Synology reverses policy banning third-party HDDs (guru3d.com)

Article summary

Synology has reversed its policy of banning third-party hard drives from its NAS devices, allowing users to once again use drives from other manufacturers without restrictions. This decision comes after a backlash from customers and a decline in sales. The change is part of the release of DSM 7.3, which restores the flexibility that made Synology popular in the first place. Users can now choose from a wider range of drives, including those from Seagate, WD, and others.

Main themes

• Synology policy reversal
• NAS device compatibility
• Third-party hard drives
• Customer backlash
• Market competition

What commenters say

• Synology's reversal of its policy is a necessary step to regain customer trust and prevent further decline in sales.
• The company's decision to ban third-party drives was a misguided attempt to control the market and increase profits.
• Some users prefer Synology's ecosystem and apps, such as Photos and Video Station, and are willing to pay a premium for them.
• Alternative NAS options, such as Unifi UNAS, offer better value and flexibility, making them a viable choice for those who only need storage and not additional features.
• Synology's customer support and warranty claims process are inadequate and often frustrating for users.
• Building a custom NAS or using a different operating system, such as TrueNAS or Linux, can be a more cost-effective and reliable solution.
• The ability to use third-party drives is a key factor in choosing a NAS device, and Synology's reversal is a welcome change for many users.
• Some users are skeptical of Synology's intentions and believe that the company may try to implement similar restrictions in the future.