Data accumulates very quickly and when you have several computers that are hosting the same content it can be difficult to remember what is where. I have several external HDD’s and backup hard drives on many of my systems the problem with this is that I spend a lot of my time trying to remember where everything is. This is where a NAS server like the Seagate BlackArmor NAS 220 Centralized Network Storage unit will make your life much easier. It has built in software to take care of all of your instant backup needs but also fully utilizes your internal network through gigabit connection speeds making your access to data simple, quick, and easy. This product also offers expandability through USB which makes is easy to back up the external HDD’s you bring back and forth between work and home. Let’s check out the Seagate BlackArmor NAS 220 and see if it is the right choice for your home server or small business.

Provided by: Seagate

Price: $619

Closer Look:

Specifications and Features:

Central network storage that fits your business.

Network storage for up to 20 workstations. Designed with the small business in mind.

USE IT TO:
• Keep your business data safe and available
• Support up to 20 workstations
• Automatically backup every networked computer at your workplace
• Use Time Machine to back up files on your Mac computer.

Built to grow with your business.

Simple enough to let you focus on what matters.

• Automatic, continuous backup of connected workstations.
• Two reliable, user–replaceable Seagate hard drives.
• Two USB 2.0 ports for external drives, printers and UPS.

Security that’s built right in.

You have plenty of things to worry about. Your network shouldn’t be one of them.

• Automatic data mirroring with RAID 1 configuration.
• Hardware–based encryption keeps your files secure.
• Secure internet access to files with easy permissions and controls

All the details that matter.

The features you want. All in one place.

• Microsoft® Active directory support.
• Multi–volume management.
• Event email notification.
• DLNA and iTunes® media streaming.
• 3–year limited warranty

Specifications
Model Number	ST320005LSA10G-RK
Interface	Ethernet
Capacity	2TB
PHYSICAL
Height	197.8mm (7.79 in)
Width	104mm (4.09 in)
Length	188mm (7.4 in)
Weight (typical)	2980g (6.6 lb)
Shipping Weight	7.62kg (16.799 lb)
Features
Drive Performance	SATA II
Ports	1 Gigabit Ethernet; 2 USB
HDD Bays	2
Backup Software for Windows	5 Licenses
Discovery Software for Windows & Mac
RAID Enabled	RAID 0,1,JBOD
Hot Swappable	User Serviceable
Remote Access Included
DLNA & iTunes Server
Active Directory
Network Protocols	Microsoft RALLY®; Bonjour; NFS; CIFS; HTTP; HTTPS; FTP
File Sharing Protocols	NFS; CIFS; FTP; HTTPS
Volume Management	Share folder level Access Control List (ACL) support; Volume level encryption; Share management; Quotas setting
Disk Management	Multi-volume management; SMART status monitor
Backup Management	Client system backup, Bare Metal Restore over network; Local backup (USB device to NAS, NAS to USB device); NAS to NAS backup
Event Management	Event email notification
Download Server	FTP; HTTP

Testing:

I personally prefer real world testing and over all user experience when writing a review I have included some in depth testing below from a fellow review site for those of you that need more info then just how a product functions.

I have been using the Seagate Black Armor for several weeks now I wanted to thoroughly test the product and see its practicality in a home/ small business setting. I will admit that although the software is robust and full featured it is not as difficult to use as other NAS devices I have personally used in the past. The GUI is very user friendly and has a good flow as far as common sense goes. Beginner users may find some difficulty in the products overall software suit but if they have an systems admin friend or even a tech savvy employee initial setup will be the only issue they may have. Accessing the NAS is simple once setup and great for any user level.

Dedicated gigabit support along with expandable HDD space makes this NAS more than just your run of the mill enclosure it is not only fast but it is future proof no matter what there is to come a few wimple firm ware upgrades should have you supporting all future enclosure type without issue. Seagate has done there home work on this one and I am very impressed with the finished product.

CrystalDiskMark 3.0 benchmark results (desktopreview):

Intel NAS Performance Toolkit (desktopreview):

Conclusion:

I have used several NAS systems and custom built servers in my time and in most cases setup was a major issue and very time consuming. It is however a necessary evil when it comes to important data. No matter what the cost or effort it is always worth it when you are dealing with irreplaceable data like book keeping family photos or anything business related. Having a back up makes things like formatting much less of a headache as well. Whatever angle you look at it having a NAS server does provide you with a bit of security and Seagate has by far the easiest option I have seen to date for keeping your data backed up and functioning within your network smoothly. After using this product there isn’t any other products I would even bother using in the future, it is simple robust and built with commonsense.

Would I recommend this product? Yes, if you are looking for an all in one server solution for backing up your really important data on a mass scale nothing comes close to the Seagate NAS 220 Black Armor Centralized Network Storage Solution.

Pros:

• Software Bundle
• Great Speeds
• Well Built
• Gigabit Network Access Speeds
• Expandable Drive Options 
• Multiple Network Protocol Support
• Multiple File Support

Cons:

•  Little Noisy
• Setup is not for Complete Beginners

3.26 Copyright (C) 2008 Compojoom.com / Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."