Network Attached Storage (NAS)

Your file shares are growing. Your backup window shouldn't.

Q: How does Compass back up NAS and unstructured data?

Cobalt Iron Compass protects NFS and SMB/CIFS file shares from NAS platforms such as NetApp, Dell, and Qumulo through the same SaaS platform that protects IBM i, x86, VMware, databases, and cloud — with deduplication, immutable copies, Zero Access® security, and a second-site DR copy available. No separate NAS backup product is required.

Unstructured data on NAS is the fastest-growing — and most overlooked — corner of the enterprise. Compass protects NAS shares and file data alongside every other workload, from one console and one license, with no separate NAS backup tool to run.

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How does Compass back up NAS and unstructured data? Compass protects network attached storage through the same SaaS platform, console, and policy engine that protect every other workload — no separate NAS backup product required.

Protects NFS and SMB/CIFS file shares from NetApp, Dell, Qumulo, and other NAS platforms
One SaaS platform, console, and policy engine — shared with IBM i, AIX, Power, x86, VMware, databases, and cloud
Deduplicated and compressed before storage, with immutable, encrypted copies and Zero Access® security
Same audit trail and recovery model as every workload — nothing separate to license or operate

Why NAS Is Hard

Unstructured data breaks traditional backup

Billions of small files

Dense file systems overwhelm legacy backup tools and blow through backup windows.Compass is built to scan and protect NAS at enterprise file counts.

Sprawling, unclassified data

NAS grows quietly across departments.Compass brings every share under one policy engine, one audit trail, and one recovery model.

A prime ransomware target

File shares are where ransomware spreads.Immutable copies and Zero Access® keep NAS backups isolated and recovery-ready.

What Compass Delivers

NAS protection without a NAS backup silo

NFS and SMB/CIFS file shares protected natively
Works across NetApp, Dell, Qumulo, and other NAS platforms
Deduplication and compression cut stored file data dramatically
Immutable, encrypted copies
Zero Access® security and Cyber Shield™ anomaly detection
Automatic cloud tiering for cold and archival file data
One console, one license — the same platform as IBM i, x86, and cloud

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Frequently asked questions

Which NAS platforms and protocols does Compass support?

Compass protects NFS and SMB/CIFS file shares across common NAS platforms including NetApp, Dell, and Qumulo, alongside physical, virtual, database, IBM i, and cloud workloads on the same platform.

Can Compass handle NAS with billions of files?

Yes. Compass is designed to scan and protect high-file-count, unstructured NAS environments efficiently, keeping backups inside your window as file systems grow.

How does Compass protect NAS backups from ransomware?

NAS backups are stored in immutable, encrypted form, monitored by Cyber Shield anomaly detection, and shielded by Zero Access® architecture — so file-share backups stay isolated and recovery-ready.

Do I need a separate product to back up NAS?

No. NAS protection is part of the Compass platform, using the same console, policies, pricing model, and DR copy as every other workload.

Bring your fastest-growing data under control

See how one platform protects every workload you run — in a 30-minute demo tailored to your environment.

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