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Synology DiskStation has become a go-to solution for many clients looking to replace their Apple-based servers and improve file sharing …
Overview
What is DiskStation?
DiskStation is a line of network-attached storage (NAS) solutions from Synology headquartered in Taiwan.
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Product Details
- About
- Competitors
- Tech Details
- FAQs
What is DiskStation?
Synology's storage solutions provide data availability and simplify IT challenges with software and data management tools.
DiskStation Features
- Supported: Network Attached Storage
- Supported: Acts as the user's own Private Cloud
- Supported: Offers a variety of sizes to suit the user's needs
DiskStation Competitors
DiskStation Technical Details
| Deployment Types | On-premise |
|---|---|
| Operating Systems | Linux |
| Mobile Application | Apple iOS, Android, Mobile Web |
Frequently Asked Questions
DiskStation is a line of network-attached storage (NAS) solutions from Synology headquartered in Taiwan.
Reviewers rate Support Rating highest, with a score of 9.7.
The most common users of DiskStation are from Small Businesses (1-50 employees).
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(84)
Community Insights
TrustRadius Insights are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, 3rd-party data sources. Have feedback on this content? Let us know!
- Business Problems Solved
- Pros
- Cons
Synology DiskStation has become a go-to solution for many clients looking to replace their Apple-based servers and improve file sharing capabilities. Users rely on this product for a range of use cases, from serving as a backup solution with built-in tools like Hyperbackup and Cloud Sync, to managing large amounts of information across departments and warehouses. It is also utilized as a versatile file server, photo management solution, VPN server, and Active Directory Server. Additionally, Synology DiskStation offers an inexpensive way to add storage to servers, provides backup space, and acts as a replacement for servers in other locations. This low-cost NAS solution requires low maintenance and excels at storing archived data. It is commonly used as network-attached storage for smaller offices and serves as a backup server, eliminating tapes and offering deduped backups with offsite data repositories. Companies rely on Synology DiskStation to save documents, collaborate on projects, and ensure centralized storage for work files. With its beautiful operating system, large storage capacity, and included backup solutions, this product earns praise from users who appreciate its seamless file sharing capabilities, easy access to files, and speed of file transfer.
Easy-to-use Interface: Many users have praised the simplicity and intuitiveness of the storage controls' user interface, finding it easy to navigate and manage their files efficiently.
Convenient Remote Access: Several reviewers have mentioned that the built-in DDNS/QuickConnect tool provided by the product makes it effortless to access their files and data remotely, adding a level of convenience and ease of use to their experience.
Competitive Pricing: A significant number of users have found the price of the unit itself to be very competitive compared to other options they considered. They consider it a cost-effective solution for their storage needs, making it an attractive choice.
Lack of Timely Updates: Several users have expressed frustration over the lack of timely updates for the next operating system, with some stating that they have been waiting for over 2 years. This indicates a significant delay in delivering new features and improvements to customers.
Inconsistent Customer Support: According to multiple reviewers, customer support from Synology is inconsistent and unreliable, varying depending on the nature of the problem. Some users have reported difficulties in getting prompt and effective assistance, which can be frustrating when encountering issues or needing technical help.
Cumbersome Reporting Process: Many users find the reporting process in Synology software to be cumbersome due to the excessive number of reports. This makes it difficult to manage them efficiently and slows down productivity.
Attribute Ratings
Reviews
(1-21 of 21)Companies can't remove reviews or game the system. Here's why
We utilized Synology DiskStation as NAS to replace the Windows file server on our smaller sites. It has helped us reduce the need to set up a server for smaller offices. We were also able to utilize the built-in and free backup solution Hyperbackup to backup to the cloud (either AWS or Azure) and reduced the need to purchase a backup solution, tapes, and the need for an offsite tape repository for data air gaping. We have also used it as a SAN on or DEV/QA VMWare cluster as well as a medium office. It provided us with a cost-effective solution for medium-sized offices that did not require enterprise-level SAN solutions using iSCSI. Finally, we had used it as a backup server replacing our previous tape drive solution. Using the Synology Diskstation has allowed us to forgo having to purchase tapes and offsite storage facilities for them. We use Synology's Active Backup for Business to backup the data. As an added bonus, backups are deduped allowing more backup frequency. Furthermore using Hyperbackup to send the data to either AWS or Azure provides us an offsite data repository for our backups.
- Synology's NAS feature provides cost-effective and flexible file server solutions. The ability to expand the array dynamically is a great feature. It helps reduce the footprint needed when setting up a small office.
- The Hyperback utility is a flexible and powerful backup solution. It can backup the NAS shares as well as other components of the DiskStation. It provides the option to replicate the data to another Synology as well as to the cloud. It is compatible with AWS, Azure, GCP, etc.
- Active Backup for Business is another great backup solution that is available on Synology. It can be used to back up a physical server, VMWare virtual machines, SMB shares, etc. It can do deduplication, reducing the required storage for backups and allowing for more iterations.
- A more robust search feature in Filestation. It is sometimes difficult to search for files in the DiskStation.
- Improvement on the clustered NAS setup. We've had headaches after setting up a NAS cluster. Once in a while, it goes haywire and we have to figure out if there is any data loss.
- Better support process now that they are delving into more enterprise solutions. Having the ability to call support instead of e-mails would be great especially on critical issues.
- Expand dual controller options for the DiskStation.
February 14, 2022
Synology gives you safe data storage.
The device is primarily used to store archived data.
It is also used as additional storage for ESXi (via iSCSI).
It is also used as additional storage for ESXi (via iSCSI).
- Stable work
- Reporting problems by email
- Easy setup
- UI simplification (more basic)
- The ability to display a list of open files by users in SMB (monitoring application)
We used the Synology DiskStation as a network attached storage for the team to store local files that we did not think we would want to synchronize with the cloud. It was used more for a close area network so we could control what we had access or visibility for our development and security projects
- Expandability is easy
- Maintenance is very easy
- Configuration straight forward and quick
- Upgrading without external network connectivity would be nice
- Additional network port would be nice
- More Memory Expansion
February 02, 2022
Good Entry Level and pocket friendly NAS
I generally use it to backup all the data of various digital Devices like computer, phone, etc. It's a one product for keeping all the backups at one place which is also ease of use.
- Seamless integration with mobile device
- Stream content to tv
- Hyper backup
- File management
- Facial recognition
- Improve connectivity among different Synology devices
- Improve hardware
February 02, 2022
Synology NAS - A must have for any organization
Used as an inexpensive way to add storage to servers and also for backup space. It also backs up all our O365 data.
We have also used it in other locations to replace servers completeley and to function as a Domain.
We have also used it in other locations to replace servers completeley and to function as a Domain.
- Backup O365 - OneDrive & Sharepoint
- Simple to setup iSCSI for additional server storage
- Replication between Synology for off-site backups
- mobile device backups
October 19, 2021
Synology DiskStation is a best in class NAS system with the power and features to do so much more
Synology DiskStation is being used for multiple purposes across multiple organizations. The primary use is as a generic file server, but it is also being used as an all-in-one photo management solution (utilizing Synology's PhotoStation or Synology Photos in the latest version of DiskStation), a VPN server (either L2TP or OpenVPN), and an Active Directory Server. It is also used to host virtual machines to handle functions that the DiskStation can't handle natively (such as running a QuickBooks database, Ubiquiti UniFi Controller, etc.)
- Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM) provides a robust RAID experience with multiple RAID types available, including Synology's own RAID implementation (Synology Hybrid RAID - SHR)
- DSM includes a full-blown app ecosystem to extend its functionality beyond its built-in features.
- Synology is constantly updating DSM with not only performance, bug and security fixes but with major changes as well. In fact, the newest version of DSM, DSM 7, was just recently released.
- The same version of DSM comes with all of Synology NAS products, from simple single drive models all the way up to enterprise-grade models with upwards of 20 drive bays.
- DSM is not just a simple firmware OS, it is a full-blown Linux OS with all the features and benefits (and pitfalls) that entails.
- The default file system for DSM is BTRFS. BTRFS provides some advanced functionality (such as snapshots, bit rot protection and compression) over Linux's default ext4 filesystem.
- While BTRFS is a more advanced file system than ext4, it also is in a perpetual state of development, with many features not fully functional and a plethora of bugs. Synology has managed to overcome many of these limitations by placing BTRFS on top of a LVM, but there are much better file systems that Synology could have used, such as OpenZFS.
- DSM's built-in backup software, HyperBackup, while robust, oftentimes runs into issues. Specifically, backups can be working fine for months or years, and then suddenly the backups will fail. Sometimes these failures can be resolved, but oftentimes the backups need to be completely restarted. Fortunately, even when the backup fails, the existing backups are still accessible, it is just that new backups can not be performed.
- The underlying Linux OS provides significant benefits, but also adds a fair amount of complexity. Most of that complexity is wonderfully hidden by the DSM interface, but when certain problems arise, delving into the Linux command line is not out of the question.
- Perhaps the biggest issue with Synology DiskStation is Synology's support. The issue isn't that the support is bad, but it can be frustratingly slow when dealing with a major issue. Synology does have a very active community that is always willing to help, but nothing beats first-party support.
October 08, 2021
Synology is the easy button for us
Frankly, I love these NAS's. Are there other brands that are good? Sure. However, the operating system is beautiful, and among the best, I've seen. Where else can you have 100+ terabytes of storage for a couple of grand? This is currently being used for Veeam backup and offsite replication, and the included hyper backup for business is outstanding for forever forwards backups at no additional cost.
- Backups are crazy simple with hyper backup
- Replication of cloud backups is just as easy for DR
- 100+ TB for a couple grand
- Fantastic solution for security cameras, though you have to pay for that license
- quiet and efficient
- Proprietary RAM, that is WAY overpriced. 150 bucks for 16gb? Wow
- Support could respond quicker, though I rarely need it
- Expansion devices could be priced more aggressively
October 06, 2021
Great Software for Team Collaboration + File Sharing!
Synology is used across our company. We all use this as a way to save documents, projects, important information that have been given by a client or created by our teams. It is used by everyone as a way to collaborate on all the projects we have going on. We use Synology DiskStation on a daily basis, so it is the lifeline of our work. It solved the issue of having multiple projects going on at different stages in different departments and needing a central place to save our work and documents so nothing is missed.
- Synology DiskStation offers lots of options for creating links to share files or request that some uploads files. It makes it really easy to just share a link that can have an expiration or a set number of times it is accessed.
- We always had enough storage on our Synology DiskStation, we never had to worry about something being too big to upload or share.
- Love how you can create folders that are shared and also have some that are private. This makes it so easy to have shared collaborations with coworkers or clients, but also allows you to have a private place to save things that only you need.
- There were a few funny glitches that would happen sometimes when I would interact with the interface on a browser. Sometimes if you didn't click the box just right it would automatically closeout or take you back a bunch of steps/folders.
- I would not get notified when things were uploaded. I tried to find the setting that would notify but was never able to. This made it hard to know when things were added without constantly checking.
- Just a small thing, but sometimes it took a while for things to sync, so if one team member would upload it would take a while for it to show up on my end. This wasn't always happening but did occasionally.
October 06, 2021
Long Time 16 Year Satisfied Synology Business User
storage of corporate files (documents, ebooks, videos, notes), sharing of multimedia files (audiobooks, videos) streaming of multimedia files via ds audio and ds video, and plex backup of all android/ios/windows pc computers providing VPN access by remote users to the above corporate files essentially a massive digital library for all our staff.
- Storing ebooks and documents
- Streaming of music and audiobooks (i.e., ds audio)
- Streaming of videos and tv shows and movies (i.e., ds video and plex)
- the focus of synology is on SMB users, we have a 1.3PB Synology NAS unit that needs higher-end DiskStation software to handle the 95 x 16TB drives we have
- in summary, Synology NAS software doesn't handle enterprise customer needs
- syncing of files with android and IOS devices, in particular with DSM 7, the Synology Cloud SYNC software doesn't work (the staff are working on a release in the coming months). But syncing files from mobile devices to the Synology NAS is a key reason 2 of our Synology NAS units were purchased, and without the syncing we are limited
October 06, 2021
Fantastic product for the SMB and Home Market
Synology DiskStation units are a fantastic local network storage device for small businesses that don't require the full-blown Windows Server alternative. Synology DiskStation units are also used as backup storage for local on-site backups with the option to upload files using hyper backup to Azure/AWS/Remote NAS units/SharePoint and other locations as well.
- Local File Sharing
- Backup to multiple locations
- M365 & Google Apps backup
- Packages being applicable to all series/models (rather than just "newer" selections")
- Open a call centre for supporting customers
- Some areas around notifications could be improved (eg emailing specific emails for specific alerts)
July 22, 2021
DiskStation Review
Synology DiskStation acts as our onsite file server as well as internal messaging chat system. We are able to seamlessly integrate it as a shared drive across the office. Allowing everyone to have access to the same files. We are also able to control access so management has access to their specific filing.
- Chat client
- File Server
- Remote access is a little cumbersome
We use it primarily among our creative teams and content management teams. We have found it much faster and easier to manage than a typical Windows file share. It's super easy to transfer large files between users using Synology!
- File storage
- File backup
- File transfer
- Ability to set user permissions granularly on file levels
- The UI feels a little too much like a desktop, I'd like to see a cleaner, more original interface
- The mobile app is difficult to use when accessing files remotely.
April 16, 2021
Synology - ease of use and be on the know.
Currently using Synology [DiskStation] in my entire office - the workstations, operational room, and our lobby. Keeps track of who came in and is an added security for our company. We have house cleaners that can only come into our lobby, as we have a separate lock into the rest of the office. This helps us ensure there were no theft occurrences.
- Keeps track of all movements
- Live Feed
- Easily Zoom in.
- Can't think of one.
March 03, 2021
Synology is the new Apple Server
We deploy Synology DiskStation across many clients who needed to have their Apple-based servers replaced. With easy filesharing on AFP or SMB protocols, the Disk Station was a no brainer. We have them deployed as a backup solution for some clients, and a Plex server for others. Using the built in tools that came with Synology DiskStation - such as Hyperbackup and Cloud Sync has made it very easy to provide solid solutions for clients.
- Easy of Use
- Storage controls are simple to use and manage
- Ease of access, using their built in DDNS/QuickConnect tool
- Price for the unit itself (w/out hard drives) is very competitive
- They have been promising the next OS for over 2 years now
- Support is iffy depending on the problem
- Reporting is cumbersome - there are SO many reports - to manage them all is a pain.
Synology DiskStation is being used to perform local backups from multiple servers across our facilities. We manage an entire facility with more that 1000 employees and all information that is created under all applications from every department, warehouse, Final assembly, Quality etc, along with shared folder for all users is backup locally using Synology disk station. We rely in this unit perform daily backups for all information and to have this same date available at any time during any contingency.
- Very easy setup.
- Fast restores.
- Excellent applications within the integrated OS.
- Efficient support.
- Easy to ready and understand log of events.
- A display indicator in the device would be great for priority events.
- The unit power supply failed, an alert with more details in this events would be great.
- Even when restore is easy and in good time I believe it could be improved.
April 22, 2020
Smart move which continues to pay dividends
We have two Synology DiskStations. One we use in our production environment as network file storage for all of our users as well as a general file share. The other we use as offsite backup. We take our Virtual Servers VHDs and back them up there. Using Rsync we also backup our on-prem Synology.
- Software interface is not overwhelming and relatively easy to use.
- Reliable. Never have any issues with it.
- Pricing. Much less expensive than other options we looked at.
- It's different than a Microsoft solution - things laid out differently.
- Meets our needs so hard to identify examples of improvement.
December 13, 2019
Synology DiskStation Review
It is used to share files with other companies.
- We use it with our consultants to share files.
- It should be a little easier to use.
November 07, 2019
Synology NAS - Perfect, low-maintenance network storage solution!
We use this as NAS to store off-site backups in a data centre. All we need for this purpose is straightforward network storage and it carries out this function perfectly with very little maintenance needed.The built-in functionality which comes as standard give some useful features and, in the past, I have used a variety of these tools from Surveillance Station to the built-in web server.
- Out-of-the-box RAID configuration.
- Loads of built-in applications.
- Security - lots of features that can be enabled including MFA.
- It would be nice to see a slightly better hardware spec for RAM and processor. Using the web interface can be slow sometimes.
- We occasional get issues with iSCSI connections after firmware update. Not a huge issue as we know to check but would be nice if resolved.
October 25, 2019
Just set it and forget it.
We needed a low-cost NAS solution, and low maintenance, due to a lack of staffing within the IT department.
- Easy to setup.
- Synology App Store grows with time and have access to a lot of 3rd party app options.
- Ability to scale easily and economically.
- Provide more options for expansion other than eSATA connectors.
- Easier access to RAM and SSD upgrades on the lower end models, without having to pull the unit almost completely apart.
- Management UI is slow to load on the lower end models, especially with multiple network connections.
October 14, 2019
Turns your NAS appliance into a Swiss army knife
What doesn't DiskStation do? As a comprehensive network-attached-storage operating system, DiskStation offers a plethora of features from File Sharing Services to client OS backup integration (such as Apple's TimeMachine) to Surveillance Software, to Download software. It will even run Docker containers if your hardware appliance will support native virtualization. As a server, it really is a swiss-army knife of functionality. Over time, I've only grown more and more of what it offers.
- Filesharing - This is an easy one. As it's loaded on a network-attached storage device, DiskStation provides robust file share support, supporting SMB/CIFS, NTFS, and more.
- Additional package management - DiskStation offers a plethora of add-on packages (most free!) that enable you to customize your DiskStation experience to your liking. I personally like Surveillance Station, Download Station, and git add-ons.
- Easy to understand administration - DiskStation's administrative console offers easy to understand options that make setting up, configuring, and managing multiple users trivial.
- While Synology has remained committed to keeping my older NAS device up to date with DiskStation updates, they are starting to make it feel slower than when I first got it. I'm not complaining, almost no one supports 5-year-old devices with current software, but Synology does.
- As easy as the Administrative console is to use, the Surveillance Station plugin is equally difficult to configure. Surveillance requires more knowledge than I care to invest in for configuring my security cameras to be captured by that package. While I ultimately got it running right, it took multiple Google searches and countless hours of tinkering to make it happen.
- Diskstation alerts need to be more robust. I find after a time, they just stop working. If I reboot DiskStation or reconfigure it, I start getting alerts again, but sometimes it's not until I've identified a problem that I notice the absence of working alerts.
August 20, 2019
Powerful NAS with great bang for your buck
The Synology DiskStation is used by our small business as our primary storage device. Since we use Office 365 for email and do not require any other server-based software, we use the Synology as our "server" to store and access all client and company files. Everyone in our company has access to the device and we have found its usage to be a huge benefit to our company.
- Stores company files in an easy-to-access NAS configuration.
- Highly reliable and stable.
- Easy-to-access web interface for employees on the go and working remotely.
- The sophistication of the alert system is somewhat lacking.
- While the web interface is easy to use, it lacks the sophistication that some would expect.
- Reporting features are hard to find and set up.