Network Attached Storage, or NAS, is slowly finding its way into homes as consumers look for convenient ways to back up their growing libraries of digital media, according to a new study from ABI Research (News - Alert).

 

While backup remains the primary focus for many, the ability to serve media around the home using a centralized storage device is a key driving many vendors in this market, the study said.

 

The study examines, “Consumer Network Attached Storage”, examines the market for consumer network storage devices, alternative storage technologies, and opportunities for network storage to increase market penetration. Forecasts are provided by NAS market segment as well as geographic region.

 

One key point in the study is that the consumer NAS market faces many challenges as consumers become accustomed to the plug-and-play simplicity of USB hard drives or flash drives may be discouraged by the greater complexity of network-based solutions and the high return rates for early NAS products is a sign that many consumers need to be further educated, while an increased focus on installation and ease-of-use from vendors will be a requirement if they hope to further expand into the market currently dominated by direct-attached storage, according to ABI Research Director Michael Wolf.

 

“The widespread popularity of direct attached storage such as USB hard drives is a testament to the growing realization among many consumers that backup is a necessity,” said Wolf. “As many direct-attached hard drive vendors begin to make dual-purpose USB hard drives/NAS drives or try to upsell consumers directly to NAS, we expect that some consumers will look to implement centralized whole-home solutions.”

 

ABI Research is a market research firm focused on the impact of emerging technologies on global consumer and business markets. Utilizing a unique blend of market intelligence, primary research, and expert assessment from its worldwide team of industry analysts, ABI Research assists hundreds of clients each year with their strategic growth initiatives.