Local storage built for speed, scale and serious files

Not every team can rely on the cloud. For video editors, post-production studios and media-heavy teams, cloud syncing slows everything down. You need speed, structure and control — right on site.

LeftBrain designs and deploys high-performance network-attached storage (NAS) systems that deliver fast, secure, centralised access to large files.

We work with creative and production-focused businesses who need the kind of performance only local storage can provide.

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What is high-performance NAS?

NAS (network-attached storage) is a local server that stores and serves files over your internal network.

It gives your team fast access to shared files without depending on an internet connection or cloud sync.

Our high-performance NAS systems are designed for teams that:

• Work with large media files like 4K or RAW video
• Use industry-specific software that relies on fast file reads and writes
• Need real-time collaboration without latency
• Want to reduce cloud storage costs and bandwidth issues
• Require secure, structured access for hybrid teams or shared studios

We build systems that keep your team moving — not waiting on downloads.

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Why NAS instead of the cloud?

Cloud storage is flexible, but it has limits. For media and creative teams, those limits slow everything down.

NAS offers advantages that cloud storage often cannot match:

• Much faster speeds for local file access and transfers
• No delays or sync errors during collaboration
• Lower cost per terabyte over time
• Controlled access based on roles or teams
• Offline access during network outages or offsite editing
• Custom backup and retention setups
• Easier integration with existing office networks and editing suites

If your team spends more time waiting for files to sync than actually working on them, NAS is the solution.

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Our deployment process

We do not just drop in hardware. We design and maintain local storage infrastructure that fits your environment and workflow.

Step 1: Discovery

We assess your:

• Current storage setup and pain points
• File types, software tools and workflows
• User locations and device types
• Access control and compliance requirements
• Future growth plans and budget

We then recommend the right approach based on speed, resilience and scale.

Step 2: System design

We create a custom NAS setup that includes:

• Appropriate storage capacity and drive configuration
• RAID options for redundancy and performance
• Rack mounting, UPS and environmental controls
• Role-based folder structures and access settings
• Recommendations for cloud sync or backup integration

We typically work with trusted providers like Synology, QNAP and TrueNAS.

Step 3: Installation and migration

We:

• Set up and configure the hardware
• Create mapped network drives, access permissions and user groups
• Migrate your data from existing cloud systems, servers or drives
• Test read/write performance across your most used devices
• Document the structure, credentials and controls

We handle everything with minimal downtime and full communication.

Step 4: Ongoing support

We offer full managed support for your NAS, including:

• Remote monitoring for drive health and storage thresholds
• Firmware and security patch updates
• User and access changes
• Backup monitoring and disaster recovery planning
• Annual reviews to assess performance and future needs

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Security and resilience

Speed is only useful if your data is safe.

We build security into every NAS deployment:

• Role-based access controls and user groups
• Admin accounts protected by two-factor authentication
• Drive redundancy through RAID configuration
• Regular encrypted backups to cloud or offsite locations
• Firewall rules and remote access restrictions
• System logging and alerting for suspicious behaviour

We also support compliance with ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials and GDPR where required.

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What this unlocks for your business

For creative and production teams

• Faster access to heavy project files
• Smooth real-time collaboration in editing and design tools
• Local backup and recovery without dependency on cloud platforms

For operations and team leads

• Predictable local storage costs
• Easier control over who can access what
• Fewer interruptions from slow sync or offline assets

For IT managers and technical leads

• Structured file systems with clear permissions
• Centralised control and live performance monitoring
• Expandable systems with no need for major redesign

For security and compliance

• File access logging and group controls
• Backup and redundancy built in
• Data stored where you need it and controlled by you

“This network-attached storage project for our New Look photography studio went really well. I’ve got to be honest, for such a complex piece of work I expected there to be more issues. The occasional thing crops up and is dealt with quickly, but generally everything just seems to work, which is what you want.”