computers
• Streamline business workflows by enabling real-time collaboration

Overall, the NAS file sharing features make it easy to store, access and distribute files securely across the organization.

Backups

NAS servers provide an ideal centralized backup target for computers, servers, and mobile devices on the network. Rather than backing up data to an external hard drive or computer locally, the NAS can be used as a network-wide backup repository.

Key benefits of using a NAS for backups:

• Automated backup jobs can be scheduled for multiple devices
• Centralized location for all backup data
• Facilitates offsite backups for disaster recovery
• Integrates with backup software like Veeam, Acronis, etc.
• Performs versioning to retain previous versions of files
• Supports incremental backups to minimize storage requirements

Overall, performing regular backups to a NAS safeguards critical business data and enables recovery in the event of data loss.

Shared Printer Storage

Many NAS systems come with built-in support for connecting external printers and storing them directly on the NAS. This allows the printer to be accessed and shared among all users on the network rather than attaching it locally to a single computer.

Benefits of connecting printers to the NAS include:

• The printer is available to the entire network
• Print jobs can be paused, resumed or cancelled remotely
• No need for printer drivers to be installed locally
• Administrator can manage the printer from the NAS interface
• Helps conserve USB ports on client computers

Overall, storing printers centrally on the NAS improves printer management and provides ubiquitous printing access.

Media Streaming

Many modern NAS servers include the ability to stream media files like music, photos and videos to authorized devices on the network. Media files can be stored in a centralized location on the NAS and then streamed to smart TVs, media boxes, gaming consoles, mobile devices and other equipment.

Media streaming benefits include:

• Creates a centralized media library accessible to all users
• Streams various media formats like MP3, MPEG, JPG, etc.
• Integrates with media server software like Plex, Emby, etc.
• Enables watching videos or viewing photos from any room in the house
• Removes the need to store media files locally on multiple devices

Overall, a NAS makes it simple to manage and access a shared media library throughout the home or business.

Surveillance & Security

For home or business security applications, a NAS can provide centralized storage for surveillance footage captured by IP cameras, video doorbells, and other security systems. This keeps the storage consolidated rather than across multiple devices.

Benefits of using NAS for security include:

• Stores surveillance recordings in a secure, centralized location
• Simplifies accessing and managing all surveillance footage
• Provides redundancy in case footage on a single camera is lost
• Integrates with various video management software (VMS) solutions
• Enables archiving footage for longer retention periods
• Allows remote viewing of footage when needed

Storing surveillance data on a NAS improves security monitoring and footage availability.

Application Serving

Beyond just file storage, many NAS systems allow hosting applications and services directly on the NAS itself. Examples include media servers, web servers, databases, email servers, CRMs, ERPs and more.

Benefits of application serving on a NAS:

• Reduces need for separate servers to run apps/services
• Apps can be accessed by all clients on the local network
• Simplified deployment, updates, backup of hosted apps
• Enhanced data security since apps run on isolated NAS
• Robust NAS operating systems like TrueNAS allow extensive apps
• Ideal for small/medium businesses rather than large enterprises

Overall, running useful apps directly within the NAS interface streamlines operations and delivery of services across the network.

Caching & Tiering

NAS servers that support SSD caching and storage tiering provide performance benefits by optimizing how frequently accessed data is stored.

Caching and tiering features include:

• SSD caching accelerates read/write speeds by caching active data on SSDs
• Automated storage tiering moves active data to faster drives
• Lesser used data is stored on larger slower HDDs
• Maximizes overall performance while minimizing wasted SSD capacity

Intelligently leveraging caching and tiering allows a NAS to deliver optimized storage performance.

Virtualization Storage

NAS is commonly used to provide shared storage pools for virtualized infrastructure and services. The NAS can store virtual machine files, ISO images and templates in a centralized location that is accessible across the network.

Benefits as virtualization storage include:

• Shared storage for virtual machines accessed by multiple hosts
• Live migration of VMs between hosts
• Centralized repositories for VM templates, ISOs, scripts
• Consistent performance with all-flash NAS configurations
• Highly scalable and redundant storage capacity
• Integrates with VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, Citrix XenServer

For organizations running virtualized systems, a NAS is critical for providing shared, optimized storage.

Cloud-Sync & Offsite Access

Modern NAS systems include the ability to sync, backup or tier data to public cloud storage services like AWS S3, Azure Blob, etc. This facilitates hybrid cloud configurations.

Cloud capabilities of a NAS include:

• Backup critical NAS data to the cloud
• Sync files bi-directionally between NAS and cloud
• Tier inactive NAS data to the cloud
• Access NAS files remotely from mobile devices
• Hybrid backup with local and cloud copies
• Cloud-integrated for disaster recovery needs

The cloud features of NAS servers enable greater data protection, accessibility and tiering.

Questions Related to NAS Servers

Here are answers to some common questions about NAS servers and their uses:

How is NAS different from a shared folder on a computer?

A NAS is dedicated storage hardware optimized for data storage and sharing, while a shared PC folder relies on the computer's general hardware and OS. NAS has greater capacity, reliability, performance and redundancy.

Can multiple users access and modify files on a NAS simultaneously?

Yes, most NAS systems allow multiple concurrent users to access, edit, save files without overriding each other's changes through support for Windows SMB protocol.

Can a NAS be accessed remotely when away from the office?

Yes, most NAS appliances include software for secure remote access via mobile apps or web interfaces so data can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection.

Does a NAS require special networking equipment?

No, a NAS connects to an existing standard TCP/IP network, typically via Ethernet to a router, switch or wireless access point just like any other client device. No special networking gear required.

What OS do NAS servers run?

NAS appliances run customized embedded operating systems optimized specifically for file storage and sharing like FreeNAS, OpenMediaVault, Asustor ADM, Synology DSM, QNAP QTS, Netgear ReadyNAS OS, etc.

What is the difference between NAS and SAN?

SAN (Storage Area Network) storage provides block-level access for servers vs NAS (Network Attached Storage) which provides file-level shared storage for multiple client devices. SAN attaches to servers directly via Fibre Channel or iSCSI while NAS uses standard Ethernet networking.

Can I build my own NAS or is buying a pre-built one better?

You can build a DIY NAS from standard PC hardware, however, commercial NAS appliances provide a simpler plug-and-play experience, better reliability and optimization for storage. Both options are viable depending on your needs and technical expertise.

Conclusion

In summary, NAS servers provide versatile, centralized data storage and sharing for modern business networks and home use. The many applications ranging from file serving, backups, security to media streaming and cloud integration make NAS servers indispensable for managing and protecting data while enabling collaboration. Overall, the many benefits of consolidated storage, easier administration, enhanced security and ubiquitous access drive widespread adoption of NAS storage servers.