Computing on Demand PC News & Reviews
So… What has Buffalo done here? They have introduced a NAS that can deliver on more than just speeds and feeds. We now have a NAS that provides you with a truly integrated platform for storage. The introduction of Windows Storage Server 2012 R2 to the Buffalo lineup means you can get the NAS you love with the simplicity and elegance that WSS 2012 R2 brings. Additionally, WSS 2012 R2 brings a necessary update to the dated Buffalo web interface we found on the TeraStation 5400.
Let’s be honest here, the WS5400DR2 is not an Indy car when it comes to transferring files, but it did perform well enough in our benchmarks to be considered. To be fair, I tested this NAS with the drives it shipped with. Would it have performed better with the drives I normally benchmark with? I am pretty confident that it would. However, my policy is to use whatever comes in the box.
The hardware is solid and although the NAS may look like something Darth Vader would be storing his family photos on in his Death Star office, it isn’t ugly by any stretch. To be completely honest, I really like its looks. With that, WSS 2012 R2 brings the same sleek function and looks to the administration.
I do like the WS5400DR2… that does come with a “but”, only for the home user though. Here it is. Although many NAS ship with the same hardware specifications as this one, the platform itself is going to require a bit more attention and here is why. Outside of the enterprise, many of us enthusiasts will inevitably like to use our NAS for more than just serving up files. Things like MySQL, Plex Media Server, TWONKY, SubSonic, CrashPlan, Sickbeard, Sabnzbd, uTorrent, and VPN frequently find themselves running on devices in my office. Team those up with anti-virus and it can bring an underpowered system to a screeching halt.
Oh right, it’s a NAS not a server…. NAS serve up files not applications. For the business owner in you, this should be your consideration. Just because this NAS runs Windows doesn’t mean it should run your business.
Bottom line, if you are a business owner or IT administrator looking for a NAS that can integrate itself seamlessly on your network, this one should be on the really short list of products you are looking at. If you are a home user/enthusiast trying to install as much software as you can into a small Atom powered NAS with 4GB of RAM, this may not be the one for you.
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