Storing a data file on a NAS drive, why we don't recommend it

A NAS disk is a file server equipped with several high-capacity, redundant hard disks to ensure data security. Many companies use such disks to store and share files across their local network, including users of Office Maker and BiblioMaker software.

It is generally not recommended to store on a NAS a data file that will be opened by a single-user version of Office Maker or BiblioMaker. This is because, depending on the NAS settings, it will not inform the Office Maker/BiblioMaker application if the data file is already opened by another Office Maker/BiblioMaker application. As a result, the two applications will compete with each other to write to the data file, leading to data file corruption.

We haven't tested any NAS from Synology in particular.

It is therefore generally preferable to use a NAS to store a backup of the original file, and always copy it first locally on the workstation that wants to work on it, and then copy it back to the NAS.

A NAS is first and foremost a file server accessible via TCP/IP, and therefore subject to all kinds of hazards: poor quality network cables, possible disconnection of the cable, slow or poor quality router or switch, temporary network overload, blocking/restarting of the NAS, TCP/IP protocol overhead in the event of heavy traffic, etc. In short, it's obviously not a configuration suited to databases with very high input/output requirements without possible interruption. What's more, if the connection to the local network uses Wi-Fi wireless technology, network stability cannot be guaranteed.

In general, the choice of a NAS is dictated by price. But this requires absolutely perfect network quality, with redundancies to avoid any untimely micro-cuts that could render the volume inaccessible. And so the cost advantage is reduced all the more. And in our opinion, the risk of data loss in relation to the potential gains is not favorable in the context of a database. For access via the network, it's much better to use Office Maker/BiblioMaker as a server version on, for example, a Mac mini or equivalent Windows computer, or even as cloud hosting.

There are, however, some very high-performance NAS systems. Perhaps stability is the key, provided the network is also of impeccable quality. On our website, you'll find our recommendations for running our software in Mac and Windows environments.