If someone overwrites a project folder, a recent NAS snapshot can bring back an earlier version quickly. If the NAS itself is lost, a snapshot stored only on that appliance is unavailable too. A useful recovery plan gives each incident a defined recovery path and proves that both paths work.
Match recovery methods to business incidents
List the folders your UAE office cannot easily recreate. For example, a fit-out firm might need same-day recovery for active drawings and a longer history for project closeout files. For each folder, agree how much recent work the team can afford to lose and how long it can wait for access. Use the first figure to choose a capture interval and the second to design a recovery test.
A local snapshot is a point-in-time view and can suit an accidental overwrite. An independent backup should remain accessible when the source NAS cannot be reached. Replication to a second appliance can help, but only if the destination remains available and protected against the failure you planned for. Check its location, admin access, retention and whether the same credentials could control both devices.
Set retention and monitor the storage it consumes
Synology’s Snapshot Replication documentation describes time-based retention and protected snapshots. Exact features and prerequisites vary by model and storage configuration. Verify support before designing a policy around immutability. More frequent snapshots or longer retention can increase retained data as files change. Set alerts for failed jobs and shrinking free space, and assign someone to investigate both.
Run two recovery drills
- Restore an earlier copy of a test folder to a separate location. Open representative files, check access using a normal account and record the time required.
- Assume the source NAS is unavailable. Retrieve the same test folder from the independent copy using the credentials and instructions available during an outage. Confirm that an authorised colleague can also run the procedure.
Keep evidence of the recovery point and what the team could open. For application databases stored on a NAS, also confirm the application’s supported backup method and test opening the restored data inside the application. The backup restore test checklist gives a broader drill structure.
ITZ’s server and NAS storage service can help review your appliance and snapshot policy. Its backup and recovery service can help scope an independent recovery copy. If your current plan depends on one appliance, share the NAS model and the files you need to recover first.
Request a NAS recovery review
Bring your NAS model, snapshot schedule, backup destination and the last successful restore you recorded. Use the form to discuss recovery gaps and a practical drill with ITZ. Request a NAS Recovery Review
