Synology announces DSM 4.1 Public Beta

by: David McCabe, Windows Home Server MVP

Synology has announced a public beta of their latest iteration of DSM, DSM 4.1, for DiskStation and RackStation. I say iteration loosely because this looks like a very major update with some good changes to the software that controls and runs the hardware.  The update will be available on Synology’s website here.  Here are the highlights and you can find the official press release below.

DSM 4.1 adds Video Station Package – This new tool allows users to centralize and organize their video collections.  With support for USB tuners, it allows users to watch their favorite shows live, or even schedule recording for time-shifting playback.  DS video allows iOS users to manage Video Station and even watch shows on the run.

Cloud Station Package Update – The Cloud Station package has been updated to improve its usability.  In addition to private folders, Cloud Station now allows selecting up to 2 shared folders, allowing synchronizing files with broad groups of users.  Cloud Station also uses HTTPS encryption for increased security in transmission.  Cloud Station does all of this without requiring port forwarding.

DSM 4.1 beta brings a number of enhancements for home and small office users, from multimedia to file synchronization.

• Personal Audio Station allows for individual music libraries and playlists on the same DiskStation.
• DS photo+, DS finder, and DS audio are released for Windows Phone 7
• Improved thumbnail generation speed

DSM 4.1 also includes a number of new business-friendly features, such as:

• VAAI certification for improved performance with VMware®
• Bandwidth control by user by protocol
• Improved logging and IOPS monitoring for historical and real-time statistics
• Support for NTLMv2 and Kerberos v5 for enhanced ADS security
• Shared Folder Sync now allows synching many DiskStations to one for centralized backups

 

If you haven’t taken the time to look at Synology it’s looking like you should consider doing so.  The Video Station Package concept is intriguing and I can’t wait to try it out.  Stay tuned to the blog and podcast for more information on this beta.

Press Release

Synology Refines the DiskStation Manager Operating System- DSM 4.1 Now in Public Beta
Bellevue, Washington—Synology America Corp. today announced the public beta of its award-winning DiskStation Manager (DSM) operating system.  In common with previous iterations, DSM 4.1 beta continues Synology’s tradition of enhancing existing features and tools, and adding new ones; bringing additional value to existing and new customers alike.
“The beta launch of DSM 4.1 represents Synology’s continuing commitment to improve; to keep pushing the envelope forward for what NAS can do,” said Jason Bonoan, Product Marketing Manager at Synology America Corp.  “Not only are we offering an improved experience for home users, but business users can preview what’s coming down the pipe.”
The Highlights
As part of DSM 4.1, Synology announced the Video Station package.  This new tool allows users to centralize and organize their video collections.  With support for USB tuners, it allows users to watch their favorite shows live, or even schedule recording for time-shifting playback.  DS video allows iOS users to manage Video Station and even watch shows on the run.
The Cloud Station package has been updated to improve its usability.  In addition to private folders, Cloud Station now allows selecting up to 2 shared folders, allowing synchronizing files with broad groups of users.  Cloud Station also uses HTTPS encryption for increased security in transmission.  Cloud Station does all of this without requiring port forwarding.
DSM 4.1 beta brings a number of enhancements for home and small office users, from multimedia to file synchronization.
·         Personal Audio Station allows for individual music libraries and playlists on the same DiskStation.
·         DS photo+, DS finder, and DS audio are released for Windows Phone 7
·         Improved thumbnail generation speed
DSM 4.1 also includes a number of new business-friendly features, such as:
·         VAAI certification for improved performance with VMware®
·         Bandwidth control by user by protocol
·         Improved logging and IOPS monitoring for historical and real-time statistics
·         Support for NTLMv2 and Kerberos v5 for enhanced ADS security
·         Shared Folder Sync now allows synching many DiskStations to one for centralized backups
Synology DSM 4.1 Beta Reward Program

Synology will hand out a DS213air to the three beta testers who provide the most valuable assistance and feedback during the program. For more information, please go to http://synology.com/dsm/dsm4.1_beta.php?lang=us  (this page will not be available until day of release- Currently scheduled for July 10th, 2012)

Availability
Synology DSM 4.1 beta is free to download for users who own a DiskStation or RackStation x09 series and onward.
About Synology
Founded in April of 2000, Synology Inc. is a leader in next-generation Network Attached Storage (NAS) servers for the home and small to medium sized business markets.  Specializing in both hardware and software for network attached storage devices; Synology products are feature-rich, easy-to-use, energy-efficient, reliable and affordable.  All Synology product investments are enhanced with product warranties, free software upgrades and 24/7 online support. Visit http://www.synology.com for more information
Synology has a global presence with regional offices in the US (Bellevue, Washington), and the UK (London, England), Germany (Düsseldorf), and Taiwan (Taipei).
Press Contact
Jason Bonoan
marketing.us@synology.com
Synology America Corp.

Tags: beta, DSM, NAS, Synology

Category: Windows Home Server