Synology DiskStation DS716+II 2-Bay SMB NAS Review

Usage: Business Functions

This page is called business functions, but what I’m going to show here isn’t just for them. Home users might also use a lot of these functions, but they are things that businesses want.

High Availability System

Businesses need uninterrupted availability, and the two LAN ports is a great start. Even better is the High Availability system which combines an active and passive server into one cluster, the former always mirrored to the latter. The Heartbeat mechanism detects regular “heartbeats” between the two servers, and if the main server encounters unexpected downtime, the passive server immediately takes over.

Snapshot Replication

There are a lot of different ways to create backups, and Snapshot Replication is one of those methods.

As with all other functions, you’re in complete control of what happens, when it happens, and where it happens.

Cloud Station

The cloud station is the main place you’ll want to go for your backup needs. The app turns your Synology NAS into your own personal cloud solution where only you have access. Client apps can be downloaded on both your desktop and mobile systems, giving you a full backup solution for everything.

Besides the Cloud Station Server, there are Cloud Station ShareSync, and Cloud Sync in the Package Center. Other backup options include apps such as Active Backup for Server, Glacier Backup, Hyper Backup, Hyper Backup Vault.

MailPlus Server and Client

None of us could do without our emails, and they are an even bigger factor for businesses. Luckily, Synology’s DSM comes with the MailPlus server and client for a complete solution.

The solution includes anti-spam engine and antivirus, keeping your inboxes safe from unwanted emails.

The threat monitor is a great way to monitor the current activity, and it will give you the option to act quickly should there be the need.

Once the server is running, you can use the MailPlus client too. You get a default of 5 users included. You can purchase license packs for more users should you need that. In return, it’s a Synology-developed app which means that you got the full and official support.

Office

Synology even created a full office suite that is run directly on your NAS. You can access it from any system that has a web browser and instantly work and collaborate on your documents and spreadsheets.

Note Station

The note station is another useful feature that works as a task calendar and digital notepad. Create tasks you need to do, assign due dates and alarms, and add custom notes to them. You’ll never miss another deadline with this feature, at least not due to memory failure on your end.

You can quickly filter your to-do list based on starring, overdue tasks, those tasks you need to finish today, and those upcoming within the next seven day period.