Replace old server with NAS

[Enquiries]

Replace old server with NAS, possibly? Small office, 4 workstations
currently have server, mainly used as a file server. Raid 5 with 2tb drives. Pool will be shares among 4 users, accounting applications.
router to switch to NAS, workstationa connected through switch.

[ed]

Thanks for getting in touch. Based on your setup and goals, replacing your current RAID 5 file server with a modern NAS is absolutely viable, and can bring improved reliability, easier management, and lower power usage.

Since you’re using it for file sharing and accounting applications across 4 workstations, here’s what I’d recommend looking for in a replacement NAS:
• 4 to 8 bays, depending on how much you want to expand in the future. Even if you’re only using around 2TB now, you’ll want room to grow.
• RAID 5 or RAID 6 support for redundancy and reliability.
• 2.5GbE or 10GbE networking support to future-proof your office speeds and avoid slowdowns when multiple users access files.
• Snapshot support and backup options to protect against accidental deletion or ransomware.
• Intel or AMD-based CPU, ideally x86, for better app compatibility and performance (especially if your accounting software relies on mapped drives or legacy features).

A couple of solid options:
• QNAP TVS-h674 (or TS-673A for a bit less): Good all-rounder for business use, supports QuTS hero (ZFS-based).
• Synology DS1821+ or DS1621+: Reliable, user-friendly DSM software, good support ecosystem, and great backup tools.
• Asustor Lockerstor 6 Gen2 or Gen1: Decent value for business NAS with 2.5GbE and solid app support.

You can pair one of those with 4 x 4TB or 6TB WD Red Plus or Seagate IronWolf drives in RAID 5, which will give you plenty of space, fault tolerance, and performance.