Synology, the Taiwanese company has been a household name globally for its wide range of NAS products for data management, backup, and storage solutions. Russell Chen, the Country Manager of Synology SAARC region spoke with TechPP on the backdrop of the launch of new advanced data management and security solutions against the rising ransomware threats in India earlier this month.
We conducted this interview with a new user in mind. We delved deeply into discussions about the primary user concerns of using NAS products, the most common problems Synology users face and how they address them, and the plans for Synology products and more. We also have a summary of this interview if you want to quickly grasp the core points without reading the full discussion.
Interview with Synology’s Country Head: Data Solutions for India’s SMBs and Future Plans
1. Who typically uses Synology products here in India? Are your solutions primarily aimed at large businesses, and small to medium enterprises, or are they also suitable for individual consumers?
Synologys products in India serve a diverse range of users, including various industries including public sectors, manufacturing, and professional services. Synology offers a broad spectrum of solutions, ranging from individual smartphone backups to comprehensive multi-site enterprise backup solutions. The majority of our market share about 70% is comprised of small to medium enterprises (SMBs).
2. Please tell us briefly about the range of products Synology currently offers in India.
Synology products cater to a diverse range of users in India, from individuals to large enterprises. Synology products are widely used by small and medium businesses (SMBs) market. Our best-selling product in India is DS923+, which offers scalable data storage solutions. On the other hand, industries such as manufacturing, media, entertainment, VFX, and AI-related businesses, which require volume-intensive, high-performance storage solutions, can rely on Synology’s diverse product lines to meet their demands.
Our flagship high-density storage server, the HD6500, and the all-flash server, the FS6400, are ideal choices for enterprises aiming to enhance their online editing performance and meet virtualization needs.
3. NAS systems offer many benefits, yet some believe cloud storage is easier to set up. How does Synology simplify the NAS setup process to accommodate users who may not be very tech-savvy?
Synology NAS systems indeed offer numerous benefits, such as enhanced data security, local data control, and cost-effectiveness. However, some users may perceive cloud storage as easier to set up. Synology addresses this concern by simplifying the NAS setup process through its centralized management system, DiskStation Manager (DSM).
DSM is an intuitive and user-friendly platform designed to streamline the setup and management of NAS devices. It offers a straightforward setup wizard that guides users through the initial configuration steps. Additionally, DSM provides a wide range of built-in applications and tools in the package such as file serving, data protection, and surveillance, without the need for advanced technical knowledge.
4. In a market full of options for network-attached storage, what sets Synology apart? Could you tell us about the features or services that make Synology a top choice for users?
Synology stands out in four key areas: software-hardware integration, scalability, easy deployment, and security. Beyond offering hardware, our solutions are designed by their powerful and user-friendly software. Also, internally, we have a dedicated cybersecurity team, the Product Security Incident Response Team – PSIRT, which addresses any reported vulnerabilities. Unlike the industry average of 60 days, our PSIRT team resolves vulnerabilities within an impressive 24-hour timeframe
In terms of service, we collaborate closely with our local partners and reputable system integrators in India to deliver comprehensive support.
5. Given the data breaches in India’s business sector last year, how has Synology adapted its cybersecurity solutions for its customers? Are there any personalized solutions that you have developed specifically for the Indian market?
In terms of prevention, Synology offers Secure SignIn, a secure login framework that employs multiple verification methods, including approved sign-ins, verification codes (OTP), and hardware security keys. We offer centralized backup protection covering virtual environments, physical servers, file servers, and personal computers.
Synology also offers snapshot protection for files and crucial data, against threats like accidental deletion and viruses. Administrators can configure scheduled snapshots and retention settings, ensuring efficient data management and recovery, even in scenarios involving ransomware attacks.
6. How does Synology engage with its community in India, especially being relatively new to this market? What kind of support and resources can Indian customers expect when they choose Synology?
Synology has had its presence in India over the past 15 years. Every year, we host year-end events for users to highlight our commitment to providing solutions across various industries. Additionally, we participate in specialized industry events to understand market demands and engage with educational institutions to foster relationships and gain insights.
In terms of service, we collaborate closely with our local partners and reputable system integrators in India to deliver comprehensive support.
7. Are there any new features or products in the pipeline that will enhance the user experience, particularly in terms of ease of use and data security?
Synology has some exciting new features and products in development aimed at improving user experience, with a particular focus on data storage scalability, ease of use, and data security. During Computex 2024, we will be launching a brand new product line focused on enterprise storage and dedicated data protection solutions.
8. What are some of the most common challenges that users encounter when setting up and using Synology NAS products, and what steps is Synology taking to address these issues?
Some common challenges users may encounter when setting up and using Synology NAS products include initial setup complexity, security concerns, and software updates. To support our users, we offer the Synology Community, the Synology Blog, and a dedicated FAQ & Tutorial Knowledge Center.
9. What are Synology’s long-term goals for its operations in India? Are there any upcoming projects or product launches that you are particularly excited about?
We are planning to host solution awareness events in major cities across India, in collaboration with our local channel partners. These events aim to enhance local penetration and educate audiences about the benefits of our storage solutions. Additionally, we are collaborating closely with our channel partners to establish Synology-dedicated experience centers. In the latter half of this year, Synology will present its annual mega event – Solution Day. This event will cater specifically to the Indian audience, offering a platform to unveil our latest innovations in business data management solutions.
Key Takeaways from Our Interview with Synology India
- Synology says they have diverse users. Their products are used in public sectors, manufacturing, and professional services. However, the company says the majority of their users about 70% are small to medium enterprises (SMBs).
- Synology offers a wide range of products. Their best-selling product in India is the DS923+, popular among SMBs.
- Generally, setting up a NAS for a non-techy person can be difficult. Synology offers a dedicated DiskStation Manager (DSM) that guides users through the setup process and offers a range of built-in applications for file serving, data protection, and surveillance.
- Synology offers centralized backup protection to help you protect your data in case of ransomware attacks. They also offer several security features like Secure SignIn, and hardware security keys to prevent data breaches.
- Synology is looking to expand its footprint in India by offering new products and updating its products through yearly events.
