Synology DSM 7.4: AI-Guided NAS Management and Storage Efficiency

Synology DSM 7.4 introduces an AI advisor, on-premises collaboration apps, and storage efficiency features that redefine how enterprises manage NAS infrastructure.

IT teams managing growing volumes of unstructured data face a recurring dilemma: how to apply AI productively where the data lives, without surrendering control over privacy, infrastructure, or operational complexity. Synology DSM 7.4, announced on June 16, 2026, addresses this challenge by embedding contextual AI guidance directly into the NAS operating system while expanding enterprise-grade collaboration and storage efficiency capabilities.

What was announced

Synology released DiskStation Manager 7.4, the next major version of its NAS operating system. The release introduces DSM Agent, an embedded AI advisor that offers contextual recommendations inside the DSM interface to simplify advanced configuration and proactive system management. A future DSM Agent 2.0 update will extend the assistant into agentic workflows, enabling natural-language monitoring of system health, backup validation, document editing, and automation across the Synology ecosystem.

DSM 7.4 also debuts open betas of Synology ChatPlus and Synology Meet, on-premises communication tools with granular permissions and AI-powered live translation for multinational teams. Synology Drive adds AI Search for systems with GPU support, using on-device embedding models to find content within text, images, and documents through natural-language queries. A new Storage Efficiency feature brings post-processing deduplication and compression to HDD-based volumes, reducing storage footprint with flexible scheduling that avoids performance impact.

As AI becomes more capable, the real challenge is no longer building intelligence itself, but putting it to work where data lives. With DSM 7.4, we are providing users with a platform where AI drives greater productivity and smarter management, while keeping them in full control of their data and infrastructure

Why this matters

For CIOs, CISOs, and IT directors, DSM 7.4 reframes the NAS as an active platform for AI-assisted operations rather than passive storage. Embedding contextual guidance inside the OS lowers the skill barrier for advanced administration, reducing dependency on specialist staff and accelerating onboarding. On-premises collaboration tools with live translation and granular permissions answer growing data sovereignty and compliance requirements, particularly for organizations restricted from using public cloud SaaS.

For procurement leaders, the new Storage Efficiency feature for HDD volumes translates directly into lower cost-per-terabyte and extended hardware lifecycles, with measurable savings on capacity expansion projects.

Technical details

• DSM Agent: built-in AI advisor providing contextual recommendations based on NAS model, DSM version, and active services. Available Q3 2026.
• DSM Agent 2.0: upcoming update enabling agentic workflows via natural language across the Synology ecosystem.
• Synology ChatPlus and Meet: enterprise communication with granular permissions, on-premises deployment, AI-powered live translation. Open beta, available Q4 2026.
• AI Search in Synology Drive: GPU-accelerated, on-device embedding models for natural-language search across text, images, and documents.
• Storage Efficiency: post-processing deduplication and compression for HDD-based volumes, with flexible scheduling. Requires Synology hard drives.
• Availability: DSM 7.4 is now available for download via Synology Support; refer to release notes for supported models.

Softprom and Synology

Softprom is the official distributor of Synology. Our team helps enterprises evaluate, deploy, and scale Synology NAS platforms, including migration planning, licensing, and post-deployment support.

This content was prepared as part of the Softprom DistriFlow project — an automated system for monitoring and adapting vendor news. Original source: original article.