FreeNAS VS TrueNAS | Truenas Core VS Freenas

While organizations move away from tape based storage media towards cloud based backups, there is still a need for high capacity, local based storage systems that are able to handle the ever increasing backup workloads even modest sized businesses require.

In this article, I'll provide an overview of two related open source storage operating systems, FreeNAS and TrueNAS, highlighting their key features and capabilities, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. 

I'll also compare the two solutions and explain the differences between them in terms of hardware requirements, licensing and support, user interface and management, data protection and management, scalability, and performance.

My goal is to help technical helpdesk services and other IT professionals in the United States make an informed decision when it comes to choosing between FreeNAS and TrueNAS.

Whether you're looking for a cost-effective solution for a small business or a high-performance system for a large enterprise, this article will provide you with the information you need to make the right choice.

TOP TIP: Documenting your requirements, expectations, and processes, you can ensure that your storage solution meets your needs and integrates seamlessly with your existing infrastructure. Documenting systems is only important if you value your reputation as a service provider.

Overview of FreeNAS and TrueNAS

FreeNAS and TrueNAS are two of the most popular open-source storage solutions available today. They are both based on the FreeBSD operating system and use the ZFS file system, which provides advanced features such as data integrity protection, snapshots, and compression. However, they have some key differences that can affect their suitability for different use cases.

FreeNAS

FreeNAS is a free and open-source storage solution that was first released in 2005. It is designed to be easy to use and to provide a wide range of features for home and small business users. FreeNAS can be installed on a variety of hardware, including desktops, servers, and embedded devices. It supports a variety of protocols and services, including NFS, CIFS/SMB, AFP, FTP, iSCSI, and more.

One of the key features of FreeNAS is its web-based management interface, which allows users to configure and monitor their storage system from anywhere using a web browser. The interface is intuitive and easy to use, and provides access to a wide range of settings and features. FreeNAS also includes a variety of plugins and add-ons, such as Plex, OwnCloud, and others, which can be installed to extend its capabilities.

FreeNAS has some limitations, however. It is primarily designed for use in smaller environments and may not be suitable for larger deployments. Additionally, it may not provide the same level of performance as some commercial solutions, particularly when it comes to handling large amounts of data.

TrueNAS

TrueNAS is a commercial storage solution based on FreeNAS. It was first released in 2016 by iXsystems, the company behind FreeNAS. TrueNAS is designed to provide enterprise-class features and performance, with a focus on reliability and scalability. It can be deployed on a variety of hardware, including servers and storage appliances.

One of the key features of TrueNAS is its advanced data protection and management capabilities. It includes features such as RAID-Z and RAID-Z2 for data redundancy, snapshots for point-in-time backups, and replication for offsite backup and disaster recovery. TrueNAS also includes advanced caching and performance tuning features, which can improve performance for demanding workloads.

TrueNAS is also designed to be easy to manage and monitor, with a web-based interface that provides access to a wide range of settings and features. It includes advanced monitoring and alerting capabilities, which can help administrators detect and resolve issues before they become critical.

Comparison of FreeNAS and TrueNAS

When it comes to comparing FreeNAS and TrueNAS, there are several key factors to consider. These include hardware requirements, licensing and support, user interface and management, data protection and management, scalability, and performance.

Hardware Requirements

FreeNAS can be installed on a variety of hardware, including desktops, servers, and embedded devices. It has relatively modest hardware requirements, with 8GB of RAM recommended for most use cases. TrueNAS, on the other hand, is designed to be deployed on dedicated hardware, such as servers or storage appliances. It has higher hardware requirements, with 32GB of RAM recommended for most use cases.

Licensing and Support

FreeNAS is free and open-source software, and is supported by a community of developers and users. Support is available through forums, documentation, and user groups. TrueNAS, on the other hand, is a commercial solution, and is supported by iXsystems. It includes professional support and maintenance, as well as access to software updates and patches.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you are trying to decide between TrueNAS and FreeNAS for your business, there are several factors to consider. Both platforms have their advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice for you will depend on your specific needs and budget.

TOP TIP: if you are unsure, it is always best to try out the free version so start with FreeNAS first and get to know it. You will then be able to make the decision with better information and will understand if paying for the commercial version is a worthwhile investment or not. 

Key Differences Between TrueNAS and FreeNAS

The biggest difference between TrueNAS and FreeNAS is the level of support offered and the fact that TrueNAS costs money. TrueNAS is a commercial product that is backed by iXsystems, a company that provides enterprise-level support and services. 

FreeNAS, on the other hand, is an open-source project that is community-supported. While there is a large community of FreeNAS users who provide support and assistance, there is no official support channel for FreeNAS.

Another difference between the two platforms is their target market. TrueNAS is designed for use in enterprise-level environments, while FreeNAS is more geared towards home and small business users. TrueNAS offers a range of enterprise-level features, such as advanced data protection and replication, while FreeNAS focuses more on basic file sharing and media streaming.

Choosing Between TrueNAS and FreeNAS

When deciding between TrueNAS and FreeNAS, it is important to consider your specific needs and budget. If you are a small business or home user with basic storage and file sharing needs, FreeNAS may be the best choice for you. It is a free and open-source platform that is easy to use and has a large community of users who can provide support and assistance.

However, if you are an enterprise-level business with advanced data protection and replication needs, TrueNAS may be the better choice. It is a commercial product that is backed by a company with a proven track record of providing enterprise-level support and services. While TrueNAS does come with a cost, the peace of mind that comes with having dedicated support and advanced features may be worth the investment.

Documentation and TrueNAS/FreeNAS

If you are a technology solutions provider who is considering using TrueNAS or FreeNAS for your clients, it is important to have thorough records in place. This documentation should cover installation, configuration, and troubleshooting procedures, as well as any customizations that have been made.

Technology solutions provider documentation can help ensure that your clients' systems are properly set up and maintained, reducing the risk of downtime or data loss. It can also help streamline the support process, allowing you to quickly and efficiently resolve any issues that may arise.

After analyzing the features and capabilities of FreeNAS and TrueNAS, both systems offer excellent storage solutions for individuals and organizations alike. However, my results show that TrueNAS has the edge over FreeNAS (at a cost) in terms of its advanced features, high availability options, and superior technical support.

TrueNAS backup application offers a range of advanced features that are not available in FreeNAS, such as the ability to support up to 12 petabytes of local storage, snapshots and replication, and data encryption at rest. 

Additionally, TrueNAS provides high availability options that ensure continuous availability of data and applications, which is essential for business-critical systems. Furthermore, TrueNAS has an extensive technical support network that is available to customers around the clock, providing a reliable and responsive support system for technical help desk services.

On the other hand, FreeNAS is an excellent option for those looking for a basic and cost-effective storage solution. Its open-source platform and straightforward user interface make it an ideal choice for individuals and small businesses with limited budgets. Moreover, its community-driven approach allows users to access a wealth of knowledge and support from other users in the community.

In conclusion, both FreeNAS and TrueNAS offer unique features and benefits that cater to different needs and budgets. However, my results show that TrueNAS is the clear leader when it comes to advanced features, high availability options, and technical support, making it the preferred choice for technical help desk services looking for enterprise-grade storage solutions.

Both FreeNAS and TrueNAS are reliable and versatile solutions for anyone looking at either buying a backup appliance or building their own NAS with FreeNAS. Thank you for reading our overview of Build Your Own NAS with TrueNAS. We hope this article has provided you with a solid foundation and understanding of this topic.

We have a number of other backup based hardware articles listed below that will provide you with more detailed information on a number of related topics:

https://optimizeddocs.com/blogs/backups/backup-hardware-index

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