720700Novel High Speed, Reliable, Expandable, Secure & Economical Network Attached Storage for SMEsClosedGRD Development of PrototypeInnovate UKThe rate of increase of file size and the frequency of data use has led to changes in how companies store their data. Traditional stacked server units come with their issues that require advanced IT support. Many SMEs do not have access to this competency within their teams, and it can be an expensive resource to take on. The invention of Cloud storage has offered companies the chance to conveniently store their files off site in the ‘Cloud’. These are actually large server stations spread globally that the data is stored on and it must be uploaded to this server and downloaded from it when needed. Risk is inherently outsourced to the cloud storage service providers and multiple high impact failures have cost businesses money through downtime and lost data. This project proposal is to design, build and test a working prototype of an innovative, high capacity, agile Network Attached Storage (NAS) system primarily for SME use as an alternative to cloud service provisions with inherent security concerns, maintenance and skill-heavy in house server requirements. The system will utilise state of the art file architectures and operate at market leading data transfer speeds. It will give a company physical ownership over its own data, and also guarantee data security through a specialised back up routine. It will eliminate the requirement for expensive IT savvy employees and high initial and ongoing investment. The project will take 12months and will require an additional 3 skilled staff members to join the Nifty Drives team. The project will build on Nifty Drives existing product range, currently sold through Apple premium Resellers and other professional outlets.