Since I work with Enterprise Storage every day I think there has been some good suggestions in this thread:


1. Identify your data:

  • Identify what data you can replace easily and with minimum effort (less than 2 hours).
  • Identify what data you can not replace easily and would acquire substantial effort/time to replace. (days/weeks/months)


2. Get the right tools for the job
  • Even if you just have "a little data" ,data grows, and buying a 2 slot NAS will not only limit you to costly RAID1 but also, you will have to buy another box and manage 2 boxes when you grow out of it.
  • If you have data that can be easily replaced in 2 hours then remote replication of that data in case of theft/fire/etc is perhaps not a requierement. Go ahead and only use local storage for this type of data.
  • If you have data that will take days/weeks/months or when loosing data is not an option then you NEED offsite replication. This setup should be fairly straightforward and don't buy too cheap products that "almost" works perfectly, they must work automated and unattended or you will not have your data when you need it.


Windows Home Server, WHS was mentioned and has gained some popularity. I don't trust the filesystem one bit as it is using a non-standard duplication and it is microsoft first iteration of this filesystem. BUT I think the remote replication plugin of family photos that one user mentioned was very good thinking. And that will save him if the filesystem breaks down.

The thing is, when we accumulate lots of data with RAW photos, FLAC highrez music, DVD movies, Blu-Ray movies; using an online service to backup our precious files would be the "safest" option but probably not economically viable for TB1+ sizes. So in the meantime we will have to cater for this remote replication ourselves.

What you do is to buy two boxes, for example the QNAP TS-439 Pro, a four slot design with remote replication built in. You put your data on your first NAS and then start replication to your DR-NAS (Disaster Recovery) while at home. After the replication is complete, drive your DR-NAS to a relative or somewhere where it will not get in the way, it could even be your office provided the firewalls do not block the needed port/s.

I don't want to just emphasize one brand or so, check the customer feedback on the devices you are getting, and don't let them get off the hook too easily when it comes to remote replication a simple "should" work is not enough. A good representative will tell you what firewall ports is needed to make remote replication work site-to-site. It's not magic.

I hope I got through some tips to apply for your needs..

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