In short
A NAS stores files on your own device in the office: fast local access, no per-user fees and data under your control. The cloud needs no hardware and makes access from anywhere easy, for a recurring fee. Many businesses work from the NAS and use the cloud as an off-site copy, or collaborate in the cloud with the NAS as a backup.
Comparison
| Aspect | Own NAS | Cloud |
|---|---|---|
| Where data lives | In your office, on your device. | In the provider’s data centres. |
| Cost | Upfront investment and maintenance. | Recurring fee per user or space. |
| Speed in the office | Very high, over the local network. | Depends on the internet connection. |
| Remote access | Via VPN or the vendor’s secure services. | Direct from anywhere. |
| Large files | Well suited (drawings, video, photography). | Limited by upload speed. |
| Backup | Needs an off-site copy. | Your own copy of cloud data is advisable. |
When each fits
- NAS: architecture, photography or video studios with large files; businesses wanting control over where data lives.
- Cloud: highly distributed teams, no office or heavy real-time document collaboration.
- Combined: NAS for work and storage, with selective sync and an encrypted cloud copy.