| Merits v Improved server performance · Servers show a marked improvement in their performance as the CPU-intensive I/O activities are performed by the NAS devices v Increased data availability · NAS device operate independently of servers. i.e. even if a server is down data is available to the client through other servers v Easy scalability · NAS devices can be attached to a network during working hours, without having to interrupt the normal functions of a network. v Transparent Back-up · Data stored on the NAS devices can be backed up without affecting other servers. v Easy Manageability · NAS device can be configured through Standard Web browsers or Third-party management tools. | Demerits v Excessive network traffic: · A request from a client is targeted at the server, which then passes it on to the corresponding NAS device. The NAS device then returns the requested data to the server. The server consequently forwards the data to the client. This is a long procedure and consumes network bandwidth. · Slow transactions: · Although NAS devices function at high speeds, the response time to client request can increase during peak hours when the number of clients requesting information is high. · Increased Vulnerability: · Because NAS device are directly attached to the network and can be easily accessed, they are vulnerable to malicious attacks. As a result there is a great chance that confidential business data can be compromised |