Top 10 Network-attached storage (NAS) Operating Systems

Network-attached storage (NAS) has become a cornerstone in the Cloud industry, providing scalable and efficient storage solutions. With the rise of cloud computing, NAS systems have evolved to meet the increasing demand for secure, accessible, and high-performance storage. Here, we explore the top 10 NAS operating systems that are making waves in the cloud industry.

1. FreeNAS (TrueNAS)

Related Image: © FreeNAS

FreeNAS, rebranded as TrueNAS, is an open-source NAS OS that is highly popular due to its robust features and flexibility. It is based on FreeBSD and uses the OpenZFS file system, which offers powerful data integrity, compression, and snapshot capabilities. TrueNAS provides extensive support for various protocols, including SMB, NFS, and iSCSI, making it suitable for both home and enterprise environments. It also supports plugins and VMs, enhancing its versatility in various cloud applications.

Website: TrueNAS

2. OpenMediaVault

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OpenMediaVault (OMV) is a Debian-based NAS solution aimed at home users and small businesses. It is easy to install and manage, thanks to its web-based interface. OMV supports multiple file systems and offers extensive plugin support, allowing users to customize their NAS setup to fit specific needs. Features like software RAID, network protocols (SMB, FTP, Rsync), and a modular design make OMV a flexible and efficient NAS OS for cloud environments​

Website: OpenMediaVault

3. Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM)

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Synology’s DSM is one of the most user-friendly NAS operating systems available. It combines powerful features with an intuitive interface, making it ideal for users of all levels. DSM offers comprehensive data protection, file sharing, and cloud synchronization capabilities. The OS also includes a wide range of applications for media streaming, backup, and surveillance, along with support for various RAID configurations, ensuring data redundancy and performance optimization​

Website: Synology DSM

4. QNAP QTS

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QNAP's QTS is a versatile and powerful NAS OS designed to meet the needs of both personal and business users. QTS offers a wide array of applications through the App Center, including multimedia management, virtualization, and surveillance. Its user-friendly interface simplifies management tasks, while advanced features like SSD caching, Qtier auto-tiering, and comprehensive backup solutions make it a robust choice for cloud storage

Website: QNAP QTS

5. Rockstor

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Rockstor is a NAS OS based on CentOS, focusing primarily on the Btrfs file system. This choice provides advanced features like pooling, snapshots, and replication. Rockstor's intuitive web interface and support for various network protocols (Samba/CIFS, NFS, SFTP) make it a strong contender for users looking for a robust and straightforward NAS solution. Its ability to manage different RAID configurations and resize pools without data loss is particularly beneficial for dynamic cloud environments.

Website: Rockstor

6. Unraid

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UnRAID is a proprietary NAS OS that offers unique features like the ability to mix and match different drive sizes and use them as a single array. It supports Docker containers and virtual machines, making it an excellent choice for users who want to run applications directly on their NAS. UnRAID’s focus on ease of use, combined with its advanced storage capabilities, makes it a popular choice for both home and small business cloud deployments.

Website: Unraid

7. XigmaNAS

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XigmaNAS, formerly known as NAS4Free, is another open-source NAS OS based on FreeBSD. It supports a wide range of protocols, including CIFS/SMB, FTP, and NFS, making it versatile for various network environments. XigmaNAS offers robust storage features such as ZFS support, which ensures data integrity and efficient storage management. Its web-based interface provides easy management, making it suitable for users looking for a reliable and straightforward NAS solution.

Website: XigmaNAS

8. Openfiler

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Openfiler is an open-source NAS OS designed for enterprise storage management. It combines the features of NAS and SAN, providing flexibility in storage configurations. Openfiler supports various file systems and network protocols, making it suitable for diverse storage environments. Its web-based management interface simplifies storage administration, while features like iSCSI target support and software RAID enhance its utility in cloud deployments.

Website: Openfiler

9. Amahi

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Amahi is a home server software that transforms a dedicated PC into a powerful NAS system. It offers a simple and intuitive interface for managing storage, media servers, and applications. Amahi’s flexibility and user-friendly design make it an excellent choice for home users looking for robust NAS solutions.

Website: Amahi

10. Asustor ADM

Related Image: © Asustor ADM

Asustor’s ADM is a feature-rich NAS OS that provides a smooth user experience with its intuitive interface and extensive app support. ADM supports various RAID configurations, ensuring data protection and performance. It also offers a range of multimedia applications, making it suitable for both personal and business use. ADM’s cloud integration capabilities and robust security features make it a competitive option in the cloud NAS market.

Website: Asustor ADM

Conclusion

The NAS operating systems listed above represent the best in the industry, offering a range of features and capabilities to meet diverse storage needs. Whether for home use, small offices, or large enterprises, these NAS OS options provide scalable, secure, and efficient storage solutions that are crucial in today's cloud-driven world. Selecting the right NAS OS depends on specific requirements, such as ease of use, scalability, and available features, but any of these options would be a solid choice for managing network-attached storage in the cloud industry.