What's a good box to serve files on my local network, cross platform?

Question

I've installed CAT5e cable and gigabit switches in my house with the goal of having an "always-on" file server in the loft, accessible to both my macbook and my partner's Windows box. I'd like to find a solution which:

1. uses minimal power.
2. allows me to access as much disk bandwidth as possible.
3. provides glitch-free file access to both MacOS and Windows.
4. is as cheap as possible, while remaining reliable.

Optional, but desirable extras: software or hardware RAID; open source solutions.

A SheevaPlug with eSATA seems one possibility, but I'm sure there are any number of other good options.

Answer 1

For software, you can try: http://sourceforge.net/projects/freenas/

More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FreeNAS

Do you already have the hardware, or are you looking for hardware as well?

Answer 2

Take a look at Drobo

It supports -

• Gigabit Ethernet network
• Windows, Mac, or UNIX/Linux computer
• dual-drive redundancy
• Simple install and setup

Answer 3

I'm happy with my ReadyNAS

Drobo's another good solution.

If you want reliability, I recommend a RAID-based solution with swappable drives like these.

Answer 4

We just got the HP StorageWorks X510, there is a consumer edition of this too called hp media smart. It supports both Mac and PC and even Time Machine. And we actually use it as VM Ware Server too, so it's not just a dump NAS.

LaCie has something similar, but sexier in terms of look, but just with an Atom. So running a VM Ware server is not an option on that one (LaCie 5big Storage Server). It's also more expensive :-)