The Collax Network Storage module provides the most economical way to setup managed centralised storage on a business network for business use. Data can be accessed from any computer using any operating system. Network drives can be used like local hard disks in Windows, Apple, Linux, and UNIX environments. The Collax Network Storage module can also be setup as a print server too for central management of all network printers.

Unlike simply sharing a directory within Windows machine the Collax Network Storage module supports all the commonly used operating systems and protocols. It is a truly industrial storage solution for business use.

The data on the Collax Network Storage module can be accessed using the following network share protocols: CIFS (Common Internet File System), SMB (Server Message Block), AFP (Apple Filing Protocol), NFS (Net File System), FTP (File Transfer Protocol), or SCP (Secure CoPy).

The Collax Network Storage module includes a Single Sign-On (SSO) capability that saves a user from having to enter user names and passwords over and over again. The file server can be included in a Windows domain: This may be a PDC, NT domain or Active Directory. After Windows is started the user automatically receives the shares assigned to them as well as a private share (home).

Hard disks are managed with the help of Logical Volume Management (LVM). This technology creates a comprehensive data area spanning all available disks. Individual hard disks can be added or removed as required.

The Collax Network Storage module also contains full synchronization capabilities that will keep data and directories synchronized between two file servers or between a file server and the workstations. This data synchronization feature is perfect for distributing information to different branch offices so that data can be shared, but access times remain high.

User activity can also be governed. The Collax Network Storage module features both detailed Access Control Lists (ACL) and Quota allocation. This lets administrators precisely control how the file store is used.

The Collax Network Storage module, by default, provides a Web access feature that lets users access their files from the internet/intranet. This interface also provides a comprehensive file search feature that lets users create searches based on both file names and file contents. Thanks to the advanced index the search results are delivered rapidly.

Finally files are stored in a journaling file system. This means that the entire file system remains consistent even after a power failure.

At a Glance:
 

• Protocols - Data held on this file server can be accessed by all common operating systems using the following protocols and network shares:
  • CIFS (Common Internet File System)
  • SMB (Server Message Block)
  • AFP (Apple Filing Protocol)
  • NFS (Net File System)
  • FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
  • SCP (Secure CoPy)
  • WebDAV
  • TFTP
     
• Print Server
  • Local Printer sharing
  • Network Printer sharing (management)
  • Printer Driver housing
     
• Single Sign-On can be achieved in a Windows domain by using
  • PDC
  • NT domain
  • Active Directory
     
• Logical Volume Management (LVM)
  • Hard disks are managed with LVM that creates a comprehensive data area spanning all available disks
  • Individual hard disks can be added or removed as needed
     
• Synchronization of  Data and Directories
  • Data and Directories can be synchronized between two file servers or between the file server and the workstations
  • As the process makes moderate use of the bandwidth, the data synchronization is also suitable for distributing information to branch offices
  • Rsync synchronization
  • Rsync synchronization with SSH
     
• Access Control Lists (ACL)
  • Access rights can be precisely defined for each user/group of the file server
     
• Backup Scheduling
  • All data and directories can be included in a backup schedule
     
• Search from Web Interface
  • All users can search their file area using the Web access provided
  • Search criteria based on both file names and file contents can be performed
  • High Performance results are achieved due to advanced indexing
     
• Quotas
  • Each user/group can be set limitations (quotas) on storage space they can use
     
• Journaling
  • All files are stored in a journaling file system
  • The entire file system remains consistent even after a power failure

• Installed Collax Platform Server
• Hard Disk: 80 GB, recommanded RAID 1