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For small to medium-size offices, the Snap Server 1100 is a popular choice. Of the NAS units we tested, this device has the most capable software, including advanced features such as support for NetWare, AppleShare, and NFS servers (for cross-platform setups and older devices). The Snap Server 1100 also supports HTTP (Web browser) and FTP access; flexible user-security and group-security settings; and the ability to sync one Snap Server with another over a network.
Don't let this extensive set of features scare you off. Basic setup is quite easy: Just plug in the Snap Server 1100 and type http://SNAP plus the server number shown on the bottom of the unit (for example, http://SNAP30123), and the Web Administration tool will open in your Web browser.
The Snap Server's default settings allow anyone on the network to access the drive and any directories/folders on it. To create a more secure situation, you can configure user, group, and file- and folder-level permissions in the administration utility. User guides in Snap Appliance's online support area explain how to set up permissions, a great benefit for non-IT types.
For backing up local PCs to the NAS, the Snap Server 1100 comes with Symantec V2i Protector, a feature-filled utility that can back up any selection of files and folders, or even a full system, and restore them from a specified point in time.
We were hoping that the Snap Server 1100's performance would be as impressive as the advanced features, but it wasn't. The unit scored seventh overall out of the ten NAS products we tested, and it took more than twice as long to copy and write files as the best unit did. Such slow write and copy times will affect business users more than home users, who will be more accustomed to slow speeds when connecting to the network.
Upshot: The Snap Server is a top-notch network-attached storage device that will appeal to both IT professionals and power users. Its security features were noteworthy, but its performance was not.
Becky Waring
