Synology DSM Reviews

Our clients mainly use Synology DSM as a firewall, for managing files and folders, and as a backup storage, sending logs to Azure Machine. We also encourage them to explore DSM's add-on packages for things like network deployment, better connectivity to NDR and VMware, and user detection. Although many clients currently use third-party backup solutions, we are working to shift towards a more integrated solution using DSM's features.

The most valuable features are the basic storage, file management, Btrfs file system, and built-in backups that come with the solution. "Active Backup for Business" is a standout feature, essential for business data backup and continuity. Other extras are less critical, but these features cover what we need.

One area where Synology DSM could improve is in enhancing its ability to detect and respond to security threats during backups and replication. Currently, it lacks the capability to automatically stop backups if it detects a virus or suspicious network activity, as some third-party solutions can. Having AI-driven analytics to identify anomalies and halt backups during potential attacks, along with notifications to administrators, would be valuable. Additionally, providing a dashboard for monitoring the backup environment's security would be a beneficial feature. These improvements would help address security concerns and make Synology more competitive in this aspect.

I have been using Synology DSM since 2014.

Synology DSM is very stable. I would rate it a ten out of ten in terms of stability.

It is a very scalable solution. I would rate the scalability a ten out of ten. The majority of our clients using Synology DSM fall into the category of small to medium-sized businesses. However, we do have some clients in the public sector with larger user bases, ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 users. In Nigeria, organizations with 2,000 to 3,000 users are considered enterprises, while in some other regions, they might be classified as SMBs. So, our focus is primarily on serving the SMB market, but we do have some larger clients as well.

Tech support for Synology has generally been good. Most issues can be resolved by customers themselves, thanks to regular upgrades and improvements in DSM. The main delay seems to be related to returning parts, which has a process to follow. Overall, it has been great. I would rate the support an eight out of ten.

Positive

I have experience working with different backup solutions, including HPE, Dell, and Keela, in addition to Synology DSM. My background includes expertise in server, storage, and virtualization solutions, so I'm familiar with various products in this field. I have completely switched to Synology, and now my focus is on sales and promoting Synology solutions.

The initial setup of Synology DSM is straightforward and user-friendly. It involves minimal complexities, with easy authentication and a simple process that even customers can follow without much difficulty. The majority of people deploy Synology DSM on-premises rather than on cloud. This choice is often due to data privacy regulations like GDPR and the need for control over data. Some clients prefer on-premises deployment for additional security and because they use ADPM. However, a few are exploring cloud options.

Synology pricing is usually affordable, but it can change based on the hard drives you pick for compatibility. Nowadays, bigger drives are popular, and they might mean you need fewer drives overall. However, this could lead to a cost similar to buying separate enclosures. So, organizations often plan their storage solutions carefully due to these cost considerations.

My advice for those considering Synology DSM is that it is a reliable and cost-effective solution. It is like an out-of-the-box office assistant that saves you money, provides storage, and streamlines backups. It is not complicated to use and can cut backup costs by over 50%. If you want technology that is fast, stable, energy-efficient, and reliable, Synology is a top choice. Overall, I would rate it a ten out of ten.

I use Synology DSM for personal file serving and as a backup solution for both physical and digital media.

I find the most valuable aspect of DSM to be its user-friendly and intuitive nature. It's not only feature-rich but also incredibly easy to use. While it serves as a solid file server for my personal needs, I've also had the pleasure of installing other applications, such as Plex Media Server, effortlessly. This is made possible by the straightforward and intuitive package manager, making it accessible to both tech enthusiasts and those with limited technical knowledge. With DSM, you can easily install and configure various applications, including Docker containers, and it just works seamlessly.

In terms of improvements, I personally haven't encountered many issues with Synology DSM, mainly because my use cases are relatively straightforward. However, I'm aware that Synology offers solutions like spam filters, which might require more expertise to evaluate thoroughly. One minor concern I had was with the recent major overhaul of the user interface. While it has made the system more up-to-date and user-friendly, it did take some time to adjust to the changes. It's possible that other applications or features have undergone similar updates, which might affect users who were accustomed to the previous versions. Also, Synology packages come with various features, and sometimes, certain functionalities aren't immediately clear. There's a surveillance application that allows you to connect IP cameras and stream footage to Synology and it is a great feature, but it's not always clear that adding more cameras may require purchasing additional licenses. It would be helpful if Synology made such requirements more transparent to users before they attempt to implement these options, especially for those on a budget.

I have been using it for three years now.

While I haven't personally experienced any issues, it's important to note that with any computer hardware, there can occasionally be hardware failures. My experience with Synology DSM has been nearly flawless.

It offers good scalability capabilities. For anyone using Synology DSM for home use or in a small business with a few locations, it's a valuable choice. It offers a cost-effective solution with the capability to set up redundant systems to ensure data backups. It also provides convenient remote access options, including features like ThoughtSpot, which simplifies remote file access. Also, Synology DSM supports site-to-site attributes, making it versatile for various networking needs. Additionally, during the drive installation process, you have the option to configure Synology Hybrid RAID. This feature allows you to easily scale up your storage capacity. If you initially have a two-bay drive but later want to expand to a four-bay setup, Synology's hybrid RAID configuration makes it efficient and feasible, unlike traditional RAID configurations that can be challenging to scale up once configured.

The initial setup is quite straightforward. It guides you through the installation process, essentially installing the operating system for you. It's different from Windows Server where you have to configure everything manually from scratch. Synology DSM is adept at recognizing what you need to create a basic file server, making the setup process relatively quick and user-friendly. Even individuals who aren't particularly tech-savvy should be able to figure it out quite easily. Since it is a widely adopted solution, there's a wealth of online resources and literature available to assist those who may encounter any difficulties during setup.

It is quite an affordable solution. Even though I am not sure about current prices, I estimate that the total cost, including the hard drives, would have been approximately $400 to USD 450.

Initially, I considered building a file server myself, possibly using something like a Windows server where I could add file-serving functionality as a feature. Since I'm using it solely for personal use and not in a professional environment, I ultimately decided that it would be more cost-effective and straightforward to choose an option that aligned better with my budget and simplicity requirements so I opted for Synology.

Because of its simplicity and the wide array of features it offers, I would recommend DSM for both tech-savvy individuals and those who prefer a straightforward file-serving solution. It provides essential file-serving options out of the box, making it very user-friendly. Overall, I'd give it a rating of 9 out of 10 because of its impressive capabilities and user-friendliness.

We are working with an education company with several units spread in our state, São Paulo. We are working with Synology DSM in 20 to 25 locations and replicating it for the central unit. They don't need a lot of storage space in the units, but they should replicate everything for the central. We are talking about 20 terabytes in each facility and replicating it for the central, which is a big unit.

Synology DSM is very easy to work and operate.

Synology DSM is a good enough solution for small and medium companies, but I have not seen a big configuration of the solution for a big organization.

I have been working with Synology DSM for maybe six or eight months.

While working with Synology DSM in our office, we once had a problem. We have two offices replicating data in two ways using Synology DSM. These two offices were replicating data for the director's house. We had four Synology DSMs, two of them replicating each other and the other two replicating data for the director's home. For the director's home, it is a synchronous application.

One of the Synology DSMs in our main office had a problem in SMU. We chose to replace the solution as soon as possible. For our test, we took an old Synology version, maybe three or four versions older than the one in the office in production, and put the disks in the same order. We powered it on, and after 15 or 20 minutes, it was working like nothing happened. We received a notice that this is an older model and would you like to go on. After 20 minutes, it was running stable and accessing all the data, which was quite impressive for us.

Synology DSM is easy to scale, but, for someone working with Hitachi solutions, we look at this solution and think, what if this big machine on the central unit cannot support every task? In central, it is just a repository and not processing anything there. It is like a backup to the unit's solution. We are monitoring and are afraid that the central unit is very huge for a small solution.

We contacted the solution's technical support a few times. The solution's support team is in the USA; at that time, we didn't know the personnel in Synology. After this project, we are in touch with the support team. We are in Brazil and are just buying spare parts in case we need to replace the solution for this customer. The knowledge base on the Synology DSM site is quite good.

Positive

The initial setup of Synology DSM is very easy.

When we receive the machines, we set them up in our lab and send them to the customer to migrate from their old solution to the new one. It takes some hours, and it's not so complex.

Synology DSM has been working for more than 10 years here in our office.

It's not expensive. Synology DSM is a cheap solution.

We have been partners with Synology for a long time, but we have never sold Synology DSM. We are just using it for our internal solution.

Synology DSM has been quite an impressive solution for us. We are not even considering this kind of solution for a corporation. However, we sold the solution to a customer, which changed my opinion. I was uncomfortable with this solution, but it has run very well for our customer for six months.

I think users should try this kind of solution. Synology DSM is not a good solution for a big environment, but it is good for a small one. My opinion is based on the fact that we are used to working with Hitachi. We should look for a better small solution that may fit some architectures.

I didn't work with the solution long enough to be completely confident with it. So far, it is going well. Our customer using the solution will be a very good test to change my mind about this solution.

Overall, I rate Synology DSM an eight out of ten.

Our primary use case involves maintaining a backup of your main workstation, which runs on Linux. We implemented synchronization scripts to regularly back up our data to the Synology, ensuring redundancy. Our approach involves manual execution of these scripts when needed, and the Synology serves as a reliable storage asset for your data.

The most valuable aspect is its ability to handle multiple disks. Unlike configuring RAID settings directly on my PC, its adaptive system simplifies the process.

The only bothersome aspect is that the device is aging. While it remains reliable and functions perfectly, I'm stuck with an older DSM version, specifically version 6.4.

I have been using it for a few years now.

It is extremely stable; I would rate its stability as a solid ten.

In terms of scalability, I would currently rate it an eight out of ten due to its aging nature. While I don't have access to all the latest features available on more recent devices, at the time of purchase, considering its capabilities then, I would have given it a solid ten.

Initially, setting up the device wasn't straightforward, especially because Linux support wasn't as seamless when I first purchased it. However, after some research and locating the right information and software, the setup process became relatively straightforward.

The pricing varies widely, catering to a broad range of needs. The product line includes both more affordable options with basic functionalities and pricier models offering advanced features such as rack compatibility.

Overall, I would rate it eight out of ten.

We use the solution to manage our local users and create a file-sharing network. We use it for our internal Active Directory and fire NAS stations. We also use it to have remote access to our files in our offices.

Synology has a fire station, a plug-and-play fire station that works with Mac, Windows, or Linux. It is beneficial and easy to connect to many platforms.

We are facing an issue with the DNS package after upgrading from DSM version 6 to version 7. Sometimes, the DNS package disconnects, and our local clients cannot find our local DNS server.

I have been using Synology DSM for three years. 

The only bug is the DNS package, but it's not related to the global product. I rate the solution’s stability an eight out of ten.

Users can switch between two servers or accessible servers in the same network. We have about 24 employees using this solution.

I rate the solution’s scalability a seven or eight out of ten.

We used all the old servers. We are using the old server as a base, and now we are using a Synology. It was beneficial for us because it didn’t require a lot of space. We have tested and made it run. We found that Synology is fulfilling our business requirements.

The initial setup is easy. There is no prerequisite and redundancy to manage the DSM. We can use Synology directly for the web interfaces.

The solution is affordable for every business.

We are currently using Synology DSM and are very satisfied with it. In terms of performance and size, it is very useful for us. Sometimes, we need to move from one location to another. We use DSM single generics, a small package for small servers.

Overall, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.

I use Synology DSM for backups and for using a shared folder. Our owner has 18 companies, and we have to provide shared folders for the 18 locations. People can access all the head office files from their respective locations through the shared folders.

The most valuable features of Synology DSM are its security and connectivity. Synology DSM is very stable and does not have many glitches. Once it is configured properly and everything is set up, the solution runs very smoothly.

Users may lose their data if they don't configure the solution properly.

I have been using Synology DSM for six to seven years.

I rate Synology DSM nine and a half out of ten for stability.

I rate Synology DSM nine and a half out of ten for scalability.

I previously used WD. We switched to Synology DSM because we faced a lot of stability issues with WD.

You need to have experience and knowledge to set up Synology DSM.

The solution's deployment time depends upon the user's requirement for which they are configuring. The deployment time varies for different requirements, like a shared folder or backup. If you're using the solution for a shared folder, it takes around half an hour maximum to set it up.

The solution’s pricing is neither cheap nor expensive.

Synology DSM is not user-friendly and is a little complicated when you use it for the first time. However, once it's configured and ready, it works well.

The solution is deployed on-premises for our head office and on the cloud for other locations. Users have to configure Synology DSM properly. Users may lose their data if they don't configure the solution properly.

Overall, I rate Synology DSM ten out of ten.

I use Synology DSM for the backup of data.

The benefit my organization has experienced from the use of the solution stems from the fact that it acts as a backup of all the information we require so that we can manage it in case someone loses some information.

The solution's most valuable feature stems from its ease of use, making it the tool's most interesting part.

Synology DSM's user interface is not quite intuitive. Even though the tool's UI is easy to use, sometimes the documentation needs to be read. Synology DSM's user interface requires improvement.

I have been using Synology DSM for two months. I haven't checked the version of the solution yet.

Stability-wise, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.

Scalability-wise, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.

I have contacted the solution's technical support in the past, and they have answered all my queries. I rate the technical support a ten out of ten.

Positive

The product's deployment phase is simple.

The solution is deployed on an on-premises model.

I have experienced a return on investment from the use of the solution in my company.

The price of the solution is very good.

I would tell others who plan to use the solution to use it with full confidence since it is a really good solution.

I rate the overall solution a nine out of ten.

We have two primary uses for Synology DSM. The first one is for sharing folders and performing backups for various virtual machines, specifically at the VM level on a VMware ESX host. This allows for efficient management and protection of data within the VMs. The second one is for remote access to the shared folders over the internet. This feature is utilized by a client at home who accesses the shared folders remotely, enabling convenient and secure access to files and data from anywhere.

It offers a variety of software options through its package center, allowing users to customize their NAS device to serve multiple purposes. It supports the creation of a VPN server, functioning as a router, and even hosting a web server. This versatility enables users to have an office in the cloud experience and utilize the device for various tasks. With the ability to configure and install different software, the Synology DSM allows for a single box to serve multiple purposes.

An improvement that could be made to Synology DSM is the ability to support backups of clusters, specifically VMware or Hyper-V clusters. Currently, when VMs are moved from one host to another within the cluster, the backup fails as the VM was previously registered on a specific host. Even though Synology provides a backup solution, it does not recognize the VM movement across cluster hosts. By enhancing this feature, Synology could improve the functionality of its backup package and provide seamless backup support for cluster environments.

I have been using it for three years.

It is highly stable and secure, even when it's exposed to the internet. There have been no reported vulnerabilities or security breaches within the organization, as regular upgrades and updates are performed on the devices. This reflects the reliability and smart setup of Synology.

Our organization has over a thousand users, and nearly twenty of them are already using different Synology boxes. The scalability of devices allows for efficient management and expansion to accommodate a growing number of users.

Our experience with Synology support has been positive, with responsive and supportive assistance. They promptly resolved the issues that were encountered and demonstrated a clear understanding of the problem faced. I would rate it nine out of ten.

Positive

The initial setup process was smooth and well-documented. The steps were clear and easy to understand, allowing users to set up the devices themselves without much assistance. The provided documentation is comprehensive and provides clear instructions on how to proceed with the setup.

It stands out compared to other storage devices due to its reliability and scalability. It offers a range of solutions from small single hard drives to multi-drive setups that can be expanded as needed. With options available in different storage capacities, it can serve as a versatile storage solution for both single and multi-users. The device receives high praise for its easy-to-use interface and management system, making it accessible and straightforward even for first-time users. Overall, the experience with Synology DSM is highly positive. I would rate it ten out of ten.

My company uses Synology DSM as a backup for our virtual machines.

The most valuable feature of the solution is that it serves as a backup for our company's virtual machine. It could also be used as a repository, but our company has a separate NAS solution from VMware, after which we bought Synology DSM as our backup solution.

If you need a higher speed, you can go for a flash disk. Our company needs a repository and not a higher speed or performance.

The product's only shortcoming is pricing, as it is an expensive solution. The product's hardware pricing is an area that needs improvement in the solution. The stability of the product also needs improvement.

I have experience with Synology DSM for three months. I use the solution's latest version.

Stability-wise, I rate the solution a nine out of ten since, at some point, I believe electronic devices are bound to fail.

My company didn't check the product's scalability because we bought it with the fixed disk since we were not thinking of any expansion. If you need to expand, you need to buy a new box.

My company has five users of the solution.

At the moment, I would not say that the product is extensively used, nor would I agree with the statement that my company plans to increase its usage.

One engineer is required for the deployment and maintenance of the solution.

In the past, my company had opened a few tickets with the solution's technical support. In my experience, the solution's technical support was responsive.

Previously, QNAP NAS was used in my company. My company switched from QNAP NAS to Synology DSM since, with Synology, we don't have to pay for the backup license as it is built-in.

The initial setup of Synology DSM was straightforward, and the interface looks good, like macOS.

The solution can be deployed in a day.

My company follows the product's installation guide as a part of the deployment process.

The solution is deployed on-premises.

The installation was done in-house.

Synology DSM is an expensive solution compared to the other solutions available in the market, but it is important to note that the solution is worth its price. The licensing part of the solution is free. The hardware is more expensive than the other solutions in the market, but it's okay in the long run.

I rate the overall solution a nine out of ten.

The product performs well. It is easy to use and implement.

The platform could be much more cost-effective and flexible for integrating third-party products.

We have been using Synology DSM for two years.

It is a stable platform.

We have 2000 Synology DSM users and two administrators to manage it.

At present, Synology DSM has flexibility issues in terms of expanding storage. We have one more storage in the pipeline. If we keep using the current technology, it will be restricted to only one vendor. Thus, we plan to switch from Synology DSM to an independent solution.

Synology DSM is a free tool.

We want a product we can utilize to run our critical servers and not just back up or create VM snapshots. We are evaluating QNAP, which has these advantages.

I rate Synology DSM a ten out of ten.