Synology
Taiwan's Synology makes NAS units running the easy-to-manage DSM. The most valuable extra is Active Backup for Business, which backs up PCs, servers, VMs and Microsoft 365 with no per-device licence, and Surveillance Station records IP cameras (extra camera licences are per channel). In 2025 its new Plus models accepted only drives on Synology's own list; DSM 7.3 lifted that for SATA hard drives and SSDs from other makers, though M.2 SSDs used for storage pools must still be listed.
- Headquarters
- Taiwan
- Positioning
- EntryMid-market
- Official website
- www.synology.com
Who it suits
Companies of 10-150 staff whose files sit on individual PCs and who don't yet have a backup they've actually restored from.
Overview
Who Synology is
Synology is a Taiwanese company that makes NAS (network-attached storage) and backup software. What sets it apart is DSM (DiskStation Manager), an operating system that is easy to run from a browser, with bundled apps that carry no extra licence fees. The current version is DSM 7.3, released in October 2025.
The product lines
- DiskStation: desktop NAS units such as the DS925+ (four bays, two 2.5GbE ports) for offices.
- RackStation and FlashStation: rack NAS for server rooms, such as the RS2825RP+ (16 bays, redundant power supplies), and all-flash models.
- Active Backup for Business: backs up Windows and Mac PCs, servers, VMware and Hyper-V VMs, and Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace with no per-device licence.
- Hyper Backup and Snapshot Replication: copy the NAS to a second unit or to Synology C2 cloud. Since DSM 7.2, immutable snapshots cannot be deleted or changed until their retention period ends.
- Surveillance Station: records IP cameras of many brands. A few camera licences come free depending on the model; extra cameras need a licence each.
- ActiveProtect: dedicated backup appliances (such as the DP320 and DP7400) that run ActiveProtect Manager instead of DSM and do backup only.
The 2025 drive episode
In 2025 Synology required its 2025 Plus models to use only drives on its own list. After strong criticism, DSM 7.3 lifted that restriction for SATA hard drives and SSDs from Seagate, WD and other makers. M.2 SSDs used to build a storage pool still have to be on the list.
Who it suits
Companies of 10 to 150 staff whose files live on individual PCs and who have never test-restored a backup. One NAS with Active Backup and an off-site copy fixes most of that.
Strengths
- Active Backup for Business protects PCs, servers, VMs and Microsoft 365 with no per-device licence, a real saving for a small company.
- DSM is easy enough that an IT generalist can create shares, set permissions and check backup status without a storage specialist.
- Immutable snapshots and WriteOnce shared folders are included in DSM at no licence cost, giving you a way back after ransomware encrypts files.
- One box covers file sharing, backup, camera recording and cloud copy, which suits branches without a server room.
Things to know before choosing
- Never expose the DSM login to the internet. NAS units with open ports are prime targets for ransomware and password guessing. Use a VPN, turn on MFA and keep DSM updated.
- A NAS in the same room as the PCs is not enough backup on its own. Keep an off-site or cloud copy and test restores regularly.
- Check the compatibility list before buying drives, especially M.2 SSDs and rack or enterprise models. The 2025 policy change showed these rules can move.
- A single NAS is a single point of failure. If the service cannot stop, consider Synology High Availability with two identical units.
Using it in Laos
Synology is easy to buy through Thai distributors and IT shops in Vientiane. Desktop models are usually in stock; rack models may need ordering. A warranty claim usually means sending the unit back to Thailand, which is why a second backup copy matters so much.
What we see:
- Brownouts: a NAS that keeps losing power corrupts volumes and needs long disk checks. Put it on a UPS and connect USB or network signalling so the NAS shuts itself down before the battery runs out.
- Heat: a NAS inside a wooden cabinet or under a desk runs its disks hot and wears them out. Give it airflow.
- Internet: the first cloud backup can take days on a slow upload link. A second NAS at another branch, or at a manager's home, is often the better off-site copy.
Sectors that fit: offices, schools, clinics, small hotels and construction firms with large drawing archives.
Compared with alternatives
QNAP tends to give more hardware for similar money (10GbE, faster CPUs) and offers ZFS-based QuTS hero, which suits teams handling big files with an experienced administrator. When data and VMs grow to the point of needing a real SAN and enterprise support, Dell PowerVault or PowerStore is the next step, and NetApp for organizations running two data centers.
Product lines
- DiskStation
- RackStation
- FlashStation
- DiskStation Manager (DSM)
- Active Backup for Business
- Hyper Backup
- Surveillance Station
- Synology C2
- ActiveProtect
Solutions that use this brand
NAS & SAN StorageCentral storage: NAS for shared files, SAN for VMs and databases, with RAID, snapshots and per-department permissions.
Backup & Disaster Recovery3-2-1 backups with an immutable copy ransomware cannot delete, and restores that are actually tested, not just green job reports.
IP CCTV SurveillanceH.265 IP cameras with NVR/VMS, designed around what each must see: faces, plates or overview. Built for dust, rain and power dips.
Microsoft 365 for BusinessLicensed Exchange email, Teams, OneDrive and Office, with MFA, Intune and Defender switched on from day one, not after the first…
Google Workspace for BusinessCompany-domain Gmail, Drive, Meet and Docs in any browser, with enforced 2-Step Verification and company-owned Shared drives.FAQ
Can we use WD or Seagate drives in a new Synology?
On Plus models running DSM 7.3 or later, WD and Seagate SATA hard drives and SSDs work without warnings. M.2 SSDs for a storage pool must still be on the list. For rack and enterprise models, check that model's list first.
Can Active Backup replace paid backup software?
For PCs, file servers and a modest number of VMs in a small to mid-sized company, usually yes. With many VMs, databases that need granular restore, or several hypervisors, software such as Veeam fits better, and Synology can still be the backup target.
How should we reach the NAS from outside the office?
Use a VPN on the office firewall or router and turn on MFA for DSM accounts. QuickConnect is convenient for ordinary users but should not be used for admin accounts. Never port-forward the DSM login to the internet.
All brand names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Mention does not imply official partnership unless explicitly stated. Products are sourced through legitimate distribution channels.
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