I am looking for a recommendation for NAS for a Small Business. We
operate a Windows 2003 Server with around 20 Windows XP Professional
Clients (all on a wireless LAN). The server is hosted in London and
the NAS would reside in our Manchester Office for access by users
there to prevent too much traffic heading to London. Here are the
requirements:
1) I would like to be able to use the users and groups on the Windows
Server 2003 Active Directory to control access to data on the NAS and
not have any separate users or groups maintained on the device.
2) Additionally I would like the NAS to act as a print server for
network attached printers (ie: not just one USB or Parallel printer,
but around 5 - 10 printers via TCP/IP and Raw or LPR).
3) I need between 500GB and 1TB of storage capability. Ideally with
RAID though not essential - this could be say 4x 250GB drives with the
option to run as JBOD or in RAID configuration.
4) Ability to access the drive in London and syncronise data overnight
to perform backups - this should be possible on the server without
needing too much functionality on the NAS. Probably configured as a
Distributed File System?
5) Ability to upgrade the device is not essential, though may be
useful. Rack mount not essential. Smaller footprint = better (easier
to hide!).
6) The big one: COST. We are looking to spend around the £1,000 ex
VAT mark (approx £1,200 inc VAT), though less would be a bonus. But
for the printer sharing requirement something like the Buffalo
TeraStation is ideal.
The NAS is for use the UK and must be available to purchase in the UK.
It will mainly be used to store digital photos, CAD plans and Office
documents. Thank you in advance for your help.
Kind Regards
Jason |
Request for Question Clarification by
guillermo-ga
on
08 Jul 2005 11:13 PDT
Hello Jason,
I'm sorry about the hard time you're going through in your country. I
hope everything is OK for you.
Back to business, I've been working in your question for some time,
and while there are solutions for your needs, there doesn't seem to be
any whithin the price range you've stated. Would you accept an answer
for a solution at a price higher than £1,200? Thanks.
Sincerely,
Guillermo
|
Clarification of Question by
jaseuk-ga
on
09 Jul 2005 06:17 PDT
Guillermo
Thank you for looking into this question for me. I was beginning to
think that I might have to research it myself! :( I would be prepared
to consider options above the £1,000 mark but really need to limit it
to a maximum of £1,500 provided that we are at the 1TB mark on
storage, have Active Directory integration and NTFS permissions from
the server and it will act as a print server. I need a device with
minimal configuration and maintainence - I only really want to have to
maintain the one Windows 2003 Server. Provided these criteria are met
then I would be happy to consider the higher price.
Kind Regards
Jason
|
Request for Question Clarification by
guillermo-ga
on
14 Jul 2005 19:44 PDT
Hello Jason,
Unfortunately, despite my best effort, I could only find solutions
much higher than the maximum price you wish to pay. Maybe you should
consider that perhaps this doesn't exist in the market currently.
Regards,
Guillermo
|
