QNAP NAS TS-439 Pro

Meet the QNAP NAS TS-439 Pro

So the product itself is in fact a small dedicated computer that is running on an Operating System, in this case a customized version of Linux. The QNAP NAS TS-439 Pro is actually based on a power efficient Intel Atom-based processor and comes with 1 GB of internal memory. As you guys know, Atom processors are commonly used in netbooks but QNAP is using them to build this 4-Bay Atom-based NAS (Network Attached Storage) called QNAP TS-439. And if you need options, QNAP has several NAS units available, some are even powered by Intel Celeron and even Core 2 Duo processors.

As stated the product packs a 1 GB RAM, the QNAPs TS-439 NAS capable to offsite data replication to another NAS, back up server, FTP server, webserver and so on. An integrated LCD also packed to let you monitor the process but surely we need a web based interface.

The Intel Atom processor used is clocked at 1.6GHz, the memory used is DDRII memory. Connectionis wise the TS-439 has a lovely two dual Giga LAN, five USB 2.0 ports and two eSATA ports. And that's just a lot. Really nice. There's also a VGA connector at the rear side, pop in a USB keyboard and in an SSH (shell) kind of way you can manually go into a console. But that's just l33t stuff for system Unix/Linux administrators really, as you can configure everything through an easy to use web-based interface (we'll show you later on).

Depending on the HDDs you are using you can even configure them in RAID 0/1/5/6/5+spare configurations. There's online RAID Capacity Expansion and Online RAID Level Migration.

If that isn't enough and you need your data secured, you can flick on AES 256-bit volume-based encryption, insert policy-based IP blocking, instant SMS and email alert, and SSL secure certificate, the list goes on and on.

Suffice to say the product is not intended at the typical low-level PC user, but more in a SOHO environment. Make no mistake though, the unit can be operated really easily as it is very user friendly. The sheer amount of features however might scare away one or two of you guys.

Next to being a storage unit, QNAP takes things to a next level as the unit can also double up and function as a web server, ftp-server, MySQL server and much more, check out some of it's primary features.

Some other features:

• Create your own File Server
• FTP Server simplifies the data sharing
• Backup Server with the most professional auto-backup software
• Enhanced data protection by optional RAID-1 mirroring
• Remote Replication
• Establish your interactive Web Server
• MySQL Server
• Share your printer resource by Printer Server
• UPnP Media Server (with built-in TwonkyMedia Server)
• Multimedia Station for photo sharing
• Enjoy continuous downloads independent of PC
• Share your music by iTunes Serve

Operating system compatibility wise the TS-439 supports file sharing across Linux, UNIX, Mac, and Windows platforms. We will be testing with Windows Vista. Also for the more advanced among you, windows AD (Active Directory) is supported to help create an easy-to-access environment. SSH login and web page SSL login enables users to transfer, store, and share data securely.

Since this product acts as a server ALL PC's within your network can connect to it. With or without access rights. You can manage it from any client as you simply log into the web-interface and configure it.

All these gorgeous features do come at a hefty price though, expect a 649 EUR price tag in the EU. The product is covered with a 2 year warranty.