QNAP QuTS hero: Version 5.0 gets a new kernel

QNAP already released the finished version of its QTS 5.0 in October, and now the version that is specifically aimed at professional users follows. QuTS hero is ZFS-based and is supposed to adapt specifically to the needs that especially companies have in the field of NAS solutions. We take a look at what has changed in version 5.0.

Maximum data security

What is particularly important to enterprises when designing their network and server solutions? The protection of personal (customer) data. This is necessitated by increasingly frequent cyber attacks, even on small companies. This is where the new QuTS hero, with its coveted data integrity and many other important features, comes in handy. The latest version 5.0 relies on a revised kernel. This is not only intended to provide more security for the company’s own data. On top of that, a new feature called “Instant Clone” is also to be launched with the new kernel. In the context of a public announcement, QNAP has revealed where the journey with QuTS hero is to go.

Revised kernel

Of course, the version for professional customers does not differ in all points from the “conventional” QTS 5.0. Thus, a Linux kernel 5.10 is also used here. By the way, the same is supposed to receive support until December 2026. According to QNAP, the performance increase of the new kernel can be seen in a performance increase of the integrated NVMe SSDs. The kernel ensures that increased performance is extracted from the SSD through more efficiency. This is possible when the cache is accelerated. The introduction of QNAP QuTS hero also offers free support of exFAT on x86-based NAS systems as well. Thanks to WireGuard VPN and new security features, the manufacturer also promises more security and data protection.

Cache is used more efficiently

As already indicated, the new kernel is supposed to separate the cache to a certain extent for more performance efficiency. Specifically, this process separates write and read cache. This ensures that the workload is better distributed among different SSDs. The bottom line is that QNAP not only expects a higher performance of the entire system, but also a longer lifetime of the flash storage. Another new feature is Snapshot Instant Clone. This makes it possible to immediately copy snapshots from one NAS to another. The new Drive Analyzer also sounds exciting. With its help, you can see how long a drive will last.

This prevents an unintentional defect and ensures that you can quickly change the drive. The in-house cloud-based artificial intelligence is supposed to provide reliable results. Last but not least, QNAP also promises to have improved the image recognition in its QuTS hero 5.0. This seems to affect both photo and video recordings. Thus, you should now be able to benefit from a better recognition of faces and objects in QuMagic. In the QVR Face application, instant face recognition is now enabled as part of video analysis.