Synology Technology Empowers Data Value Realization

In this age of the digital economy, the emergence of massive data has transformed into a core production element, profoundly influencing not only business operations but also the very essence of commercial modelsThe rapid pace of data generation, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning, underscores the critical importance of effectively managing and utilizing this dataUnlike traditional resources which can be scarce and competitive in nature, data is characterized by its non-rivalrous and non-exclusive properties, gaining its full potential only within specific business contexts.

As technology evolves, so too do the demands on data utilization, a trend that has caught the attention of regulatory bodiesThe National Data Bureau has proposed the 'Data Element X Three-Year Action Plan', emphasizing the necessity to merge AI technologies into the fabric of data operations and create exemplary scenarios that showcase the collaborative, reusable, and synergistic potential of data elements

This strategic vision marks a pivotal moment in the quest for harnessing data's value effectively across industries.

Looking toward the future, the digital transformation of industries presents a dual challenge: how to unlock the full, secure, and efficient potential of data elementsThis is a crucial question for companies striving for digital and intelligent upgrades and also represents a central mission for the data storage sector.

In this landscape, Synology Technology has emerged as a prominent innovator, exploring and enhancing the capabilities of data storage solutionsHaving invested years into the global storage market, Synology is leveraging a platform-based strategy to accelerate the development of a comprehensive product lineThis strategic move aims to unlock the full value of data elements, ensuring that businesses across various sectors can establish a robust digital foundation for their transformations.

Historically, data applications were confined in both scope and volume; demands were straightforward and predictable

• AWS Cloud Resilience: A Deep Dive
• Challenges of Global Economic Recovery
• Gold Prices Continue to Fluctuate
• US CPI Data is Here!
• BYD: Gasoline Cars Losing Ground

However, with the convergence of the digital and physical economies, alongside the rise of technologies such as cloud computing and big data, the explosion of diverse data types has reframed storage needs dramaticallyThis shift also accompanies an acute increase in data-driven operations which bring forth unprecedented challenges in data security and protection.

The security landscape has evolved, with industries now facing rampant threats, including the escalating prevalence of ransomware attacksAccording to Zscaler's '2023 Global Ransomware Report', ransomware attacks escalated by 37.75% year-over-year, highlighting the urgent need for businesses to bolster their data security measuresThe rise of ransomware underlines how vulnerable organizations are to data breaches, demanding an advanced framework for safeguarding sensitive information.

Moreover, the digital transformation process has led to a surge in applications driven by data, intensifying the requirements for data backup and management

Businesses are increasingly moving toward an 'always-on' model, whereby continuous access to data is imperativeThis presents a challenge, as traditional backup systems struggle to meet demands for capacity, scalability, and business continuity.

Recognizing these emerging needs, Synology proposes innovative solutions that cater to the evolving landscape of data applicationsWith a keen understanding of the complexities presented by various threats—such as ransomware, human error, and natural disasters—Synology emphasizes the growing importance of data protectionThe unveiling of the ActiveProtect backup appliance during the Synology 2024 Data Application Conference represents the company’s commitment to providing robust backup solutions tailored for modern enterprises.

Previously, businesses had to manage multiple data backup systems tailored to specific applications

The ActiveProtect appliance revolutionizes this outdated approach by integrating Synology's ActiveProtect Manager (APM) operating system, offering a unified platform that meets the demands of multi-site deployment and cross-platform device protectionThis innovation allows for features such as immutable backups, air-gap offline backups, and comprehensive deduplication, efficiently managing diverse data application strategies and tasks from a single interface.

Taking ransomware as a case in point, more and more organizations are grappling with its consequencesWith years of research and exploration, Synology has developed a 'golden architecture' for data protection that combines seamless backup solutions with swift restoration processesThe backup solutions provided ensure data integrity and accessibility after backup, prohibiting unauthorized alterations while isolating the data from potential attacks

Consequently, the ActiveProtect appliance simplifies the deployment, management, and application of backup solutions, empowering enterprises to navigate the new terrain of data security.

After years of digital transformation, many companies find themselves with extensive datasets but lack the tools necessary to convert this data into actionable insightsA productivity platform becomes essential to leverage this data effectively, ultimately realizing the value locked away within a vast pool of information.

Most businesses operate through various applications, with data residing in silos across different departmentsThese information bottlenecks hinder the full potential of data integration and collaborationAs a solution, enterprise cloud storage has gained traction, enabling organizations to synchronize and share data, laying the groundwork for the development of a productivity platform.

Synology Drive exemplifies this approach, facilitating seamless data flow across organizational boundaries, thereby addressing issues of data fragmentation and isolation and promoting data engagement across departments.

If cloud storage constitutes the foundational layer of data usage within an enterprise, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) serves as the enhancement needed for maximizing data value

At the recent Synology conference, the introduction of AI Console marked a significant step forward, incorporating generative AI technology within the Synology Drive, Office, and MailPlus services, thus streamlining collaborative document processing and communication.

As generative AI gains momentum, studies by firms such as McKinsey indicate its potential to unlock trillions in economic growth by embedding AI within various industry sectorsDespite its promise, employing generative AI effectively involves navigating several challenges—identifying suitable application scenarios, selecting pertinent models, and maintaining data security and privacy standards.

In light of these challenges, Synology is focusing on integrating generative AI into office environments, leveraging its well-established Synology Office SuiteThe objective is to enhance operational efficiency while abstracting the complexity of generative AI integration, thus ensuring secure management and application of AI technologies.

The journey from the ActiveProtect backup appliance to the AI Console clearly showcases Synology’s accelerated transformation

Innovations across both product breadth and solution depth have marked a significant evolution in the company’s offerings.

Two pivotal factors drive Synology’s robust development trajectory: the strategic commitment to application platforms and its focus on developing products that offer diverse professional functionalitiesThis platform-based model facilitates comprehensive data storage solutions tailored to new demands emerging from vast data applications.

The concept of platforming data storage—emphasizing a holistic approach from hardware to software—addresses an array of storage needs while simultaneously filtering into various operational environmentsThis fundamental shift is not without its complexities, for creating a robust platform necessitates a deep reservoir of technical expertise, integrated product capabilities, and collaborative ecosystems.

Now, it’s evident that Synology’s platformization strategy has achieved notable success

Their comprehensive product offerings encompass a wide range of storage solutions—highlighting the FS all-flash series to the ActiveProtect appliances—meet diverse needs across various business scales.

For instance, at the recent conference, Synology introduced the GS series—a horizontally scalable storage solution designed to suit the evolving landscape of AI training scenarios, thereby enriching its product line further.

Add to this the expansion of Synology’s user base from personal consumer segments to catering to SMEs and larger enterprises, showcasing its capability to meet diverse needs within various operational contexts.

Critically, Synology’s open ecosystem strategy has fostered extensive collaboration with major players in the cloud spacePartnerships with industry leaders such as Alibaba Cloud and Tencent Cloud indicate a robust approach to multi-cloud environments, allowing efficient data circulation and application.

In conclusion, the advent of the AI era is reshaping the data storage landscape at a rapid pace