Cloud storage has been promising simplicity for years, but in practice, many IT departments have experienced the fine print: fragmented subscriptions, unpredictable bills, and architectural decisions driven by transfer costs or API call limits. In this context, QNAP has announced the official launch of myQNAPcloud One, a subscription service aimed at “unifying” two needs that are usually managed separately: NAS backups and S3-compatible object storage.
The approach is straightforward: a single purchased capacity that can be allocated between myQNAPcloud Storage (focused on backups) and myQNAPcloud Object (designed for object data). The company frames this move as a response to a pattern that has become standard in many organizations: on one side, remote NAS backup as part of the continuity plan; on the other, the growth of applications and data flows that fit better into an S3 bucket than a “file repository”.
A “storage pool” for two distinct uses
The key differentiator of myQNAPcloud One is that it doesn’t require purchasing two separate services for scenarios that increasingly coexist: backup and object storage. According to QNAP, users can use the same quota across both modes based on actual needs at the moment, avoiding the typical over-provisioning of “just in case” when products are billed separately.
Practically, this suits a very specific profile: small and medium enterprises and small IT teams seeking an operational solution, as well as integrators and service providers looking to standardize procedures for backup, archiving, and application data.
“Predictable” pricing… with fair use policy
QNAP’s launch message emphasizes the industry’s common pain point: predictability. myQNAPcloud One offers plans starting from 1 TB and, according to the company, there are no additional charges for data transfer or API requests, which is especially relevant as object storage usage grows and traffic becomes less “linear”.
However, QNAP also mentions a fair use policy that manages resources like concurrency. Translated: the service aims to keep costs stable but dynamically manages certain resource consumption to prevent abuse or spikes that could compromise the platform.
Regarding pricing, QNAP places the monthly plan for 1 TB at starting at $8.39 per month, with an annual plan offering savings—approximately $6.99/month for 1 TB (based on the annual plan calculation). While this figure alone doesn’t determine total cost of ownership, it signals an intent: to compete in the realm of simplicity, not just technical but also commercial.
Immutability: a must-have feature
In recent years, the backup conversation has shifted tone. It’s no longer only about RPO/RTO; now it’s about resilience against ransomware. In this area, QNAP highlights the integration of immutability via “object lock” features to protect data from accidental deletion or unauthorized manipulation, while also helping meet compliance requirements in regulated sectors.
This is practically important: in a real incident, the problem isn’t usually “no backup,” but “backup was also exposed.” Immutability has become the safety belt that distinguishes a serious recovery plan from an optimistic procedure.
Integration with NAS and daily management features
Apart from the headline, QNAP emphasizes integration with NAS backup workflows, positioning myQNAPcloud One as a remote destination with simplified management. It also offers features aimed at everyday use, not just emergencies: monitoring user activity for 180 days, file sharing with expiration, and the ability to keep up to 100 versions of a file within the backup service.
These are details that might seem minor until they’re needed: basic audit trails after an incident, temporary links for sharing information with third parties, or version recovery when a problem isn’t a massive encryption but human error.
13 data centers and the promise of reasonable latency
QNAP also highlights the global availability of the service, citing 13 data centers to offer access with lower latency and stable performance. Without entering size comparisons, the message is clear: if remote storage as part of everyday operations (not just a “disaster box”), then access experience and reliability are as important as price.
What this means for the market: less friction for the “hybrid model”
The cloud hasn’t replaced NAS; it has repositioned it. Many organizations want to continue managing data locally for cost, control, or performance reasons, but at the same time, they need cloud layers for external backups, sharing, retention, and scalability. myQNAPcloud One aims to sit in that middle ground: a cloud service integrated with the NAS ecosystem, with an S3 object storage layer to address use cases that no longer fit well with traditional file models.
If the offering resonates, its value isn’t just “having cloud,” but reducing friction: fewer contracts, fewer irreversible decisions, and more flexibility to align consumption with operational realities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is myQNAPcloud One, and who is it for?
It’s a QNAP subscription service that allows sharing capacity between NAS backups and S3-compatible object storage. It can serve small and medium businesses, offices, and IT teams seeking to unify remote backups and application data without subscribing to two separate services.
What does S3 object storage offer compared to a file repository?
The S3 model is designed to scale with many objects, integrate with applications and automation, and work well with unstructured data (logs, application files, media, datasets). It doesn’t replace a NAS but complements modern workflows.
How does immutability (object lock) help protect against ransomware?
It allows certain data to be locked from deletion or modification for a set period. During an attack, this reduces the risk that the attacker destroys copies or alters history, enabling a clean recovery.
Does myQNAPcloud One have extra costs for data transfer or API calls?
According to QNAP, the service does not include additional charges for data transfer or API requests, though it features a fair use policy regulating resources like concurrency and system allocation.