Today, we are focusing on Synology DS1821+ The Perfect Business Solution that every company should have.
The DS1821+ is an 8-bay NAS solution from Synology designed for businesses. It packs notable features that effectively store and protect all essential data.
For solid performance, this NAS solution has two M.2 2280 slots for the NVMe cache and the AMD Ryzen CPU, among others. Businesses use the DS1821+ to significantly boost their capacity using dual expansion devices that optimise the drive count.
In this review, DS1821+ The Perfect Business Solution, we will discuss everything you need to know about it. These include its design, features, functions, what makes it perfect for business, its software and tools, plus how it performs.
But before we look deeper at this Synology DS1821+ The Perfect Business Solution review, let us start unboxing.
Synology DS1821+ Packaging
Synology packs the DS1821+ in a standard brown cardboard box with a plastic handle. It has a sticker with the product image and its primary features.
The specs and list of package contents are on the rear panel. Aside from the DS1821+ NAS, the package contains the following:
- 1x AC Power Cord
- 2x RJ-45 LAN Cable
- 1x Accessory Pack
- 1x Quick Installation Guide
Synology DS1821+ The Perfect Business Solution – Design and Functionality
Let us start our Synology DS1821+ The Perfect Business Solution review by discussing its functions and design. Generally, it is ideal for SMBs thanks to its eight drive bays.
Plus, the DS1821+ and its counterpart, the DS1621+, are the first from the company to integrate an AMD Ryzen quad-core CPU.
It has two integrated M.2 slots for hosting two NVMe SSDs. It is a good enhancement if you use the server for beneficial applications for caching. However, it is good to note that you cannot use the slots for standard storage.
This NAS solution features a PCIe slot you can use for add-on cards. For this instance, you can add 10Gbps of connectivity to servers, which is essential when you do multi-gigs.
Continue reading this Synology DS1821+ The Perfect Business Solution review to learn more about its features, software and performance.
Key Features of the Synology DS1821+
Having the DS1821+ as your NAS storage solution for your business will be highly beneficial. Here is a list of its features to give you an idea of what the product does for SMBs.
Made for Performance, Scalability, and Excellence
The DS1821+ is perfect for businesses and IT enthusiasts requiring a scalable and solid storage solution. Categorised as a business-grade backup solution, you can guarantee safety from potential data loss. Additionally, its notable improvements in computing functions and throughput mean your workloads will finish faster, unlike before.
What Businesses Need for Top-notch Performance
The DS1821+ helps reduce transfer time since it accelerates your workload. With this storage solution, you can conveniently add NVMe drives and faster networking to boost performance.
Storage Enough to Satisfy Your Needs
Researching the product while writing this Synology DS1821+ The Perfect Business Solution review gave us more insights. With this product, you do not have to take up unnecessary space to enjoy high-performance networking and file access.
Take advantage of high-performance networking and file access without using unnecessary space. This NAS has eight bays and can scale up to 18 bays with 2 DX517 expansion units.
Fully-certified Storage Virtualisation Solutions
The iSCSI storage from Synology supports most virtualisation solutions to optimise and improve work efficiency via a convenient management interface. The VAAI integration and VMware vSphere6 assist in offload storage operations while enhancing computation efficiency.
ODX or Windows Offloaded Data Transfer increases migration rate and data transfers. On the other hand, support from OpenStack Cinder turns this product into a block-based storage element.
Ultimate Backup Solution
The DS1821+ integrates numerous backup applications to an optimised UI, creating a durable and solid storage technology. This feature offers solid storage technologies to protect your valuable information/data on every device.
Hyper Backup
To keep data safe, back these up locally to your shared folder, an R-sync server, or another Synology NAS. You can also keep these in a public cloud or an external device.
Active Backup for Business
Centralise your saved tasks for Windows, VMware, and file servers, restoring anything fast whenever needed.
Drive Package
Protect your computer with the help of the Synology Drive Client. It will seamlessly perform real-time data backups plus point-in-time file recovery. A handy feature perfect for businesses around.
Active Backup – A Solution for Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace
Protect every corporate data saved within the cloud and enjoy on-premise backup solutions with a centralised dashboard. Optimise your storage capacity with block-level and single-instance deduplication technologies.
More Security with Extended Warranty Plus
For more hardware warranty for your DS1821+, Synology has your back. Add two more to your three years with Synology-certified support/premium assistance that helps you recover faster during disasters.
Powered by Synology DiskStation Manager
Central Management System
Manage your Synology NAS with the help of a centralised console.
Synology MailPlus
This feature is a reliable, secure, private mail server solution with a modern and intuitive mail client.
Synology High Availability
The feature offers smooth transitioning between clustered servers during server failure to lessen the effect on applications.
Security
Protect your Synology NAS from the most dangerous threats with the help of industry-leading security solutions like the DS1821+. Security is the most essential element to safeguard data. As a result, the NAS storage solution is ideal for businesses today.
Synology Drive
Quickly access your NAS files via multiple devices whenever and wherever you are.
Surveillance
The DiskStation Manager offers top-notch surveillance to safeguard your business with intelligent video and monitoring management tools.
Functions Seamlessly with Synology Drives
Synology drives continuously offer top-notch performance since these can accommodate intensive 24/7 workloads.
Specifications
- CPU Model: AMD Ryzen V1500B (64-bit Architecture)
- Processor Frequency: 4-core 2.2 GHz
- Hardware Encryption Engine: AES-NI
- System Memory: 4GB DDR4 ECC SODIMM
- Pre-installed Memory Module: 4GB (1x)
- Total Memory Slots: 2x
- Maximum Memory Capacity: 32 GB (2x 16GB)
- Drive Bays: 8x
- Maximum Drive Bays with Expansion Unit: 18
- M.2 Drive Slots: 2x (NVMe)
- RJ-45 1GbE LAN Port: 4x;
- eSATA Port: 2x
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Port: 4x
- Dimensions: 16.6 x 34.3 x 24.3cm
- Weight: 6kg
- System Fan: 12x12cm (2x fans)
Hands-on with the Synology DS1821+
Why does the company claim Synology DS1821+ The Perfect Business Solution, as the best option? It runs the DSM (DiskStation Manager) operating system, which is one of the most ideal for NAS servers.
Synology Office
This software is among the most creative solutions categorised under Unified Communications. It changes how organisations look at workflow collaboration and management.
The software stands out because it can unify vital productivity tools in a single area. It offers a distinct experience to enhance business efficiency with AI capabilities to improve and boost workflow.
Collaborate in Real-time
Take advantage of continuous collaboration to strengthen and improve your team. Allow the members to work seamlessly with real-time co-editing, user mentions, and commenting.
It also has file links to make sharing documents more convenient to guarantee your team works on the current version. With the latter, they will not have to bother downloading files.
Safeguard Data in a Private Cloud
Thanks to its trusted and certified encryption, you can protect your data with AES-256 encryption. It is also possible to version and revise history for unlimited times for your convenience.
Moreover, you can keep a detailed history of your file revisions with the most vital changes. Plus, you can even restore to an earlier version in seconds.
Lastly, it offers comprehensive permissions to improve data protection thanks to granular access controls based on your needs.
Boost Productivity
Enjoy intuitive productivity tools to organise your spreadsheets and presentations via cell groups and slide selections. Use these while conducting accurate data analyses with spreadsheet functions and pivot tables.
You can also boost team productivity by having an uninterrupted workflow with an immersive mode. It gives you a clean interface plus markdown shortcuts for instant formatting. This feature lets you focus on the vital tasks at hand.
Additionally, everything is convenient thanks to its user-friendly interface. Here, you can easily create slides, documents, and spreadsheets.
Universal File Format Support
Take advantage of universal file format support for slides, documents, and spreadsheets – an essential element for business optimisation. It allows you to import/export files from the Synology Drive.
Synology Drive
Every business needs to store sensitive data, but doing so can be pricey. Fortunately, the DS1821+ from Synology is an ideal option since it is highly secure and cost-efficient.
Its collection of data management and backup applications makes it perfect for a business. Why? Because it gives you total control and ownership in managing/organising your data without worrying about recurring costly fees.
Synology Drive is one software that lets you sync and then share files to multiple devices. It also works as a cloud storage system for managing folders/files, shared team folders, and more in a single centralised area.
Work Consistently Across Devices
Seamlessly access personal and shared files/folders from your favourite platform, no matter where you are.
Cross-platform Ease and Convenience
You can share, access, and edit files from any browser via the online portal. You can also install essential clients for macOS or Windows to manage data with familiar UIs.
Smooth on-the-go Experience
Conveniently browse or edit documents, share and view images, back up data, or stream music/videos from your Smartphone/tablet. Do all of these with the Synology Drive mobile application.
Keep Data in Sync and Protected
Ensure seamless distribution of alterations to files and directories across all linked devices. Use intuitive tools and state-of-the-art technologies to protect vital documents and cherished memories.
Synchronise and send files to your device only upon request to conserve local disk space and bandwidth. Or, you can pin these to retain a permanent local copy.
Recover earlier versions of files/folders directly onto your device. The Intelliversioning algorithm from Synology optimises storage by retaining the versions with the most substantial changes over time.
Safeguard your data against ransomware attacks or accidental deletion through real-time or scheduled backups of vital folders.
Streamline Your Workflow
Boost your efficiency, collaborate seamlessly with your team, and effortlessly oversee your files securely. You can facilitate document sharing within and beyond your organisation by converting between the following:
- Microsoft Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- OpenDocument ODF
- ODS formats
- Synology Office versions
With quick previewing, you can watch over 100 files and video types. These include ZIP, PDF, PSD, and mp4 directly on your browser.
Downloading or opening files in new tabs is unnecessary. Instead, you can conveniently organise files in your space by simplifying file management and security. You can also do this on shared team folders and items shared with you.
Additionally, optimise your data security by blocking file downloads and by including watermarks to your files.
A Comprehensive Ecosystem for Your Needs
Synology Drive also helps you create an efficient file management infrastructure with packages and support for multimedia client platforms.
System Administration Made Easy
Allow your administrators with intuitive and powerful tools for streamlining workflows while decreasing overhead.
Monitoring + Management Tools
Centralised Administrative Consoles allow you to oversee servers or check client status and activities. It is possible via the centralised dashboard of the Synology Drive Admin Console. Successfully monitor file access/downloads and determine consumption trends to allocate storage.
Facilitate seamless transfer of personal files from one user to another. Do this to preserve data and simplify handovers during the creation/removal of accounts. Enhance remote wiping of synchronised files on lost devices to safeguard against potential data leaks.
Robust auditing capabilities let you track 40 actions, allowing file and folder modifications, permission sharing, and service-related activities. Identify potentially suspicious activities through detailed filtering options, including IP address, event type, user, etc.
Mass Deployment
Deploy smartly with the help of Windows AD to effortlessly install Synology Drive Client on a fleet of devices. It will also let you configure settings simultaneously while ensuring automatic propagation.
Establish synchronisation and backup policies with policy grouping before deployment. It offers a pre-configured system for the protection and management of your data.
The Benefits of Synology Drive in Businesses
The following are the multiple benefits of Synology Drive and the reasons why it is better than Google and Microsoft:
Cost Savings
Synology Drive is a cost-effective solution, enabling numerous businesses to achieve substantial annual savings on cloud subscription fees. It is an excellent alternative to traditional file servers and public cloud storage for companies.
Enhanced Security
Unlike Google Drive, which operates as a public cloud storage platform, Synology Drive is a secure private cloud solution. Additionally, it incorporates Snapshot Replication to guarantee the protection of shared folders and iSCSI LUNs.
Flexibility and Full Control of Files
Synology Drive offers superb adaptability and authority to regular file access. It is possible to reach a unified collection of files through the following:
- Mapped Network Drive
- Synchronisation Client
- Web Portal
- Mobile Application
The web portal and mobile applications are for remote access without a VPN. Even for those without direct access to their devices, the web-based drive client offers a convenient means to reach files.
Allows for a Streamlined Workflow
Finally, the sync-enabled drive client lets you establish file-syncing tasks connecting a centralised NAS with multiple client computers. In this streamlined workflow, Synology Drive synchronises the output of the RDS server to the laptops used by the staff.
Synology Photos
Synology Photos is an all-in-one solution for organising, safeguarding, and sharing media files.
Share Memories Securely and Safely
Synology Photos ensures that user-friendly convenience does not compromise security. It makes cherished memories simple while safeguarding your files. You can share one photo, video, and even an album.
Aside from user-friendliness, it keeps all your files safe with security features. You can set passwords or expiration dates before sharing links.
Shared space takes a detailed approach to collaboration. It allows selective users to work on a comprehensive, folder-based media library. This feature also allows setting access and editing rights at a folder level, making it ideal for large-scale collaborative projects.
Keep Memories Safe
Synology Photos allows you to back up your media files securely. You can also remotely upload extra copies of your photo library to your NAS. Plus, you can backup your NAS to various locations for more data protection.
In this app, you can enable Focused Backup to continue running in the foreground without interruption. Activating Automatic Backups uploads copies of your files 24/7, allowing you to use your device as usual.
Simplified Browsing and Intelligent Organisation
Synology Photos makes browsing your media files streamlined and more flexible with viewing options and filters. This media solution also has tools that simplify organising thousands of files.
Your Private Library
Synology Photos maximises a comprehensive photo storage and management solution. Its security features guarantee data ownership and privacy. It allows browsing and uploading without subscriptions, and you can browse and upload media files fast, without restrictions.
Synology MailPlus
Synology MailPlus is a streamlined webmail service with rich features for management, messaging, and organising messages.
A Streamlined Email System
MailPlus offers an entirely configurable email experience to maximise productivity. It also has advanced filters, custom labels, and priority mailboxes to keep inboxes organised. You can also store all project-related emails in one place with shared mailboxes.
Professionally Compose Messages
Comprehensive tools in MailPlus allow you to compose emails efficiently and design these with various editing features. These include text editing, table creation, and image insertion.
MailPlus also allows personalising mass emails and bulk-importing email addresses to engage your audience.
Robust Security
The first-class security features of MailPlus keep your digital communications safe and protected from external threats. S/MIME support allows end-to-end encryption to ensure emails remain private. Built-in definitions or the optional Bitdefender integration helps identify spam, viruses, and other threats.
DANE authentication support offers advanced SMTP security. It prevents man-in-the-middle (MITM) and downgrades attacks from email interception.
Tool Integrations for Enhanced Productivity
Integrating Synology MailPlus with other tools in the productivity suite helps boost efficiency. With Synology Calendar, users can click on dates in emails to automatically create events. Synology Contacts allows selecting the correct address from built-in address books when typing in recipient details.
Another handy tool is Synology Chat for direct messaging with colleagues. This chat plug-in keeps all data private and secure from data breaches.
Easy-to-manage Mail Server
MailPlus simplifies mail server management to manage with centralised administration. Plus, you can streamline your operations with comprehensive management tools.
MailPlus also supports hosting multiple email domains on a single server while allowing independent configuration.
MailPlus High Availability
MailPlus High Availability ensures uninterrupted protection for mail services. Organisations can set up an entirely on-premise cluster system with two servers to maintain critical workloads.
The Benefits of Synology MailPlus That Make the Synology DS1821+ The Perfect Business Solution
The hosting of MailPlus is exclusive on Synology NAS, providing complete data ownership. Since it is a private cloud solution, it avoids the potentially unstable storage of public cloud-based solutions like Google.
Unlike public cloud-based solutions that lack security, MailPlus meets the confidentiality requirements of businesses. It enables the implementation of third-party encryption solutions for guaranteed security.
One-Time Cost Only – Get Hardware and Software, Enjoy Flexible Budgeting
Subscription-based mail services require follow-up upgrades and maintenance, which can be costly for businesses. MailPlus eliminates this problem by providing a user-based licensing plan, including hardware and software, at a one-time cost.
MailPlus also highly resembles mainstream webmail interfaces. It reduces the learning curve for users when implementing a mail system migration for your business.
Simple and Intuitive UI
Synology MailPlus has a simple and intuitive user interface, making it convenient for IT in security management. Aside from active auditing mechanisms and integrated visualised monitoring, it has built-in ad blockers, spam filtering, and third-party antivirus scanning. These tools help IT control email security better.
Enables Building an Internal Communication Platform for Data Security
Aside from having a mail server, businesses can use Synology Chat as a platform for internal communication. Mainstream messaging apps exist, but these are ideal for external client communication. Having an exclusive platform for communication within the organisation is an advantage for information security.
Data Backup and Protection
Backup PCs, virtual machines, physical servers, and SaaS applications in home and business deployments with Data Backup and Protection.
Centralised management allows deploying, managing, and monitoring backup tasks from one console to streamline data protection plans and minimise maintenance. Data Backup and Protection rely on incremental backup and data deduplication to reduce storage consumption and backup time.
You can also choose between multiple restoration methods: file-level, instant restoration to a virtual machine, and bare-metal.
Synology DS1821+ The Perfect Business Solution with Superior Backup Tools
Add protection to your deployment by backing up data in your NAS with the following:
Hyper Backup
Hyper Backup lets you back up and restore LUNs or data with multiple sources. This solution keeps many backup destinations while minimising storage use with deduplication technology and block-level incremental backups.
Snapshot Replication
Snapshot Replication protects shared folders and LUNs with hot or virtual machine data. It works by creating fast and frequent backups to other Synology NAS.
This feature protects massive pools of fast-changing data by creating instantaneous snapshots every five minutes. It is a beneficial solution for businesses to reduce their recovery point objective.
Configuration Backup
Aside from backing up data and files, Synology backs up your NAS configurations automatically to your Synology account.
Service Availability
Synology High Availability is another feature that makes the DS1821+ an excellent business solution. It mirrors data between two Synology NAS units to reduce service downtime.
Performance of the DS1821+
We used the NAS for several weeks to see if the DS1821+ would perform adequately. So, we will share our experience in this Synology DS1821+ The Perfect Business Solution review.
In our tests, it proved to be an efficient solution when used with SSDs. It also worked well as our primary server. It maintained sustained read/write/copy speeds with and without cache.
Synology DS1821+ The Perfect Business Solution Summary
Synology DS1821+ The Perfect Business Solution is an excellent NAS unit that is a must-have for businesses. It has eight drive bays and uses an AMD processor for efficient virtualisation.
This product is the ultimate NAS server when used with SSD. It is the ideal unit for implementing virtual machines, making it the perfect solution for businesses.
Visit the official Synology product page for more information about the DS1821+.
