Just as significantly, the firmware that many companies are offering is now extensible. Most NAS boxes are Linux systems, and it’s often been possible to ssh in and install software on them. But several companies are currently offering something that looks suspiciously like an app store, where NAS users can do one-click installs of additional features.

via State of the NAS: private clouds and an app platform | Ars Technica.

The main challenge is that all these options add a degree of complexity to managing things, some on the NAS itself, and some in terms of integrating it with your router, software, etc. Finding the software and firmware with the right balance for you is probably more important than picking your hardware. Of the ones we’ve tried, we’re partial to Synology’s firmware (some of us exceedingly fond) because of its huge range of capabilities and frequent updates that add even more. But if you can, try a few