Most NAS devices come with backup software, but since you can map a shared folder to your computer, you generally can use any backup software you want. This can make it easier for everyone in the company to backup all critical files that are stored locally on their computer to the NAS device. (You should still have procedures that create backup copies that can be stored off-site, but it’s a lot better than no backups at all.) By using an automatic feature that causes certain folders to be backed up at certain times, you can make it easier for people to copy their valuable data, and thus make it more likely that they will do it.

If your company network is connected to the Internet, some NAS devices have will let you access the shared data remotely. For example, you arrive at a prospect’s office and discover that you didn’t bring some supporting documentation that you need for a bid. Just log onto the NAS device and copy the file you need. You can also upload files you’ve created in the field to the NAS device, so that others in the company can access them as well.

Some NAS devices also support Internet FTP (File Transfer Protocol) that allows users to upload or download files to a specific part of the NAS device over the Internet. This can be especially handy when someone is trying to send you a file that is too large for email, or when you have such a file that you’re trying to send to them.

A NAS device can solve a lot of small business problems and make your access to important data far more efficient, so there’s little reason not to start using one on your system right away.