Review: A day with the Datto Z500

Datto's Z-series of NAS boxes offer a triple whammy of useful features. First, they use ZFS, a file system which maintains low-footprint snapshots of itself that can be browsed and restored. Secondly, it can be optionally configured as RAID 1 to bank against hardware failure. Finally, all models upload their contents to Datto's online storage system automatically, ensuring that local catastophe can't wipe your data.

Datto's online service offers enough storage to hold the entire system. Accessed through a web-based admin panel or via FTP, it can be set to warn you if it's low on space or if it's having trouble communicating with your local box.

As for the machine itself, it has two SATA hard drives with up to 1TB of storage, two gigabit ethernet ports, a 1.5 GHz VIA processor, 1GB of RAM, and 4 USB ports. Running OpenSolaris, it serves files over IP using samba or NFS. It's configured using a web browser.

Though made with commodity desktop hardware — the motherboard even has a VGA port — it's an attractive enough box, with a lockable cover over the drive's hot-swap bay. A problem, though, was the noise it produces: loud internal fans whirr away constantly.

Setup was easy, with only one minor hitch: there's no default share, so its instructions on how to connect are presented before there's actually anything to connect to. Remember to create a share, add a user, and, if desired, turn on guest access before wondering why there's nothing to be found at its IP address.

If there's any criticism to make of it, it's that its not much fun, lacking features seen in sexier NAS boxes such as bittorrent and iTunes serving. Instead, Datto offers snapshots, online backup and monthly fees: perfect for small businesses wanting maximum redundancy, but not so much for holding media libraries.

Pros

ZFS maintains low-footprint snapshots
Backs up online automatically, with easy access via FTP
Can set upload speed limits, schedule, pause, and force immediate backups
Can also backup to attached USB drive
Hot-swap drive slot

Cons

$35 for the monthly service fee, and that's just the 250GB model
Lacks consumer-friendly features
Big and loud

Datto Online Store