Synology DSM vs ActiveProtect – The Future of Synology?

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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