In many cases, storage can be added to the network using network attached storage (NAS) devices -- dedicated disk-based storage devices that attach to the user local area network (LAN) through an ordinary network connection. NAS devices can be expanded with additional disks, and new NAS appliances can be added as needed to facilitate significant amounts of network storage. NAS devices must also be managed with software tools to ensure cost-effectiveness. This article highlights a series of purchase considerations that are common to many types of NAS products.
