Distribution Partner

Synology

DiskStation NAS — the SMB / mid-market storage standard.

Y5 distribution since 2023

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Overview

What this brand is._

Synology's DiskStation NAS systems dominate the SMB-to-mid-market storage segment, powered by DSM (DiskStation Manager) — arguably the most polished NAS operating system available. Beyond raw storage, DSM bundles file sharing, backup, surveillance station (NVR functionality), virtualisation, and active directory. Y5 deploys Synology as the centralised storage / backup hub on nearly every multi-user office project, and the Surveillance Station is sometimes specified instead of a dedicated NVR for SMB CCTV.

Best-in-class NAS OS, integrated surveillance station that replaces a dedicated NVR for SMB deployments, and an ecosystem of one-click apps (Drive, MailPlus, Chat) that doubles as a private cloud suite. Strong fit for offices that don't want O365 / Workspace lock-in.

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Y5 position

Why we stock them._

Synology punches above its weight on the BoQ: a single DS923+ NAS becomes file server, backup hub, surveillance NVR (for up to ~8 cameras), and private cloud drive — replacing 3-4 line-items on a traditional office spec. For coworking, multi-tenant offices, and clinics, this consolidation matters financially and operationally. Y5 deploys Synology as the default centralised storage on most office projects and pairs it with UniFi Protect or VIGI NVRs only when camera counts exceed Surveillance Station's licensing economics.

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What sets them apart

Key differentiators._

DSM operating system — best-in-class NAS UX, arguably the best storage OS overall
Surveillance Station replaces dedicated NVRs for SMB deployments
Active Backup for Business — free, included, replaces $$$ enterprise backup tools
Synology Drive provides a Dropbox / OneDrive alternative without per-seat fees
Btrfs filesystem with snapshots, replication, and integrity checking by default

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Hero products

What we ship most._

DS923+

4-bay SMB NAS, 10G expansion, ECC RAM.

DS224+

2-bay entry SMB NAS, suitable for offices up to 30 users.

RS1221+ rackmount

8-bay rack NAS for mid-market deployments.

Surveillance Station license

Bundled with Synology hardware for IP camera NVR functionality.

Active Backup for Business

Free DSM app — backs up Windows endpoints, file servers, VMs.

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Engineering notes

How we spec it._

DS923+ is the SMB default — 4-bay, ECC RAM, 10G expansion via add-on card. DS224+ for 2-bay entry deployments (up to ~30 users). RS1221+ rackmount for mid-market or when rack-form is preferred. Always populate with WD Red Pro or Seagate IronWolf Pro — desktop drives void NAS warranty and lack RV sensors. Surveillance Station includes 2 camera licenses; additional licenses are paid one-time, ~₹4-5K per camera. For backup hub deployments, allocate 30% capacity overhead for Hyper Backup retention windows. DSM 7.x dropped some legacy features (e.g. SHR-2 on smaller models) — verify capability per model.

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History

How they got here._

Synology was founded in 2000 in Taipei by ex-Microsoft engineers with a focus on what would become DSM (DiskStation Manager) — initially a polish-first NAS operating system at a time when most NAS appliances ran clunky third-party firmware. DSM matured through annual major releases (currently DSM 7.2), adding file sync, surveillance, virtualisation, and active backup as first-class apps. The company never pivoted away from the NAS form factor; instead it deepened the software stack. India presence operates through authorised distribution channels; Y5 became a Distribution Partner in 2023 as customer demand for private-cloud storage accelerated after public-cloud price scrutiny.

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Where it fits