Build compact shared storage around the DS423 when you need control over drive selection and a footprint that fits smaller server rooms, branch offices, or departmental deployments. As a diskless 4-bay DiskStation, it gives IT teams the freedom to source approved drives, define the storage profile, and avoid paying for bundled media that may not match the environment. This approach is especially useful when storage policy, vendor qualification, or lifecycle standardization matters. You can align the chassis with your own capacity plan and deploy it as a file server, backup target, or general-purpose NAS for a small team. Synology DSM provides the familiar management layer for provisioning and administration, helping reduce day-to-day overhead without hiding the underlying storage decisions. For organizations that want a compact system with room to grow, the DS423 offers a practical balance of flexibility, density, and control.