Submitted by: Kim Hendricks

Small businesses large and small need a reliable data storage solution in place to make sure that their critical data and files are stored in a safe place in the event of a disaster. In today s world, there are several options to consider when choosing a data storage solution for your business. Data Store Solutions has compiled a list of 4 Data Storage Solutions that can be used.

1. Network Attached Storage

So you ask, what exactly is a NAS (Network Attached Storage). According to Wikipedia, a Network-attached storage (NAS) is file-level computer data storage connected to a computer network providing data access to a heterogeneous group of clients. NAS not only operates as a file server, but is specialized for this task either by its hardware, software, or configuration of those elements .

Simply stated a NAS is a storage device that is attached to your computer network that allows you and your employees to share multiple files across your computer network. With network attached storage (NAS) devices, your employees will have a centralized place to quickly access data on the network and ultimately improves data sharing.

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Today, network attached storage devices now come equipped with built-in data backup software applications for both local and cloud backups. More sophisticated network attached storage devices include multiple drives that provide more data protection and expansion opportunity. Some of the top small to medium business NAS manufacturers include: Synology, Drobo, HP and DLink and Western Digital.

2. Hard Disk Array Enclosures

Hard Disk Array Enclosures are a special type of a great option for small and medium business to in need of high performance data storage and backup solutions. A hard drive enclosure is much like an external hard drive, except with an array enclosure you can add multiple hard drives to it to get more storage space and redundancy. Companies that make hard drive array enclosures include; Drobo, HP, and Synology.

3. External Hard Drives

An external hard drive is one of the least expensive and best data storage devices that can be used to add more storage to your computer and backup your data. External hard drives work via the use of a USB cable and normally plug directly into your computer or server on your computer network. Some of the main benefits of external hard drives are that they are portable, meaning you can take them with you wherever you go. Secondly, external hard drives are Easy to upgrade. Lastly, external hard drives can store large amounts of data and files.

4. Online Cloud Storage and Backup Services

Online Cloud Storage and backup services continue to surge in popularity. This form of technology allows you to use software applications as an offsite storage solution where your data is stored in a secure location. Usually this type of backup is done automatically via an Internet Connection to a highly secured facility. Examples of online cloud storage services for small to medium businesses include: IBackup, SOS Online Backup, Crashplan Pro and Carbonite.

About the Author: Kim is the owner of Data Store Solutions, an online seller of Data Storage Solutions and other components. For more information on Data Store Solutions and its newest data storage products store, visit

datastoresolution.com

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Source:

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