Remote work setup for graphic design team server
Remote work setup for graphic design team server
Hello, I'm looking for a reliable server or cloud service that fits my expanding graphic design team. We primarily use Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, plus some video editing (planning YouTube content). Most of us work remotely. When I began my business in 2016, I invested in a Synology DS 115 and two backup drives. This setup performed well until last year when I switched to Google Drive. Now my Synology drive mainly serves as a backup for those files. This year, I hired my first employee – honestly, it’s a bit silly – and bought a Mac Mini M1, which doesn’t support the Google Drive app (only beta). She has to constantly download and upload files. Not very convenient... (By the way, I use a MacBook Pro for daily tasks, so I prefer staying in the Apple ecosystem.)
Given my location in Germany and the team’s concerns about data privacy, I’m considering moving away from Google. I’m wondering if upgrading to a more powerful Synology NAS would help. The issue is: the Synology Drive app isn’t significantly better than Google Drive right now. I’ve noticed that sometimes the sync app repeatedly tries to update every file – it seems to just verify updates without actually syncing new content. This can delay transfers, sometimes by hours.
I also thought about hosting an OwnCloud, but the sync app isn’t available for the M1 model yet. Should I switch to a different Mac (possibly Intel-based)? Or use a VPN instead of relying on sync apps? I’m worried about handling large files (100MB–1GB) over a VPN.
I also want to emphasize privacy – storing data in Germany, possibly even at my own office, is important. Please share your thoughts. Should I upgrade my Synology NAS? What are your recommendations?
Thanks ahead of time,
Alex
P.S.: Note: This discussion should go to the Server / NAS forum.
Edited April 1, 2021 by Flamalex
For remote users working with big video files, I think a VDI setup is the most effective approach instead of file syncing tools. I recall a Linsus video titled “8 editors, one PC” that covers this topic. The key is creating a robust system with sufficient CPU and GPU power to handle your team. Assign each user a portion of the infrastructure and let them access it remotely. Then connect the powerful machine via standard file sharing protocols like NFS or CIFS so everyone can edit from anywhere. Syncing applications become challenging with large multi-GB files, especially when multiple people edit simultaneously—it often leads to issues.
Appreciate your prompt response. This could be a viable option for my team and me. I’ll need to try it out first, though it seems promising. Video editing isn’t part of our routine yet, but knowing a strong machine would help. I should do some more research since a $100k PC isn’t feasible for me, but I hope I can locate a reliable data center nearby where I can rent the required equipment and connection.