Wrap Up

I think the SnapServer 1100 is an excellent solution for anyone who needs to expand the storage on their LAN. It literally sets up in minutes, is OS neutral, and I find the bundled unlimited license auto-backup software a very compelling sweetener for the deal.

It's also the perfect solution for a small company that wants to set up a "real" file server with User, Group, and file level protections, but doesn't want to deal with an expensive and complicated Microsoft-based server, or hire an expert for its care and feeding.

The main obstacle to home users will probably be the expense of the product, especially given that $550 or so will buy you an entire computer system these days, or at least get you most of the way there. For small businesses in search of a file server that they really could set up and use without having to read a manual, however, I think the decision is a no-brainer.