Server or NAS: What's the Difference?
NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a storage device connected to your office network. It is mainly used to share files, store backups and access documents from many computers. A NAS is easy to manage and energy-efficient.
A server is a computer designed to run continuously and serve many users. Beyond storing files, a server runs business applications, databases and user account management, and can even run several systems at once through virtualization.
| Need | Usual best fit |
|---|---|
| File sharing between departments | NAS |
| Automatic backup of laptops and PCs | NAS |
| Network-based accounting or ERP application | Server |
| Centralized login and security policies for all PCs | Server |
| Multiple systems on one device | Server with virtualization |
For a fuller explanation, see our article NAS or server for your office.
Our Services
- Needs analysis: number of users, data volume, applications in use and growth plans.
- Server procurement: Dell, HPE and Lenovo, tower or rack models, with extended warranty options.
- NAS and hard drive procurement: capacity and RAID configuration matched to your needs.
- Installation and configuration: operating system, shared folders, per-department permissions and user accounts.
- Backup: automated backup schedules and offsite copies.
- Racks, UPS and PDUs: so servers are protected during power outages and cabling stays tidy.
- Data migration: moving data from old computers or servers.
- Maintenance: hard drive health monitoring, system updates and backup checks.
Commonly Overlooked Items
Even good servers and NAS units are at risk if the supporting setup is neglected. Here is what we always check:
- RAID is not a backup. RAID protects data when one hard drive fails, but it does not protect against deleted files or ransomware attacks. A separate backup is still needed.
- A UPS with enough capacity. A server that shuts down suddenly risks data corruption. See our guide to choosing a UPS for servers.
- Clear access permissions. Each department should only be able to open the folders that belong to it.
- Temperature and ventilation. Equipment that runs too hot fails sooner.
- An adequate network. File access will feel slow if your switches and network cabling cannot keep up.
Project Stages
- Consultation: understanding your data, applications and number of users.
- Recommendation and quotation: several written specification and price options.
- Procurement and installation: equipment is installed, configured and tested on site.
- Migration and training: data is migrated and your team is shown how to access it.
- Support: warranty, maintenance and help when issues arise.
Servers and NAS are part of our IT hardware procurement service, while racks, UPS and PDUs are available through our electronic accessories service.
Server & NAS FAQ
Should our office use a server or a NAS?
If your main needs are file sharing and backup, a NAS is usually enough and more economical. A server is needed if your office runs business applications, databases or centralized user management. We help you decide once we understand your needs.
Which server brands are available?
We supply servers from Dell, HPE and Lenovo. Specifications and warranty periods are matched to your workload and budget.
Does Techarg also set up backups?
Yes. We set up backup schedules and recommend an offsite copy, for example to the cloud or a separate device, so your data stays safe if something fails.
Does a server need a dedicated room?
Not always. Small servers and NAS units can be placed in a well-ventilated wall-mount rack. For multiple servers, we recommend a dedicated room with cooling, racks and UPS.
Can data from old computers be moved to the new server?
Yes. We help migrate your data and reset folder permissions so each department only sees the data that belongs to it.