Synology vient de déployer 2 nouvelles versions de son logiciel interne : DSM 7.2.1 Update 7 et DSM 7.1.1 Update 8. Ces mises à jour apportent quelques nouveautés, mais surtout corrigent une des failles de sécurité identifiées lors du concours PWN2OWN 2024. Si DSM 7.2.2 avait rapidement reçu les correctifs, les versions antérieures n’avaient pas encore été mises à jour jusqu’à présent…

DSM 7.2.1 update 7 et DSM 7.1.1 update 8

Si vous n’avez pas passé votre NAS sous DSM 7.2.2 ou si votre boitier n’est pas compatible, vous serez ravis de savoir que Synology vient de mettre à DSM 7.2.1 et DSM 7.1.1. En effet, le fabricant vient de mettre à disposition les mises à jour. Voici ce qu’indique le journal des modifications :

1. DSM 7.2.1 update 7

• Amélioration : Ajout de la prise en charge de la vérification des certificats des serveurs LDAP lors de la connexion à un annuaire :
  • La vérification des certificats pour C2 Identity Edge Server n’est pas prise en charge.
  • Cette configuration ne peut pas être sauvegardée dans la sauvegarde du système DSM ou dans Hyper Backup.

Ce que n’indique pas Synology (certainement un oubli), c’est que cette mise à jour ajoute également la correction de la faille sous la référence Synology-SA-25:01. Pour rappel, cette dernière permet à des attaquants de type « man-in-the-middle » de détourner l’authentification des administrateurs.

2. DSM 7.1.1 update 8

• Amélioration : Ajout de la prise en charge de la vérification des certificats des serveurs LDAP lors de la connexion à un annuaire :
  • La vérification des certificats pour C2 Identity Edge Server n’est pas prise en charge.
  • Cette configuration ne peut pas être sauvegardée dans la sauvegarde du système DSM ou dans Hyper Backup.
• Problèmes corrigés :
  • Le système pouvait afficher un statut incorrect dans les paramètres de notification par e-mail.
  • Certains paquets ne s’affichaient pas après l’installation.

Là encore, le fabricant a oublié de préciser que cette version corrigeait la faille Synology-SA-25:01.

Merci Guillaume

Synology ActiveProtect and the Future of DSM Powered Backup Solutions?

The introduction of Synology’s ActiveProtect platform signifies a major pivot in the company’s approach to data protection, targeting enterprise-grade backup requirements with purpose-built solutions. Available on the DP320, DP340, and flagship DP7400 models, ActiveProtect is designed to simplify and centralize backup processes for a wide range of systems, including local servers, virtual machines, and cloud-based platforms. By integrating advanced functionalities such as deduplication, air-gapped backups, and seamless virtual machine redeployment, Synology positions ActiveProtect as a solution that bridges operational efficiency with robust disaster recovery capabilities. However, this development prompts significant questions about how it aligns with the company’s existing DSM-integrated backup solutions like Active Backup for Business, which offers comparable features at no additional cost. This duality within Synology’s lineup could lead to internal competition, potentially fragmenting its customer base.

ActiveProtect distinguishes itself from DSM-based backup solutions by consolidating multiple functions into a single, cohesive platform. Traditional DSM deployments rely on separate applications—such as Active Backup for Business, Hyper Backup, and Snapshot Replication—to cover different aspects of data protection. While this modularity offers flexibility, it can introduce complexity for businesses seeking a straightforward backup strategy. ActiveProtect eliminates this complexity by providing a unified interface that simplifies backup management across physical devices, virtual environments, and cloud services. However, this streamlined approach comes at the expense of the broader versatility and multifunctionality inherent in DSM, which extends beyond data protection to include media management, collaboration tools, and virtualization capabilities. This narrowing of scope might alienate long-time Synology users accustomed to DSM’s extensive ecosystem.

Synology DSM, AP, BSM, SRM…

The growing breadth of Synology’s software ecosystem raises concerns about the company’s ability to maintain development momentum across all its platforms. Over the years, Synology has strategically streamlined its product lineup, as evidenced by the gradual phasing out of its J-series NAS devices in favor of the more versatile Value and Plus series. Similarly, the introduction of the BeeStation and its dedicated BSM operating system reflects a shift toward application-specific appliances.

With ActiveProtect now joining Synology’s expanding roster of platforms, including DSM, BSM, and router management software, there is a tangible risk that development resources may become overstretched. This could potentially slow the evolution of DSM, a cornerstone of Synology’s product lineup, or lead to reduced feature updates, diminishing its appeal for users seeking an all-encompassing solution.

Feature	DP7400	SA6400
Form Factor	Rackmount 2U / 12 bays	Rackmount 2U / 12 bays
CPU	AMD EPYC 7272 (12 cores, 24 threads)	AMD EPYC 7272 (12 cores, 24 threads)
Base/Boost Frequency	2.9 GHz / 3.2 GHz	2.9 GHz / 3.2 GHz
Memory	64 GB DDR4 ECC	32 GB DDR4 ECC (expandable to 512 GB)
Storage Configuration	RAID 6 + 1 spare (10 x 20 TB HDDs) + 2 x 3.84 TB SSDs	User-configurable (no drives included)
Network Interface	1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Management)	2 x 10GbE RJ-45
	2 x 10GbE RJ-45 (Data Transfer)	Expandable with PCIe cards
Expandability	TBC	Up to 108 drives with expansion units
Storage	10x 10TB	Unpopulated (Buy Your Own)
Drive Caching	2 x 3.84 TB SATA SSDs	User-configurable caching
Power Consumption	150W (Access) / 60W (Hibernation)	155W (Access) / 62W (Hibernation)
Warranty	5 years	5 years

Hardware choices further highlight the divergence between ActiveProtect appliances and DSM-powered NAS devices. The DP320 and DP340 are tailored for backup-specific workloads, featuring pre-configured RAID setups and hardware optimized for reliability over versatility. The DP320, for example, is equipped with RAID 1 storage, 8GB of ECC memory, and a dual-core R1600 processor, while the DP340 offers RAID 5 storage, 16GB of memory, and 10GbE connectivity for improved performance. In contrast, DSM-powered devices such as the DS923+ and DS723+ cater to a broader audience with features like m.2 NVMe caching, 10GbE upgradeability, and extensive app ecosystems.

Feature	DP320	DS723+
Form Factor	Desktop / 2 bays	Desktop / 2 bays
CPU	AMD Ryzen R1600 (2 cores, 4 threads)	AMD Ryzen R1600 (2 cores, 4 threads)
Base/Boost Frequency	2.6 GHz / 3.1 GHz	2.6 GHz / 3.1 GHz
Memory	8 GB DDR4 ECC	2 GB DDR4 (expandable to 32 GB ECC)
Storage Configuration	RAID 1 (2 x 8 TB Synology HDDs)	User-configurable (no drives included)
Network Interface	1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Management)	2 x 1GbE RJ-45
	1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Data Transfer)	Optional 10GbE upgrade
Expandability	No expandability	Expandable with 1 x DX517
Storage	2x 8TB HDD	Unpopulated (Buy Your Own)
Drive Caching	Not available	2 x M.2 NVMe for caching
Power Consumption	21.07W (Access) / 8.62W (Hibernation)	19.7W (Access) / 4.68W (Hibernation)
Warranty	3 years	3 years

This differentiation reflects Synology’s attempt to segment its product lines, but it also raises questions about whether ActiveProtect’s hardware limitations might restrict its long-term scalability for growing businesses.

Feature	DP340	DS923+
Form Factor	Desktop / 4 bays	Desktop / 4 bays
CPU	AMD Ryzen R1600 (2 cores, 4 threads)	AMD Ryzen R1600 (2 cores, 4 threads)
Base/Boost Frequency	2.6 GHz / 3.1 GHz	2.6 GHz / 3.1 GHz
Memory	16 GB DDR4 ECC	4 GB DDR4 (expandable to 32 GB ECC)
Storage Configuration	RAID 5 (4 x 8 TB Synology HDDs)	User-configurable (no drives included)
Network Interface	1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Management)	2 x 1GbE RJ-45
	1 x 10GbE RJ-45 (Data Transfer)	Optional 10GbE upgrade
Expandability	No expandability	Expandable with 1 x DX517
Storage	4x 8TB HDD	Unpopulated (Buy Your Own)
Drive Caching	2x 400GB m.2 NVMe	2 x M.2 NVMe Slots for caching/pools
Power Consumption	31W (Access) / 10W (Hibernation)	35.2W (Access) / 7.96W (Hibernation)
Warranty	3 years	3 years

One of ActiveProtect’s key selling points is its integration of enterprise-grade backup capabilities, including immutable storage, deduplication, and compatibility with VMware and Hyper-V environments. These features make it an attractive solution for organizations prioritizing data protection and regulatory compliance. Additionally, ActiveProtect provides centralized management for multisite deployments, a crucial feature for enterprises managing distributed IT infrastructures. However, the reliance on dedicated hardware and licensing introduces an ongoing cost structure that diverges from DSM-powered solutions, where Active Backup for Business and related tools are included without additional fees. This fundamental difference raises concerns about the overall cost-effectiveness of ActiveProtect, particularly for smaller organizations operating on tighter budgets.

Flexibility in Hardware and Software?

Another significant trend is Synology’s increasing focus on restricting compatibility to its own hard drives, SSDs, and pre-populated solutions. Both the DP320 and DP340 come pre-configured with Synology-branded drives, limiting users’ ability to select third-party alternatives. While this ensures consistent performance and simplifies deployment, it significantly raises the entry cost compared to traditional NAS setups. For example, the DP320 includes 16TB of storage configured in RAID 1, while the DP340 offers 32TB in RAID 5, but the lack of user-defined storage options may deter cost-conscious buyers. Furthermore, this move toward proprietary hardware could alienate existing customers accustomed to the flexibility of Synology’s traditional NAS devices.

Pre-populated and proprietary solutions such as the DP320, DP340, and the BeeStation reflect Synology’s strategic pivot toward end-to-end control over its ecosystem. This approach aligns with the company’s emphasis on seamless integration but risks diminishing the value proposition of its products for users who value customization. The reliance on Synology-branded drives also impacts the perceived cost-benefit ratio, as these solutions are often priced higher than third-party alternatives.

While this strategy simplifies support and ensures reliability, it may not appeal to users seeking the budget-friendly versatility that has traditionally been a hallmark of Synology’s offerings.

The long-term value of ActiveProtect also warrants scrutiny when compared to DSM-powered NAS devices. With ActiveProtect, users are tied to a dedicated platform that incurs additional licensing costs and lacks the multifunctionality of DSM. In contrast, DSM devices provide a more comprehensive solution, offering everything from media streaming to virtualization alongside robust backup capabilities.

Over time, the broader utility of DSM-powered devices may offer better value for businesses that require more than just backup functionality. This disparity underscores the need for potential buyers to carefully evaluate their specific requirements and future scalability needs.

Synology NAS and Value (TCO and ROI)?

ActiveProtect’s pricing and licensing structure remain key variables in determining its market appeal. While the platform’s simplicity and advanced features are appealing, the lack of clarity surrounding costs introduces uncertainty. For smaller organizations, the total cost of ownership could outweigh the benefits, especially when DSM-powered NAS devices already provide a cost-effective and robust alternative. Without clear pricing strategies that demonstrate the value benefits of ActiveProtect vs DSM solutions, Synology may struggle to position ActiveProtect as a compelling upgrade for existing customers or as a viable entry point for new ones.

Finally, Synology’s dual-platform strategy risks creating confusion within its user base. ActiveProtect’s focus on dedicated backup appliances contrasts sharply with DSM’s multifunctional approach, making it challenging for users to discern which solution best meets their needs. For long-time users of DSM, the potential scaling back of its backup features in favour of promoting ActiveProtect could be perceived as a drawback. Synology’s ability to clearly communicate the distinct advantages and limitations of these platforms will be critical to ensuring both their coexistence and success in an increasingly competitive market.

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Review of the New Synology DP320 Active Protect NAS – A Good Change?

Quick Note for this review – As much as I want to review the DP320 separate from other Synology NAS solutions (with DSM appliances, and therefore completely different intended user), it is impossible to do this. This is because Synology Diskstation and Rackstation Solutions are pretty much the main alternative to this solution to the DP320. So, apologies if elements of this review draw more comparison to DSM than you (and perhaps even Synology themselves) might like.

The Synology DP320 represents a notable departure from Synology’s established NAS lineup, introducing a device tailored specifically for backup and disaster recovery under the new ActiveProtect platform. For years, Synology’s desktop NAS systems have been synonymous with versatility, powered by the robust DSM operating system that supports a wide array of applications and configurations. However, with the DP320 and its siblings in the ActiveProtect series, Synology is pivoting toward a more focused, purpose-built approach. This shift raises questions about how it fits within the company’s broader ecosystem and its implications for the future of Synology’s hardware and software offerings.

The DP320 is one of several new additions to Synology’s ActiveProtect lineup, joining models like the DP340 and DP7400. Unlike traditional Synology NAS devices, the DP320 is not powered by DSM and does not aim to be a multi-purpose solution. Instead, it is built solely for use with Synology’s ActiveProtect Manager, a specialized platform designed to centralize and simplify data protection. This streamlined focus makes the DP320 a dedicated backup appliance rather than a general-purpose server, a design choice that reflects Synology’s intent to address the growing demand for robust, business-specific data protection tools. However, this specialization also raises concerns among long-time Synology users about the narrowing scope of its capabilities.

Synology DP320 Review – Quick Conclusion

As a standalone platform and if you do not draw comparison with Synology’s DSM devices – the DP320 is a great (if somewhat rigid and inflexible) solution and does precisely what the brand says it will do Moving away from the multi-purpose, DSM-powered NAS systems to a specialized backup appliance built around the ActiveProtect Manager platform was always going to result in mixed feelings! ActiveProtect is NOT replacing DSM – but one cannot help but wonder the long-term impact on the development of DSM, as well as future development of popular applications such as ActiveBackup, when this dedicated backup appliance exists. While it simplifies data protection with centralized management, robust security, and reliable performance, it lacks the versatility that has defined DSM devices. Without access to applications like Synology Drive, Surveillance Station, or Hyper Backup, and with limited hardware expandability, the DP320 focuses exclusively on backup and disaster recovery, positioning itself as a solution for businesses seeking ease of use without the complexity of a traditional NAS. However, this narrowed focus raises concerns about how ActiveProtect may impact DSM’s future development, as Synology’s resources are now divided between supporting this separate ecosystem and enhancing DSM’s broader appeal. DSM-powered NAS devices remain highly valued for their flexibility, supporting diverse applications, multi-purpose workflows, and scalability, making them indispensable for many users beyond simple data protection. While the DP320 serves a niche market well, its adoption should be carefully considered against the broader capabilities and value provided by DSM-based solutions. This balance between dedicated functionality and multi-purpose versatility reflects Synology’s evolving strategy, but also underscores the need for clarity on how this will shape its commitment to its traditional user base.

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Synology DP320 Review – The Hardware & Design

The Synology DP320 introduces a deviation from Synology’s traditional NAS offerings, emphasizing a focused design as a backup-specific appliance operating on the ActiveProtect platform. Unlike its DSM-powered predecessors, the DP320 is not intended as a general-purpose NAS but rather a dedicated backup solution for businesses.

This shift has drawn mixed reactions from Synology’s user base, particularly those who have relied on the flexibility and comprehensive ecosystem of DSM. The DP320 features a dual-bay design with RAID 1 configuration, signaling Synology’s intent to address specific business-oriented needs while moving away from the multifaceted capabilities associated with its mainstream NAS devices.

At its core, the DP320 is powered by an AMD Ryzen R1600 dual-core processor paired with 8GB of DDR4 ECC memory, designed to prioritize reliability and efficient file processing. This hardware configuration lacks support for advanced features like 10GbE networking or m.2 NVMe caching, which are present in devices such as the DS723+.

The omission of these features underscores Synology’s emphasis on backup-centric tasks over high-speed data handling or virtualization. While the hardware is suitable for smaller deployments, its lack of scalability may not meet the demands of larger organizations, limiting its versatility as a more general-purpose solution.

Connectivity on the DP320 is basic, with two 1GbE LAN ports—one dedicated to management and the other to data transfer—and a single USB 3.2 Gen 1 port. The USB port’s functionality within the ActiveProtect ecosystem is notably limited, offering minimal utility for local USB backups. This minimalistic approach reflects Synology’s aim to streamline the device for centralized and straightforward backup management.

However, the limited options for network and peripheral connectivity may frustrate users who require greater flexibility or advanced configurations to integrate the device into more complex IT environments.

The DP320 is shipped prepopulated with enterprise-grade hard drives, reinforcing its identity as a specialized backup device. Specifically, it includes two 8TB Synology HDDs in a RAID 1 configuration, which provides redundancy but eliminates the user’s ability to customize storage options at purchase.

Unlike DSM-based devices, the DP320’s fixed storage setup simplifies the initial deployment for less technically inclined users but restricts adaptability for organizations with specific or evolving storage needs. This preconfigured approach mirrors Synology’s strategy with its rackmount DP7400 model, further emphasizing simplicity and predefined workflows over flexibility.

Synology DP320 vs DP340 vs DP7400 – What is the Difference?

The Synology DP320, DP340, and DP7400 represent three tiers of Synology’s ActiveProtect lineup, each tailored for distinct use cases based on deployment scale, performance needs, and hardware capabilities. The DP320 is designed for small-scale deployments, offering basic backup functionalities in a compact form factor with minimal resource requirements. The DP340 provides a mid-tier option, adding enhanced storage capacity and network performance suitable for medium-sized businesses. At the high end, the DP7400 targets enterprise environments, featuring robust scalability, higher performance, and advanced hardware configurations for managing large-scale workloads.

While all three models run the ActiveProtect Manager (APM) software, their differences in hardware significantly affect their capabilities. The DP320 and DP340 share the same AMD Ryzen R1600 processor, but the DP340 includes more memory and dual 10GbE networking for faster data transfers. In contrast, the DP7400 is equipped with an AMD EPYC 7272 processor, offering vastly superior performance with 12 cores and 64GB of memory, making it capable of handling significantly more concurrent workloads. Storage configurations also differ, with the DP320 and DP340 providing limited scalability compared to the DP7400’s enterprise-grade RAID 6 configuration and SSD caching.

Specification	DP320	DP340	DP7400
Cluster Role	Follower	Follower	Controller (Manage up to 2500 servers or 150,000 workloads)
Form Factor	Desktop / 2 bays	Desktop / 4 bays	2U Rackmount / 12 bays
CPU & Cores	AMD Ryzen R1600 (2 cores)	AMD Ryzen R1600 (2 cores)	AMD EPYC 7272 (12 cores)
Suggested Backup Source	5 TB (20 Machines or 50 SaaS users)	14.5 TB (60 Machines or 150 SaaS users)	83.5 TB (350 Machines or 3300 SaaS users)
Storage Configuration	RAID 1 (2 x 8 TB HDD)	RAID 5 (4 x 8 TB HDD)	RAID 6 + 1 Spare (10 x 20 TB HDD) + 2 x 3.84 TB SSD
Memory	8 GB DDR4 ECC	16 GB DDR4 ECC	64 GB DDR4 ECC
Concurrent Built-in VMs	1	2	9
Network Interface	1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Management)	1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Management)	1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Management)
	1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Data Transfer)	1 x 10GbE RJ-45 (Data Transfer)	2 x 10GbE RJ-45 (Data Transfer)
Warranty	3 years	3 years	5 years

The differences in hardware extend to software functionality, with the DP7400 capable of acting as a controller in cluster configurations, managing up to 2500 servers or 150,000 workloads. In contrast, the DP320 and DP340 serve as follower nodes within larger systems or standalone backup solutions.

These differences make the DP320 ideal for small businesses with limited data needs, the DP340 a solid option for medium-sized organizations requiring moderate scalability, and the DP7400 a powerful solution for enterprise-grade environments demanding high performance, reliability, and expansive capacity.

Synology ActiveProtect Software

Synology ActiveProtect is a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery platform designed to meet the evolving needs of businesses. Unlike Synology’s traditional DSM (DiskStation Manager), which offers a multi-purpose operating system for general NAS management, ActiveProtect is a dedicated, backup-specific solution tailored to simplify data protection across various environments.

By consolidating multiple backup and data protection tools into a single, intuitive management system, ActiveProtect eliminates the need for disparate applications while focusing exclusively on backup efficiency and reliability. This separation from DSM allows ActiveProtect to introduce features like immutability, air-gapped backups, and global deduplication, ensuring data integrity and streamlined operations.

While DSM emphasizes versatility with applications like Synology Drive, Surveillance Station, and virtualization tools, ActiveProtect narrows its scope to backup and disaster recovery, making it an ideal solution for organizations seeking centralized, specialized data protection rather than a general-purpose NAS platform.

Synology ActiveProtect – The TL;DR Centralized Backup Management: Unified dashboard for managing backups across physical devices, virtual machines, and cloud platforms, integrating multiple DSM tools into one system. Customizable Protection Plans: Flexible schedules, retention policies, and backup destinations tailored to specific devices or workloads, with support for archive plans for inactive backups. Enhanced Data Security: Features immutability, air-gapped backups, and encryption, ensuring data protection against unauthorized modifications and external threats. Hybrid Backup Support: Integration with Synology C2 cloud services and remote storage solutions, including other Synology NAS devices and S3-compatible platforms. Recovery Options: Supports bare-metal restoration, file-level recovery via a dedicated portal, and instant VM restores to minimize downtime. Deduplication and Compression: Global and cross-site deduplication reduces redundant data and optimizes storage efficiency, improving backup speeds. User and Access Management: Role-based permissions, domain/LDAP integration, and SSO support allow for secure collaboration and administration. Infrastructure Integration: Compatible with VMware and Hyper-V for VM backups, with options for connecting to Synology NAS or other remote storage for added redundancy. Performance Monitoring and Control: Real-time insights into backups, storage trends, and bandwidth usage, with advanced options for managing network resources. Scalable Deployment: Suitable for small to medium-sized businesses, with options for larger setups using more advanced DataProtection models.

The ActiveProtect platform forms the operational backbone of the DP320, providing a centralized hub for backup management. The platform’s interface is clean and intuitive, offering administrators visibility into key metrics such as backup operations, supported devices, and data transfer rates. Features like immutability, air-gapped backups, and built-in virtual machine support enhance data security and disaster recovery capabilities. These features make ActiveProtect a reliable option for organizations that prioritize safeguarding critical business data. However, the platform’s highly focused feature set may not appeal to users accustomed to the versatility of DSM.

ActiveProtect provides granular control through customizable protection plans, allowing administrators to configure schedules, retention policies, and backup destinations. These plans can be applied to a wide range of devices, including local desktops, servers, and cloud tenants. Despite its flexibility, the platform restricts each device to a single active protection plan at a time. While this limitation simplifies management, it can be a hindrance for businesses with diverse and complex backup requirements, necessitating careful planning to optimize resource allocation and task execution.

The DP320 integrates seamlessly with Synology’s C2 cloud services and supports other remote storage options, enabling additional layers of redundancy. Administrators can configure backup copies to be stored in C2 Object Storage or compatible Synology NAS devices, creating a hybrid backup strategy that balances physical and cloud-based storage. This capability enhances disaster recovery readiness but requires careful adherence to compatibility requirements, such as activating object lock for C2 buckets. These features reflect Synology’s broader vision of integrating local and cloud resources for comprehensive data protection.

One notable absence is the support for DSM-specific features like Synology Drive and Hyper Backup, which have long been staples of Synology’s ecosystem. ActiveProtect’s narrowly defined feature set reduces deployment complexity but sacrifices the broader utility that DSM typically provides. By positioning ActiveProtect as a standalone platform, Synology is targeting businesses seeking an appliance-like solution tailored to specific backup needs. This decision, however, may alienate users accustomed to the multifunctionality of DSM-based systems.

The DP320’s performance aligns with its backup-oriented design. Initial backups on physical machines achieve average speeds of 45-60MB/s over a local network, with incremental backups completing more quickly, hitting swift turnarounds of 75-80MB/s. The device’s reliance on 1GbE networking, however, can become a bottleneck in environments with substantial data transfer demands. Although the hardware and software are optimized for reliable backup operations, the absence of higher-speed networking limits its applicability for data-intensive tasks, constraining its potential use cases in larger-scale environments.

User management within ActiveProtect is straightforward, offering granular permission settings for backup, restoration, and monitoring. The platform supports integration with domain and LDAP accounts, allowing smooth integration into enterprise networks. However, the lack of two-factor authentication raises concerns about access security, particularly for businesses handling sensitive data. Synology’s decision to exclude more robust security measures could limit the platform’s appeal to organizations with stringent compliance or security requirements, which may see this as a significant drawback.

Integration with Synology’s Active Backup for Business (ABB) provides additional value for existing users. ABB workloads can be migrated to ActiveProtect for centralized management, streamlining operations for businesses that already rely on Synology devices. However, some tasks, such as Synology NAS backups, remain confined to the ABB console. This partial integration creates a disjointed experience for administrators managing a mix of ActiveProtect and DSM-based devices, potentially complicating workflows for users navigating between the two ecosystems.

Support for hypervisors, including VMware and Hyper-V, expands the DP320’s utility in virtualized environments. The device allows instant restoration of virtual machines directly to a hypervisor, ensuring minimal downtime during disaster recovery scenarios.

Despite these capabilities, the lack of compatibility with Proxmox and Synology’s own Virtual Machine Manager (VMM) limits its applicability for organizations using alternative platforms. These compatibility gaps highlight areas where Synology could expand functionality to better meet diverse user needs.

The reliance on the BTRFS file system enables advanced features such as snapshot-based recovery and data deduplication. However, this reliance excludes EXT4 users from certain functionalities, such as the ability to create write-once-read-many (WORM) vaults.

This limitation could inconvenience users transitioning from legacy systems or alternative platforms. By focusing exclusively on BTRFS, Synology underscores its commitment to advanced data protection features, though at the expense of broader compatibility with older or less advanced setups.

ActiveProtect Manager showcases the DP320’s ability to handle diverse workloads, including physical servers and SaaS applications like Microsoft 365. Its user-friendly interface and guided wizards simplify the backup process, even for administrators with limited technical expertise.

However, the system’s scalability is constrained, particularly within the DP320’s hardware configuration, making it more suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. Larger enterprises with more complex needs may find the platform’s limitations restrictive.

The Synology DP320 marks a significant departure from Synology’s traditional NAS offerings, prioritizing dedicated backup functionality over the versatility of DSM. While it meets the needs of businesses seeking a reliable, appliance-like backup solution, it raises questions about the long-term direction of Synology’s product line.

By focusing on a more targeted use case, the DP320 provides a streamlined experience but sacrifices the breadth of capabilities that long-time Synology users have come to expect. Its reception will likely depend on how well it aligns with evolving business needs and user expectations.

Synology DSM vs ActiveProtect? A Fair Trade?

One of the primary limitations of ActiveProtect compared to Synology’s DSM platform is its lack of flexibility and broader functionality.

DSM is designed as a multi-purpose operating system, offering a rich ecosystem of applications such as Synology Drive for file synchronization, Surveillance Station for security management, and Virtual Machine Manager for virtualization needs. ActiveProtect, by contrast, is narrowly focused on backup and disaster recovery, which significantly limits its utility for users seeking an all-in-one solution.

This singular focus means that features many businesses rely on for daily operations are absent, potentially forcing organizations to maintain separate systems or devices to fulfill those needs. Furthermore, DSM allows for extensive customization, from app installations via the Package Center to advanced settings for network, security, and user management. ActiveProtect lacks these options, leaving users with fewer tools to adapt the system to their unique requirements.

Another drawback of ActiveProtect is its rigid hardware and software configurations. Unlike DSM, which supports a wide variety of Synology devices and configurations, ActiveProtect appliances such as the DP320 are prepopulated with specific hard drives and fixed storage setups. Users are unable to customize their hardware during the initial setup or add features like NVMe caching or 10GbE networking. This limited scalability may not meet the needs of businesses that require adaptable and expandable solutions.

Additionally, ActiveProtect does not offer support for third-party applications, further narrowing its capabilities compared to the more versatile DSM platform. These constraints, combined with the exclusion of DSM’s extensive suite of applications, make ActiveProtect a less appealing option for users who value flexibility and the ability to consolidate multiple workloads within a single system.

While its streamlined design and focus on backup simplicity benefit certain use cases, these sacrifices may leave long-time DSM users dissatisfied.

Synology DP320 ActiveProtect Review – Conclusion and Verdict

The Synology DP320 signals a deliberate shift in Synology’s approach, moving from the flexible, feature-rich DSM ecosystem to a more focused and specialized platform with ActiveProtect Manager. As a dedicated backup appliance, it excels in simplifying data protection for small-scale deployments, offering streamlined management, robust security features, and reliable performance. However, this narrowed scope comes at the cost of the versatility that has long been a hallmark of Synology’s devices. The absence of DSM’s broader ecosystem, including applications like Synology Drive and Surveillance Station, along with limited hardware expandability, highlights the DP320’s specific design for backup and disaster recovery.

This focus positions the DP320 as a gateway product, ideal for businesses prioritizing ease of use and centralized backup management without the complexity of a traditional NAS. However, for those accustomed to the flexibility and adaptability of DSM, the DP320 may feel restrictive. Additionally, the introduction of ActiveProtect Manager raises valid concerns about Synology’s commitment to DSM’s future development. ActiveProtect’s exclusivity and the resources required to support a separate software ecosystem may detract from DSM’s evolution, potentially impacting Synology’s broader user base.

The benefits of DSM-based NAS solutions, such as their application flexibility, expandability, and value across multiple use cases, remain unmatched in the industry. Devices powered by DSM continue to offer exceptional utility for businesses and individuals alike, from collaborative tools like Synology Drive to multimedia solutions and advanced backup features such as Hyper Backup and Snapshot Replication. For many users, these features provide significant value beyond simple data protection, making DSM NAS devices an integral part of diverse workflows.

While the DP320 effectively fills a niche as a dedicated backup appliance, its adoption should be weighed against the broader needs of an organization. It is particularly suited for businesses prioritizing a straightforward, low-maintenance backup solution. However, those requiring multi-purpose functionality or who rely heavily on DSM’s ecosystem may find better value in Synology’s traditional NAS offerings. Ultimately, the DP320 represents both an opportunity and a challenge for Synology as it balances the demand for focused solutions like ActiveProtect with the expectations of its long-standing user base.

Synology DP320 NAS Pros

Synology DP320 NAS Cons

Simplified, purpose-built design for backup and disaster recovery. ActiveProtect Manager offers centralized, intuitive management. Strong focus on security with immutability and air-gapped backups. Prepopulated with enterprise-grade drives for easy deployment. Efficient deduplication reduces storage overhead. Reliable performance for small to medium-sized businesses. Integration with Synology C2 cloud enhances hybrid backup strategies. Streamlined setup and management, ideal for less technical users. Competitive price per terabyte compared to purchasing a NAS and drives separately.

Limited hardware expandability compared to DSM devices. Lacks support for DSM’s broad application ecosystem. Absence of advanced networking options like 10GbE. Dependency on ActiveProtect limits compatibility with DSM. Long-term value may be questionable compared to the versatility of a DSM-powered NAS.

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