Choose Storage Scheme

Where to Store Your DAM Files: Server, NAS, or Cloud?

When setting up your DAM system, one of the first decisions is where the asset files will live: on the local disks of the server that runs the DAM application, on a separate NAS (Network Attached Storage) device, or in cloud storage.

All three approaches are supported — the right choice depends on your storage size, budget, team locations, and how you work with files. Storing files on the server gives you the best performance and reliability, a NAS offers inexpensive capacity for large archives, and cloud storage adds off-site safety and access for remote teams.

Choose your scenario below to see the pros, cons, and setup recommendations for each option:

• Storing files on the server — everything on one machine: maximum speed, fewer points of failure. Recommended for most installations.
• Storing files on a NAS — a separate storage device on your network: cheap capacity for large archives, easy sharing with other teams.
• Storing files in the cloud — Amazon S3, Azure, or similar: off-site safety, unlimited capacity, and access from anywhere.