Part of the Network-attached storage (NAS) glossary:

Virtual NAS is a virtual machine (VM) that acts as a file server for network-attached storage (NAS). In this context, NAS is a dedicated medium with a unique address that provides data storage services to other devices on the network.

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Virtual NAS has several advantages over traditional block storage in network environments. Virtual NAS is managed through the same interface as other virtual servers in the network, so virtual NAS can move from one physical host to another. This capability can streamline maintenance issues and minimize downtime, as well as speed up and simplify disaster recovery.

In the event of a sudden, dramatic increase in demand on network resources, virtual NAS can quickly move to a more robust, faster host to ensure uninterrupted, satisfactory service to all users. Virtual NAS also offers ease of expansion as the quantity of stored data grows with time.

This was last updated in April 2013
Contributor(s): Stan Gibilisco
Posted by: Margaret Rouse

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