Synology has unveiled “Active Protect,” a new line of Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices designed to transform backup processes with a focus on scalability and simplicity. This launch marks a strategic evolution for Synology, targeting the needs of enterprise users while remaining accessible to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). With pre-configured hardware, clustering capabilities, and a revamped licensing model, Active Protect aims to redefine the landscape of on-premises backup solutions.
Let’s face it—managing backups can feel like an overwhelming chore, whether you’re running a small business or overseeing a sprawling enterprise IT infrastructure. The stakes are high: lost data can mean lost time, revenue, or even trust. Yet, finding a solution that’s both powerful enough to handle complex environments and simple enough to deploy without a headache often feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. If you’ve ever wished for a backup system that just works—without the endless customization, hidden costs, or steep learning curves—you’re not alone. And that’s exactly where Synology’s latest innovation, Active Protect, steps in.
What Is Synology Active Protect?
Designed with scalability and simplicity at its core, Active Protect reimagines what on-premises backup solutions can look like. With pre-configured hardware, clustering capabilities, and a flexible licensing model, Active Protect offers a streamlined, no-fuss approach to safeguarding your data.
TL;DR Key Takeaways :
- Synology’s “Active Protect” introduces a scalable NAS solution with pre-configured hardware and a dedicated operating system for backup tasks, targeting both enterprises and SMBs.
- Key features include clustering capabilities, comprehensive backup support for VMs and cloud services, data deduplication, and fixed configurations for simplified deployment.
- The licensing model offers the first three licenses for free, with annual fees based on the number of units, making it cost-effective and predictable for businesses of all sizes.
- Active Protect positions itself as a cost-effective alternative to cloud backup solutions, offering on-premises control and scalability without recurring cloud storage fees.
- It complements Synology’s existing “Active Backup for Business” solution, catering to larger enterprise environments while maintaining accessibility for smaller deployments.
Active Protect is a purpose-built NAS solution that diverges from Synology’s traditional DSM-based devices. It introduces a dedicated operating system tailored exclusively for backup tasks, making sure optimized performance and reliability. The product line offers a range of models, from compact 2-bay units to expansive 12-bay configurations, all featuring pre-configured hardware setups. These include pre-installed drives and SSD cache, which eliminate the need for manual customization. By prioritizing simplicity and scalability, Active Protect provides a robust solution for organizations with complex or expanding backup requirements.
Who Can Benefit from Active Protect?
Active Protect is designed to cater to a diverse range of users, from large enterprises to SMBs. Its enterprise-grade features make it suitable for organizations with demanding IT environments, while its flexible licensing model ensures accessibility for smaller businesses. Synology offers the first three licenses free of charge, creating an affordable entry point for SMBs. This dual focus allows businesses of all sizes to adopt and scale their backup infrastructure as their needs grow, making Active Protect a versatile solution for a wide array of users.
Key Features of Active Protect
Active Protect is equipped with a suite of features that address the challenges of modern backup environments. These include:
- Clustering Capabilities: Manage multiple units as a single, unified system, allowing seamless scalability and centralized control.
- Comprehensive Backup Support: Protect a wide range of data sources, including virtual machines (VMs), physical machines, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and file servers.
- Data Deduplication: Optimize storage efficiency by eliminating redundant data, reducing overall storage requirements.
- Fixed Configurations: Pre-installed drives and SSD cache ensure consistent performance and simplify the deployment process.
These features are designed to meet the needs of enterprises requiring robust and scalable backup solutions while maintaining ease of use for smaller organizations. By combining advanced functionality with user-friendly design, Active Protect bridges the gap between enterprise and SMB requirements.
Streamlined Hardware and Deployment
Active Protect devices are built with fixed hardware configurations, eliminating the need for users to customize components. This approach simplifies deployment, reduces setup time, and ensures compatibility across systems. Each unit is pre-configured with drives and SSD cache, providing consistent performance out of the box. A dedicated management interface further enhances usability, allowing IT teams to efficiently deploy and manage backups, even in complex environments. This streamlined process minimizes downtime and ensures that organizations can quickly implement reliable backup solutions.
Licensing Model: A New Approach
Synology has introduced a new licensing model for Active Protect, moving away from the perpetual licenses traditionally associated with its products. Instead, the system operates on an annual licensing basis, with the first three licenses provided free of charge. Licensing costs are determined by the number of units rather than storage capacity or the number of VMs, offering businesses predictable and transparent expenses. This model is particularly advantageous for SMBs, as it provides a cost-effective entry point, while enterprises benefit from the scalability and flexibility to manage larger deployments without unexpected costs.
Synology Active Protect Explained
Unlock more potential in Synology NAS systems by reading previous articles we have written.
Competing with Cloud Backup Solutions
Active Protect positions itself as a compelling alternative to cloud-based backup services. By offering an on-premises solution with enterprise-grade features, Synology provides businesses with greater control over their data. This approach allows organizations to avoid recurring cloud storage fees, which can become costly as data volumes grow. Additionally, on-premises storage ensures faster data recovery times and eliminates concerns about data sovereignty or compliance with regional regulations. For businesses seeking a scalable and cost-effective backup solution, Active Protect delivers the benefits of cloud-like functionality without the associated drawbacks.
How Active Protect Fits into Synology’s Product Line
Active Protect complements Synology’s existing “Active Backup for Business” solution, rather than replacing it. While Active Backup for Business is ideal for smaller deployments and less complex environments, Active Protect is designed to meet the needs of larger, enterprise-scale operations. This dual-product strategy allows Synology to address a wide range of market demands, making sure that businesses of all sizes can find a solution tailored to their specific requirements. By offering both products, Synology strengthens its position as a versatile provider of backup solutions.
Future Considerations
Although Synology has not yet disclosed detailed pricing for Active Protect units and licenses, its market positioning suggests a competitive pricing strategy aimed at attracting both SMBs and enterprises. The coexistence of Active Protect and Active Backup for Business raises questions about how these products will evolve over time. However, Synology’s focus on scalability, simplicity, and robust functionality indicates a long-term commitment to addressing the diverse backup needs of modern businesses. As data volumes continue to grow, Active Protect is well-positioned to adapt to the changing demands of the backup solutions market.
Media Credit: SpaceRex
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