Qnap, Microsoft and Paragon Releasing exFAT Driver for NAS

Qnap Systems, Inc. has teamed up with Microsoft Corp. and Paragon Software Group Corp. to provide an official exFAT driver customized its NAS, allowing users to directly access the contents of exFAT-based storage.

Compared to the conventional FAT32 file system and its 4GB single file limit, the exFAT file system is optimized for fast and high-capacity flash memory such as SD cards and USB devices, and allows for files of up to 16EB.

“We are pleased to partner with Qnap on the technology solutions in NAS that will meet consumer needs in the 4K era and beyond,” said Micky Minhas, VP and associate general counsel, Microsoft.

“The exFAT file system is becoming increasingly popular for SD cards and other storage devices due to the limitations of FAT32. With the purchase and installation of the exFAT driver, our users can now directly access their exFAT-based storage using their NAS,” said Ripple Wu, product manager, Qnap.

The exFAT driver is available for purchase from the firm’s license store for $3.99.

Note: The exFAT driver can only be installed on QTS 4.3.0 (or newer). Models that do not support QTS 4.3.0 cannot use the exFAT driver. The X10, X12, X20, X21, TS-269H and other discontinued models do not support the exFAT driver.