Hitachi Universal Volume Manager vs Synology Photos
Hitachi Universal Volume Manager
hitachivantara.com
Synology Photos
synology.comSide by side
| Figure | Hitachi Universal Volume Manager | Synology Photos |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Storage Migration Software | 7.3 (#16) | 8.2 (#4) |
| Headquarters | Santa Clara, California, USA | Banqiao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan |
| Purpose | Universal Volume Manager virtualizes storage devices so different storage system models can be used as one storage system. | Synology Photos provides photo and video browsing, management, sharing, search, album grouping, upload, and preview workflows in DSM. |
Plans
Hitachi Universal Volume Manager
- Universal Volume Manager licensePriced on request
In their own words
Hitachi Universal Volume Manager
Hitachi Universal Volume Manager connects external block storage to a local storage system and maps its volumes for host access. Hosts can use those mapped volumes in the same way as volumes held in the local system. Documented uses include assigning external volumes to hosts, backup, and moving data from an older storage system. Connections use Fibre Channel; iSCSI is also available for VSP One Block. The guide identifies supported third-party systems and provides a generic Fibre Channel profile for systems that meet part of the standard SCSI Primary Commands set. Operations are available through the REST API, Storage Advisor Embedded, and CCI. Mapped volumes can be used with other storage products, including Dynamic Provisioning, TrueCopy, ShadowImage, and Universal Replicator. For VSP One Block, up to 4,096 external storage systems and eight mapping paths per external volume are supported. Each mapped external volume is limited to 256 TB; data above that capacity cannot be accessed. The feature requires a license on the local storage system, and pricing is on request.
Synology Photos
Synology Photos is a photo and video management service in DSM for browsing, organizing, searching, sharing, uploading, and previewing media. It requires a Synology NAS for private photo storage, and its mobile app can back up photos and videos to that NAS automatically. Users can share individual items or albums through links with passwords or expiration dates. Shared Space lets selected users collaborate, with access and editing rights assigned by folder. Organization tools include custom and conditional albums, automatic grouping, and facial and object recognition on supported NAS models. RAW files are supported; previews for HEIC/HEVC files and compressed videos require Synology Image Assistant. Mobile apps require iOS 16 or later or Android 11 or later; TV apps support Apple TV and Android TV. Chrome and Safari are recommended for web use. Synology Photos is free, with no paid premium tiers listed.