Comparing HTTP and SMB

The Server Message Block (also known as SMB, or LAN Manager or NetBIOS protocol) is a communication protocol for file, print, or server services in networks. SMB is a main feature of the Microsoft Windows network services and is therefore particularly suited for communication between Windows computers.
DSM uses the SMB protocol as a standard network communication.

The Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP,) is a protocol used to transfer data across a network. HTTP is mainly used to load websites from the World Wide Web (WWW) to a web browser.
The HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) is a communication protocol in the World Wide Web that transfers encrypted data.

In specific network environments, the HTTP(S) protocol is the better solution for DSM because the SMB protocol focuses on Microsoft Windows computers, cannot be used on all platforms, and has a very limited functionality with firewalls.

Compared to the present SMB protocol, HTTP has several advantages:

• Universally valid
  HTTP(S) can be employed across all platforms
• Internet is used to transfer data
  Packages can therefore be distributed via an internet connection.
• Lifecycle Management is possible across firewalls
  Computers in demilitarized zones (DMZ) are allowed to communicate with the Business Logic Server without having to configure firewalls accordingly. This guarantees that the network security rules are observed under all circumstances.
• Encryption guarantees for high security