QNAP Updates NAS Management Software

A new version 3.2 of QNAP's embedded NAS Management Software enhances iSCSI capabilities, supports storage server deployment in virtualized and clustered environments, facilitates Apple Time Machine backups, and improves the Web file manager.

QNAP Systems has updated its NAS management software that powers its business-class Intel-based Turbo NAS servers.

Version 3.2, embedded as firmware, provides an iSCSI target solution supporting SPC-3 persistent reservation, MPIO and MC/S, allowing small to midsize businesses and corporate customers deploy the NAS as a storage server in the virtualized and clustered infrastructure. Additionally, the updated management software steps up its backup capabilities by adding Apple Time Machine support and redundant backups to Amazon's S3 cloud storage platform.

For ease of management, QNAP said IT administrators can benefit from the DFS support (Share Folder Aggregation), import of user-list and customizable Daylight Saving Time. Further, the next-generation Internet Protocol, IPv6, has been incorporated for future networking evolution. QNAP's Web File Manager 2 also features an entirely redesigned user interface and functionality for improved file sharing and management. WebDAV is also available for users to collaboratively share, access and edit files over HTTP and HTTPs. In addition, the new firmware will be preinstalled in new QNAP models from December onward.

"The V3.2 firmware brings the advanced and competitive iSCSI solution, backup and management features, which effectively offer a competitive and secure solution to serve administrators," said James Wu, product manager of QNAP. "Besides, to increase its usability, the new 3.2 NAS management firmware also includes two new languages-Dutch and Czech-for its management interface. We've also made numerous improvements to make our business-class models more efficient to manage for administrators and lay a foundation for future improvements."

QNAP offers a broad lineup of NAS server enclosures. QNAP's Turbo NAS servers are available in one-, two-, four-, five-, six- and eight-bay tower and rack-mount configurations to help fit the consumer's needs, including midmarket business, workgroups and entry-level enterprise networks. Most QNAP NAS servers feature hot-swap removable cartridge drives and offer features including virtual disk and dual Gigabit LAN ports with fail-over, load-balancing and multi-IP setting capabilities for all Intel-based models.

QNAP said its NAS servers are ideal for simple Website hosting; ultra-high-performance RAID storage supporting RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, and 5+ hot spare (4 drive and higher models); stand-alone file downloading; networkwide backups; printer sharing; and video surveillance. The company also noted the NAS servers are fully compatible with Windows, Macintosh, Linux and Unix networks and incorporate green power management technologies.