Synology Introduces DiskStation Manager 2.3 Beta

NAS solutions specialist Synology offers cost-conscious businesses a beta version of DiskStation Manager 2.3.

Network attached storage developer SynologyAmerica announced the release of DiskStation Manager 2.3 beta, which introduces updated features for business and home users including backup to the cloud with Amazon S3, Volume Manager, live view of Surveillance Station with a DS cam iPhone app and additional features and enhancements. Existing applications receive a makeover in DSM 2.3 that add enhancements to File Station, Surveillance Station, Photo Station and Audio Station. The DSM 2.3 beta is available to download free of charge for users who own a DiskStation 7-series and onward.

Additional features include SHR (Synology Hybrid RAID) that helps simplify the RAID setup by optimizing the disk capacities with data protection when different size hard drives are used. Synology said the new SHR eliminates the worry about buying hard drives of different capacity at different times when using RAID on their DiskStation because it can be automatically set up through SHR. AES 256-bit shared folder encryption is supported to ensure data security. In addition to "shared folders," sub-folder backup is now supported and for additional backup options, now Synology DiskStation can back up to the cloud using Amazon S3 service with the integrated settings in the DSM 2.3 beta.

"The release of the new Synology DSM 2.3 beta builds upon the already successful DiskStation Manager 2.2 by adding additional enhancements to the simple-to-use interface and more integrated applications," said Doug Self, product specialist at Synology. "We continuously listen to our customers and their feedback and the new iPhone app DS cam is one example of responding to that feedback. We've added a new iPhoneapp so that Surveillance Station users can now live view their IP camera streams directly on their iPhone wherever they are. This is great to use when you are on the road and want to keep an eye on important things like a company warehouse or even a new babysitter at home," he said.

Earlier this month the company unveiled the DiskStation DS110j, a DLNA (digital living network appliance)-compliant network storage device. The DiskStation DS110j is a single-disk crossover NAS that offers improved performance, multimedia features and a complete backup solution. At a price point starting at around $149 (diskless), the device is positioned as an affordable solution for SOHO (small office/home office) networks running Microsoft Windows and Mac OS. Features include the DNLA-compliant multimedia server, Web hosting, remote access, automatic backup, a surveillance station, photo sharing and a download station to help home office users access files while on the road and monitor parts of the house or office.