For small businesses, data storage and backup are critical. As a business grows, so does the amount of data it generates – from office documents, emails, accounting records, client files, and more. For many small businesses, traditional external hard drives and cloud storage quickly become insufficient and unreliable for storing mass amounts of business-critical data.
This is where network attached storage (NAS) comes in. NAS is dedicated data storage that connects to your business network, allowing centralized data access and robust backup capabilities. In particular, a 2-bay NAS offers an affordable yet powerful solution tailored for small business needs.
What is a 2-Bay NAS?
A 2-bay NAS is a storage device that contains two hard drive bays, allowing you to install two hard drives. It connects directly to your office network, enabling all connected devices to access, store, and back up data to the NAS. Some key advantages of a 2-bay NAS include:
● Centralized storage for all files, media, backups
● Continuous and automated data protection
● Improved data security and access control
● Scalability to add more storage as needed
● Data redundancy in case of drive failure
Why Small Businesses Need a 2-Bay NAS
Here are some of the key reasons a 2-bay NAS is an ideal storage solution for small businesses:
1. Centralized Storage and Access
A 2-bay NAS centralizes storage and access for all your business data in one place. Rather than siloing data across individual devices, everything is stored securely on the NAS and accessible to authorized users over the network. This makes collaboration seamless and allows employees to work from anywhere.
2. Automated Backup
Backup is automated with a 2-bay NAS. Once set up, it will continuously and incrementally back up data across the NAS hard drives and/or offsite to the cloud. This removes the risk of lost data due to human oversight or hardware failures down the road.
3. Data Redundancy
With two hard drive bays, a 2-bay NAS provides data redundancy. This means data can be mirrored or striped across both drives. If one fails, data stays intact on the other. This level of redundancy is missing with a single external drive and ensures no disruptions to business operations.
4. Scalability
As your storage needs evolve, a 2-bay NAS offers flexibility to scale. You can swap out the internal drives for higher capacity models or expand with additional external drives as needed. This future-proofs your investment.
5. Improved Data Security
From ransomware to device theft, businesses face growing data security threats. A NAS provides much stronger protection compared to external drives. Advanced security features like encryption, access controls, and firewall keep data safe from unauthorized access.
6. Affordability
A 2-bay NAS gives small businesses enterprise-level data storage and backup at an affordable price point. The ability to start small with a 2-bay system and scale up over time provides excellent value for money.
7. Remote Access and File Sharing
With a NAS, employees can securely access files and collaborate from anywhere. Features like remote desktop access, file syncing, sharing and streaming allow location-independent productivity.
Key Features to Look for in a 2-Bay NAS
When evaluating 2-bay NAS devices for your small business, here are some of the top features to look for:
● Processor: Choose a model with a quad or higher core processor for smooth performance.
● RAM: At least 8GB RAM enables multitasking and caching.
● Storage: Look for a NAS that supports 3.5″ and 2.5″ drives and has USB ports to expand storage.
● RAID support: Choose a NAS with RAID 0/1 support for drive mirroring and striping.
● Connectivity: Look for gigabit ethernet, USB 3.0, and HDMI ports.
● OS: Choose a NAS running a Linux-based OS for stability and app support.
● Warranty and support: Multi-year warranties and technical support provide peace of mind.
Recommended 2-Bay NAS for Small Business
One 2-bay NAS that checks all the boxes for small business use is the UGREEN Nasync DXP2800.
Some of the key features that make this an ideal starter NAS include:
● Quad-core Celeron J4125 processor and 8GB DDR4 RAM for fast performance.
● Two 3.5″ SATA drive bays with up to 64TB storage capacity.
● Gigabit ethernet and USB 3.2 Gen1 ports for flexible connectivity.
● Intuitive web-based OS to easily manage files, media, backups, access.
● RAID 0/1 support plus hot swappable drives for protection against failures.
● Hardware encryption to secure data against unauthorized access.
● Media streaming, web hosting, surveillance station capabilities.
● 3-year warranty and lifetime technical support.
For lean small business budgets, the UGREEN DXP2800 provides excellent value without compromising on business-class features and reliability.
Getting Started with a 2-Bay NAS
Setting up and managing a 2-bay NAS is straightforward for small businesses. Here is an overview of the process:
1. Select and Install Hard Drives
Based on your storage needs, select one or two compatible hard drives with sufficient capacity. Install them into the NAS drive bays using the provided screws and connectors.
2. Connect the NAS
Use an ethernet cable to connect the NAS to your office router for network connectivity. Also connect the power cable to turn on the device.
3. Configure Network Settings
Access the NAS management interface through a web browser to configure network settings like IP address, DHCP, port forwarding, dynamic DNS etc.
4. Create User Accounts
Create user accounts for employees to securely access the NAS. Set appropriate folder permissions and access controls for each user.
5. Enable Backup Jobs
Schedule backup jobs to run automatically at set intervals. Back up critical data from devices to the NAS and replicate backups offsite.
6. Centralize Files and Folders
Migrate files and folders from individual devices to organized shared folders on the NAS for simplified access and collaboration.
7. Remote Access Setup
Set up remote desktop access, VPN, syncing or cloud gateways to access NAS data from anywhere on desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.
With those fundamentals in place, a 2-bay NAS seamlessly integrates into your business as a centralized data hub and backup solution. Ongoing management is straightforward with a user-friendly NAS operating system like those offered by leading brands such as UGREEN.
The Future-Proof Data Foundation for SMBs
In today’s data-driven business landscape, a 2-bay NAS is a worthwhile investment that lays the foundation for a small business’s long-term data storage, protection, and accessibility needs. As your needs evolve, a 2-bay NAS cost-effectively scales to accommodate growth while eliminating the headaches of data silos, inadequate backups, and vulnerability to loss.
By implementing a well-chosen 2-bay NAS solution, small businesses can securely unlock the power of their data to drive productivity, efficiency, and competitive advantage for years to come.
