NAS Backup with Axcient x360Recover
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Early Access Sign-Ups are Now Open!
As an MSP, you know that network-attached storage (NAS) is everywhere. Whether it’s traditional NAS hardware or NAS-like services such as Azure Files, many of your clients depend on these solutions to store large volumes of business-critical data. But until now, protecting that data as part of a comprehensive business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) strategy has been a challenge.
That’s why we’re excited to introduce x360Recover for NAS devices, which will be available this summer through our Early Access (EA) program. This new capability enables Axcient partners to back up NAS data using the same x360Recover platform they already know and trust.
And the best part? You can sign up now to be one of the first MSPs to test and implement this highly anticipated feature.
Or
Join our Product Team Call: NAS Backup and Protection – Early Access for a live demo and Q&A with the product team.
NAS Devices 101
Network-attached storage, or NAS, is a dedicated file storage device that connects to a network, allowing users and applications to access files from a centralized location. Unlike traditional external hard drives that connect directly to a computer, a NAS device connects via a local area network (LAN), meaning multiple users across the network can access and share files simultaneously.
It typically includes one or more hard drives, a built-in operating system for file management, and connectivity via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
Small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) often rely on NAS devices for:
- Centralized file storage: Employees can store, access, and collaborate on shared documents.
- Data redundancy: Many of the best NAS devices support RAID, which protects against drive failure.
- Media and file sharing: Beneficial for teams handling large files, like marketing, design, or engineering.
- On-site backups: NAS systems often store backups of PCs, servers, or SaaS data.
Common vendors include Synology, QNAP, and Western Digital. However, many businesses also utilize cloud-based NAS-like solutions, such as Azure Files or Amazon FSx.
How MSPs Use NAS Devices in Data Protection
For MSPs, NAS plays several roles, these three being the most common.
- On-site backup target: MSPs often configure workstations and servers to back up data directly to a local NAS device. This provides for fast recovery times and protects against data loss resulting from device failure or human error.
- Client file server alternative: For SMBs that don’t require a full file server, MSPs can install a NAS device as a cost-effective and low-maintenance alternative. It enables shared access and basic data services without the complexity of server OS management.
- Disaster recovery planning: NAS devices can be part of a layered BCDR strategy.
- Local backup to NAS for fast restores
- Replication of NAS-stored data to the cloud for off-site protection.
- Periodic snapshots to protect against ransomware.
The NAS Backup and Protection Gap and Why It Matters
The main challenge with NAS in a BCDR context is that traditional backup agents can’t be installed on most NAS devices. Since NAS devices typically use custom operating systems – not Windows or Linux – MSPs can’t protect them with the same agent-based tools used for endpoints or servers. This often forces MSPs to:
- Use manual backup scripts.
- Purchase and manage separate third-party NAS backup software.
- Leave NAS unprotected, creating a vulnerability.
That’s where Axcient x360Recover for NAS comes in. Now you can back up and recover your client’s NAS data using our Direct-to-Cloud and appliance-based BCDR solutions. That means no more patchwork solutions or third-party tools – just a single, streamlined platform to protect all your clients’ endpoints, servers, and now, NAS systems.
x360Recover for NAS: Early Access Release
In this initial release of NAS support via x360Recover, we’re delivering core capabilities designed explicitly for MSP use cases.
- Backup of generic NAS file storage using rsync across mounted SMB and NFS network shares.
- File and folder recovery of NAS-protected data via FTPS, seamlessly integrated with the Recover Manager Recovery Wizard.
- Snapshot mounting for NAS systems to support fast access and granular recovery.
Whether your clients use on-prem NAS boxes or remote network shares, you’ll be equipped to protect and recover their critical file-based data like never before. MSPs can designate an external workstation or server to manage the backup process, eliminating the need for agents while providing reliable, automated protection through your existing x360Recover environment.
MSP Benefits of Axcient x360Recover for NAS
In addition to solving a critical protection gap, the new NAS functionality brings a host of benefits to your BCDR offerings.
- New revenue opportunity: Extend your data protection services to cover NAS devices and offer a more complete BCDR solution to clients.
- Platform consolidation: Eliminate the need for multiple tools or third-party NAS backup solutions. Manage everything within x360Recover.
- Enhanced recovery: Benefit from flexible file/folder restore capabilities and snapshot access to accelerate recovery times.
- New SKU for NAS: A new pricing model lets you tailor protection for NAS devices, aligning with your service offerings and maintaining optimal margins.
NAS Backup Roadmap for the Future
This early access release is just the beginning. We’re already planning enhancements to expand NAS backup and support even further, including:
- Mounting NAS snapshots on appliances and vaults.
- Replication of NAS-protected system snapshots from appliances to vaults.
- Additional protocol support in the Knowledge Base.
- Improved automation and deployment tools.
- Deeper integration into x360Recover workflows.
As always, our product development is guided by your MSP feedback. Your insights during the early access phase will shape the future of NAS backup and protection across the platform.
Get in Early: Join the NAS Backup and Protection EA Program
If your clients rely on NAS, you’ll want to be among the first to access it when early access opens this summer. This is your chance to explore NAS backup and protection with Axcient and help us refine the next generation of x360Recover. Bring NAS devices under the protected umbrella of your unified BCDR strategy.
Sign up for Early Access! Be the first to access NAS support and offer it to your clients.
Attend our Product Team Call in June on NAS Backup and Protection to get details about the product and how to sign up for early access. Attendees will experience a live demo and engage in a Q&A session with our product team. Can’t make it? No problem – sign up and we’ll send you the recording.
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