The DSM-APM (Active Protect Manager) Debate: Which Synology Solution is Right for You?

Last updated on 13 Jan 2025 📧 Subscribe

Synology offers two distinct solutions for data management and protection: the traditional DSM-based NAS devices and the newer ActiveProtect DP Series appliances. Here’s a comparison to help you understand their differences and determine which might be more suitable for your needs:

Comparison Table: DSM-Based NAS vs. ActiveProtect DP Series

Feature DSM-Based NAS ActiveProtect DP Series
Purpose Multi-purpose: file storage, media streaming, virtualization, backups, and more. Specialized appliance dedicated solely to backup and disaster recovery tasks.
Operating System DiskStation Manager (DSM) with access to a wide range of applications via the Package Center. ActiveProtect Manager (APM), a streamlined OS focused exclusively on backup functionalities.
Hardware Configuration User-configurable with options to choose drives, expand storage, and upgrade components. Pre-populated with Synology’s own hard drives; limited or no hardware customization or expansion options.
Backup Management Requires separate applications for different backup tasks (e.g., Active Backup for Business). Unified backup management through a single interface, simplifying the backup process across various platforms.
Licensing Model Generally no additional licensing fees for backup applications; costs are primarily hardware-based. Subscription-based model with annual fees; the first few licenses may be free, but ongoing costs apply.
Advanced Features Supports a broad range of applications beyond backups, including media servers, surveillance, and more. Includes features like air-gapped backups and database backup support, enhancing security and data protection.
Scalability and Flexibility Highly flexible with support for various third-party drives and peripherals; suitable for diverse use cases. Designed for scalability in backup tasks but limited to Synology’s ecosystem; less flexibility in hardware choices.
Target Audience Suitable for both home users and businesses seeking a versatile NAS solution. Aimed at businesses requiring a dedicated, enterprise-grade backup appliance with streamlined management.

 

 

Synology’s ActiveProtect series introduces three distinct models—DP320, DP340, and DP7400—each tailored to specific organizational needs. Here’s a comparative overview to assist in selecting the appropriate model:

Comparison Table: Synology ActiveProtect Models

Feature DP320 DP340 DP7400
Form Factor Desktop / 2 bays Desktop / 4 bays 2U Rackmount / 12 bays
CPU AMD Ryzen R1600 (2 cores) AMD Ryzen R1600 (2 cores) AMD EPYC 7272 (12 cores)
Memory 8 GB DDR4 ECC 16 GB DDR4 ECC 64 GB DDR4 ECC
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
Network Interface 1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Management)
1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Data Transfer)		 1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Management)
1 x 10GbE RJ-45 (Data Transfer)		 1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Management)
2 x 10GbE RJ-45 (Data Transfer)
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 3,300 SaaS users)
Concurrent Built-in VMs 1 2 9
Warranty 3 years 3 years 5 years
Price Approximately €1,996 Approximately €4,991 Approximately €39,999 plus €1,800 for a three-year period for each additional clustered device beyond the first three.

All DP models compared

Model Form Factor CPU Memory Storage Configuration Network Interface Suggested Backup Source Concurrent Built-in VMs Warranty Price
DP320 Desktop / 2 bays AMD Ryzen R1600 (2 cores) 8 GB DDR4 ECC RAID 1 (2 x 8 TB HDD) 1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Management), 1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Data Transfer) 5 TB (20 Machines or 50 SaaS users) 1 3 years Approximately €1,996
DP340 Desktop / 4 bays AMD Ryzen R1600 (2 cores) 16 GB DDR4 ECC RAID 5 (4 x 8 TB HDD) 1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Management), 1 x 10GbE RJ-45 (Data Transfer) 14.5 TB (60 Machines or 150 SaaS users) 2 3 years Approximately €4,991
DP7400 2U Rackmount / 12 bays AMD EPYC 7272 (12 cores) 64 GB DDR4 ECC RAID 6 + 1 Spare (10 x 20 TB HDD) + 2 x 3.84 TB SSD 1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Management), 2 x 10GbE RJ-45 (Data Transfer) 83.5 TB (350 Machines or 3,300 SaaS users) 9 5 years Approximately €39,999
DP5200 1U Rackmount AMD Ryzen R1600 (4 cores) 16 GB DDR4 ECC RAID 5 (6 x 8 TB HDD) 2 x 10GbE RJ-45 (Data Transfer) 25 TB (100 Machines or 250 SaaS users) 4 3 years Approximately €8,500
DP7300 2U Rackmount AMD EPYC 7282 (16 cores) 64 GB DDR4 ECC RAID 6 + 1 Spare (12 x 18 TB HDD) 1 x 1GbE RJ-45 (Management), 2 x 10GbE RJ-45 (Data Transfer) 100 TB (400 Machines or 3,500 SaaS users) 10 5 years Approximately €45,000

 

Key Differences:

  • Performance and Scalability:
    • DP320: Suited for small-scale deployments with modest performance needs.
    • DP340: Offers enhanced performance and storage, ideal for medium-sized businesses.
    • DP7400: Designed for large enterprises, providing high performance and extensive scalability.
  • Network Capabilities:
    • DP320: Basic connectivity with 1GbE ports.
    • DP340: Improved data transfer speeds with a 10GbE port.
    • DP7400: Advanced networking with dual 10GbE ports for high-throughput environments.
  • Storage and Backup Capacity:
    • DP320: Supports up to 5 TB of backup sources.
    • DP340: Accommodates up to 14.5 TB of backup sources.
    • DP7400: Handles up to 83.5 TB of backup sources, suitable for extensive data protection needs.

Considerations for Selection:

  • Deployment Scale:
    • DP320: Ideal for small businesses or departments with limited data protection requirements.
    • DP340: Fits medium-sized organizations seeking a balance between performance and capacity.
    • DP7400: Best for large enterprises needing robust, scalable backup solutions.
  • Budget:
    • The DP320 offers an entry-level price point, while the DP340 and DP7400 represent higher investments corresponding to their enhanced capabilities.
  • Future Growth:
    • Consider potential data growth and select a model that can accommodate future expansion without requiring immediate upgrades.

For detailed specifications and the latest pricing, refer to Synology’s official datasheets:

Selecting the appropriate model depends on your organization’s specific data protection needs, performance requirements, and budget constraints.

 

Why Choose ActiveProtect Over DSM-Based NAS?

  • Dedicated Backup Solution: If your primary need is a robust, enterprise-grade backup system without the additional functionalities of a traditional NAS, ActiveProtect offers a purpose-built appliance optimized for this task.
  • Simplified Management: ActiveProtect provides a unified interface for managing backups across various platforms, reducing complexity and administrative overhead compared to managing multiple backup applications on a DSM-based NAS.
  • Enhanced Security Features: With built-in support for air-gapped backups and immutable storage, ActiveProtect offers advanced data protection measures that may not be readily available or as integrated within the DSM ecosystem.
  • Pre-Configured Hardware: ActiveProtect appliances come pre-populated with Synology’s enterprise-grade drives, ensuring optimal performance and reliability out of the box, which can be advantageous for businesses seeking a turnkey solution.

Considerations:

  • Cost: ActiveProtect operates on a subscription-based model, which may lead to higher long-term costs compared to the one-time hardware investment of a DSM-based NAS.
  • Flexibility: DSM-based NAS devices offer greater versatility with support for a wide range of applications beyond backups, making them suitable for users seeking a multi-functional device.
  • Hardware Customization: If you prefer to customize hardware components or use third-party drives, DSM-based NAS devices provide more flexibility compared to the fixed configurations of ActiveProtect appliances.

Ultimately, the choice between a DSM-based NAS and an ActiveProtect appliance should be guided by your specific needs:

  • For a versatile, multi-purpose NAS with extensive application support, a DSM-based device is appropriate.
  • For a dedicated, streamlined backup solution with advanced data protection features, ActiveProtect is the better fit.


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