Synology DiskStation Manager Reviews

Summary: Synology is arguable one of the best NAS platforms. Their DSM software platform is stable, flexible, secure and can be expanded with lots of app packages both by Synology and developers, including now for medium-size models with the whole DOCKER world of systems/applications. Watch out though - as your needs rise, so will the cost.

Positive: -popular platform for NAS
-very stable, well support, great community
-cost-effective
-flexible through growing number of apps (and ability to access linux core)
-allows growth into serious server self-hosting

Negative: -cost rises quickly with higher performance/storage demand
-slow grow (DSM versions take a long time)
-limited expansion capabilities on beginner level models
-can get expansive (if you need to grow into larger models with higher performance, storage and memory needs)

Summary: For the last decade, we've been using and selling Synology DiskStation devices. In all of that time, we've had incredibly high reliability along with happy customers. We've had more power adapters fail than hard drives in the units.

Positive: Reliability is exceptional. Easy to use custom-GUI. Plethora of updates. New Cloud Backup solution called C2 that is native to the appliance and sold by Synology. Best 1TB cost in the business. Device is compact and easy to setup/install. Multiple USB, Ethernet and "server" ports available to end-users.

Negative: Very few. It's going to sound ridiculous, but I'd prefer the ability to choose warning beeps. It sounds just like a UPS and as a technician, I know how to ignore those. I'd rather have a unique tone to identify the device. The screwless hardware is actually very strange to attach to the device. It uses a pin system for the screw holes instead of a blade like on most server chassis'