NAS storage device based on windows?

[JCROCCO]

We use quickbooks pro in a P2P network, and having problems. Using a snap server which is based on linux, and the data file gets corrupt every soo often, too often. Looking for a new NAS device that is based on Windows, but not a true server, just NAS.

Any ideas?

 

[kevnich2]

How much is your budget? Anything running on windows will be about 3x the cost of a typical NAS due to windows licensing. Look into Iomega NAS devices they use a variation of Windows storage server 2003. It is actually pretty neat because it includes remote desktop letting you remote into the nas device.

 

[JCROCCO]

2-4K, if over 4k, might as well go with a dedicated server. I was looking at a snapserver 4200 for 2k, but since it is based on linux and quickbooks pro seems to have problems with our current snap server 1000 based on linux, it may not help the situation. anyone else have this issue?

 

[kevnich2]

I've never heard of this issue but with that type of budget, a windows based unit would definately be available. How much storage are you needing? If you have critical business data, I sure hope your backing up that snap server 1000, I know it's only a 1 drive unit and it is quite old also. You may just have a bad unit or a bad drive.

 

[JCROCCO]

well, we are talking with a computer guy who says he knows of this type of problem happening. I did go on quickbooks website and they do say that it doesnt work on linux, or is not tested and supported, and snap serer 4200 using the quardianOS I found out is linux based.
I too assumed the HD might be going, as QB is the only actual program that is a server type, thus in constant contact with the server and being written too constantly. all other files are written only when saving, so a few seconds each time at most. I figured if the HD are failing, a program like QB would shows signs of it more so than small data files.

 

[spikespiegal]

Quickbooks uses a really horrid database engine, and I've heard nothing but whines and gripes when you try to network it off a non Windows server from a Windows client.

 

[JackMDS]

I Do not thing that there is a Stand alone device that is based on Windows.

These device are based on propriety firmware (mini OS) or Open source.

Some are almost transparent; some need their own client software.

Take a look at the Buffalo Tera Station.

In addition take a look at this, it is inexpensive and offers migration from QB. I think it is a much better package for SOHO, http://www.microsoft.com/office/accountingsupport/default.mspx

However for the price that you are willing to go with you probably are better off setting a computer with Small Business Server, and RAID hard drives, it might cost you less, would store, and do much more.

:sun:

 

[bigshooter]

Window server 2003 storage edition actually has a really good NFS implementation, but it's an OEM only product. You should be able to build an actual linux server as a NFS box and not have any problems. I wouldn't discount Linux just because your SNAP server corrupts data. SNAP servers are a hunk of crap anyways.

 

[Nothinman]

I doubt switching OSes will fix your problem, SMB isn't very good for shared access database files no matter what implementation you use.

but not a true server, just NAS.

And a NAS is a true server, it's just a really cheap one.

 

[GeekDrew]

Originally posted by: spikespiegal
Quickbooks uses a really horrid database engine, and I've heard nothing but whines and gripes when you try to network it off a non Windows server from a Windows client.

I've had issues with even hosting it on a Windows server. I think that the problem is Quickbooks more than it is anything else, but that's just my opinion. Good luck with finding something that works.

 

[Daniel]

Originally posted by: bigshooter
Window server 2003 storage edition actually has a really good NFS implementation, but it's an OEM only product. You should be able to build an actual linux server as a NFS box and not have any problems. I wouldn't discount Linux just because your SNAP server corrupts data. SNAP servers are a hunk of crap anyways.

I've used a Dell NAS device with 2003 storage edition, I haven't been too deep into it but it seems to be pretty close to a standard server minus the ability to run certain services like Exchange or SQL. I'm sure it was in the middle or the low end of your price range but we do get a pretty good discount through work.