We're in the market for a replacement for our very old on-prem file server, which is currently running on Windows. Unfortunately, the situation with our Client Access Licenses (CALs) is unclear due to the age of the system. We're dealing with about 2-4 TB of data and need a new device that continues to be on-prem. Here are a few options I'm considering: 1) Getting a new Windows-based server, rebuilding the file structure, and using a cloud backup solution like MARS while purchasing new CALs; 2) Switching to a NAS for redundancy and cloud backup; or 3) Any other ideas you might have. I'm open to suggestions!
4 Answers
If you're planning to stay on-prem, consider getting user CALs and keeping up with Software Assurance. This way, your users can access whatever servers you implement. If most access is local, stick with on-prem storage and follow the 3-2-1 backup rule for safety.
For just 2-4TB of data, licensing may not be a significant concern. You could go with TrueNAS and hook it up to your Active Directory. It's straightforward, and you can handle user management without stress.
Speed of access can affect your decision too. If it's not a huge deal, using two NAS devices with a scheduled robocopy to keep them in sync could be effective. Synology has options for automated sync tasks that might save you the hassle.
Have you thought about your needs for availability and redundancy? A FreeNAS or TruNAS Mini with 4 disks in RAID 10 could be a solid choice. You might even want to sync with a second one for extra safety, plus backups to S3 could work well. Just keep them dust-free, and they should serve you well for a long time.
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