While both DAS and NAS are used to store data, they are designed to serve different purposes. Depending on your particular organization, one storage option may be preferable over another. Therefore, it is crucial to learn the difference between NAS storage and DAS storage to determine which option is most appropriate for your company’s needs.
In this article, we will discuss the main differences between NAS storage and DAS storage. We will compare network attached storage(NAS) & direct-attached storage(DAS) using its features, configurations, and storage types.
What is DAS storage
Direct attached storage or DAS storage is a hard disk array directly connected to the server through the serial ATA controller. DAS storage is a good choice for applications that need high capacity and quick results (such as video editing or simulation and modeling software). In addition, it provides significantly better performance; you can then add many more servers to your network without fear that they will saturate your storage network.
Although both NAS and DAS are useful, DAS is more cost-effective. It can also be used for high-performance servers, especially for applications that need speed. Also, many devices are directly connected to it without any network, which makes it independent of any network related issues.
Network attached storage
An Enterprise NAS storage device has its own CPU, operating system and input-output print interface.
File data is typically stored on a RAID disk array server based on NAS appliance specifications in a NAS system. This configuration does not always use a dedicated controller but is multiplexed with other functions that belong to your PC system. In addition, the Best NAS systems can be provided in modular appliances, which offers flexibility for accommodating additional hard drives.
Advantages of NAS storage
NAS storage is an efficient way to share files between multiple users. It’s ideal for small offices with many users wanting to share files within their network—and no more running back and forth across the office. NAS storage is built with performance, flexibility, and data protection in mind.
By consolidating multiple networked computers, organizations can experience significant back-office savings. In addition, when connected to the Internet, clients have access to their work and data from anywhere and at any time.
Bottom Line
There’s no denying it – storage is expensive. And this is why so many IT enthusiasts first turn to the idea of self-built NAS storage. But rather than rushing, it’s probably wiser to first learn the difference between DAS and enterprise NAS storage. This way, you can understand whether NAS or DAS might be fitting for your needs or whether it might just be better to stick with the tried and tested approach.
If you are interested in NAS appliances, we suggest you check out StoneFly’s super scale-out NAS appliances with features like Deduplication, AES 256-bit encryption, Sync/async multi-appliance/multi-site replication.
