Why Synology’s New NAS Devices Will Only Support Synology-Branded Drives: What You Need to Know

Synology has announced a new policy for its 25 Plus series NAS devices. These systems will now require users to use Synology-branded and verified drives. This shift comes as part of the company’s push to guarantee better reliability and performance for its network-attached storage (NAS) products.

Initially revealed by Hardwareluxx in Germany, this requirement is a continuation of Synology’s trend toward enhancing the reliability of its storage solutions. NAS devices are particularly useful for users like photographers who need to securely store and access large volumes of data from anywhere on their network, acting like a personal cloud.

Synology’s decision was first applied to enterprise products, where consistency and reliability are crucial. With the new 25 Plus series, the policy now extends to consumer models. While technically users can still utilize non-verified drives, they will miss out on important features. Without Synology-approved drives, users won’t receive health reports, volume duplication, or automatic firmware updates, as highlighted by Tom’s Hardware.

So, why is Synology implementing this requirement? The company claims it will enhance overall user experience and prevent drive failures. In a statement, they noted that extensive testing shows that properly vetted drives are less likely to encounter compatibility issues. Synology has plans to maintain a detailed compatibility list to include additional drives that undergo thorough testing.

This move may bring both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it could lead to improved performance and stability. On the other hand, it raises concerns about costs due to limited options for drives. Synology’s branded drives are produced by manufacturers like Seagate and Toshiba, meaning users are essentially still buying third-party products, but these have passed strict testing.

User reactions on social media reflect a mix of support for increased reliability and concern over the potential rise in costs. Many users acknowledge the trade-off between fewer options and potentially better-performing systems. However, as these changes unfold, it remains to be seen how they will affect both new and existing customers.

Ultimately, Synology’s move seems to prioritize user experience, seeking to provide a more consistent storage solution. As the landscape of digital storage continues to evolve, how companies balance reliability with choice will be crucial for users looking to safeguard their valuable data.

For more insights on storage and technology updates, check out resources from industry leaders like Synology and Tom’s Hardware.

Check out this related article: Synology Mandates Use of Branded Drives for High-End NAS Products: What You Need to Know