I'm looking for a suitable storage solution for around 6TB of archive files. We recently banned USB drive usage and found that one team relies heavily on a single external hard drive. The files are primarily 5-10MB images that are rarely edited but do need to be accessed by staff who aren't very tech-savvy. Since keeping these files in our EDRMS isn't practical, I've considered using Azure Files as a file share solution. However, since our organization is new to cloud services and has historically relied on on-premises setups, I'm curious if there are other recommendations or options available.
4 Answers
You might also think about just using a Windows server setup with RAID-1 for redundancy. It won't be too hard to implement if you're already in a Windows environment, and it will allow for straightforward file sharing. Just don't forget about backing it up, as RAID alone isn't a backup solution!
Honestly, for 6TB of data, pretty much any standard storage solution would work. If you're set on cloud, alternatives like Backblaze can be great for cost-effective cloud storage. For local options, TrueNAS, QNAP, or Synology would handle this amount of data effortlessly. Just ensure that whatever you choose has a solid backup system in place!
If you're looking for something less technical, I’d suggest reconsidering SharePoint Online. It’s way easier for access and management compared to Azure Files—just something to think about if your users are forcing you to stick with a drive-share model.
Azure Files is definitely a good choice for your needs. It allows you to maintain your current file structure and can be re-mounted to look like a typical drive share. Just keep in mind that you'll need to set up some permissions and possibly a VPN for secure access since it shouldn't be exposed externally. It really keeps things simple for your users, especially if they're not very tech-friendly.
Exactly! If you're trying to replicate a familiar drive share experience for users, I'd definitely recommend Azure Files. It keeps things straightforward and user-friendly.
I agree, there's no need to overcomplicate things! For the amount of data you're dealing with, these solutions are more than enough.