Reviewer’s Guide: Seagate BlackArmor NAS 440
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Tools for Systems Integrators
With the BlackArmor Discovery software, and the unit’s built-in management Web server
directly addressable through a local IP address, assigned automatically by DHCP or a
fixed address assigned manually (such as 192.168.1.xxx), managing the device is very
simple and straightforward. Key aspects of management are covered later in this
reviewer’s guide. Nevertheless, Seagate designed BlackArmor NAS with specific
capabilities for value-added resellers, solutions providers, and systems integrators.
Secure Remote Management
For integrators who plan to watch over BlackArmor NAS units on behalf of their
customers, this capability allows the integrator to monitor an unlimited number of
BlackArmor NAS units from a single location, without the need to make an in-person
visit. This capability is implemented through DDNS (Dynamic DNS).
Active Directory Support
BlackArmor NAS incorporates built-in support Microsoft® Active Directory®to populate users and
groups, Kerberos-based authentication, and DNS-based naming, and other network information.
When the BlackArmor is in Domain mode, it builds a list of domain users and groups. Using the
BlackArmor’s Manager page, user Access and Folder Share Permissions, each Active Directory
user from the list can be assigned to a Share (folder) that has already been created on the NAS.
The Share permissions (set in Manager Page only) are Full Access, Read Only and No Access.
Permissions are the same for Groups. When an Active Directory user boots their computer and
logs in to Windows with their Active Directory user name and password, assuming they already
have a short-cut or mapped drive letter to their share, the user can open their share without
having to put in their user name and password again.
In some larger businesses, multiple Active Directory servers are used. The BlackArmor NAS
products can only communicate with one at a time and currently do not support fail-over to a
backup Active Directory server. Child groups or groups within a group are also not supported at
this time, but may be available in a future firmware release.
What Can You Do With BlackArmor NAS?
The BlackArmor NAS is highly a versatile device that can be used to store, backup, and
share data. You can also stream music, videos, and movies. Uses include:
•
Get up and running quickly with Quick start features
•
Store files by using BlackArmor NAS as a central primary-storage repository.
•
Easily view or map shared volumes to a computer, or back up the PC from which
you are working from, using the BlackArmor Discovery tool software, which
automatically displays all BlackArmor NAS products connected to the network.
•
Share with colleagues and customers on a local network or over the Internet.
•
Conduct full-system backup and recovery to help protect everything on your PC’s
hard drive including the operating system, programs and settings. In the event of
a system crash or failure, your computer can be restored to a previous point in
time with SafetyDrill+™ software.
