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FCP + Xserve storage
Stumped: We have 9 work stations that are networked to an Xserve. This is so any student can work on any open computer on their project. The simple idea is to pull it to the local work station from the server; edit etc locally; then move it back to the server when done. Local stations have a system drive and a 250 gig projects drive (scratch disk). Each student has to log in to the local and then has access to their server file. Our issue: how to easily move the files back and forth from server to workstation (at start of session) and from workstation to server (at end of session). Do we have to copy the 3 folders (audio, render, capture scratch) seperately or can we do it an easier way? We have run into the folder in folder in folder…..many times. Most of our projects are offline and reconnecting is not simple. We have some computer savy kids but majority need SIMPLE directions to move the files. The original installation was to have the scratch disk erase at end of each day to keep it fast and so one kid is not copying 3 others’ files.
There are several other issues with our lab but those are for a different day.
This system was purchased from Apple and installed by Apple support and now they will not come and straighten out their mess. Won’t even return our emails.
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2 Replies
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JPJPJP,
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m assuming that you DO NOT have an X-SAN set up, and that you’re only “looking at the server” via ethernet (GigE, I hope). If that’s the case, the answer to your question is get an X-SAN. It will enable you to access the media directly, with no need to move media around. Individual users (students) would then log in, pull their projects out of a shared storage pool, and then open them locally. With smart media management, the reconnect process should only be a few clicks. When finished with the session, students would save the project to the shared storage accessible from any system.
If a hardware solution is not possible, then your problem is not a technical one, but rather a workflow and organization issue. Here’s some suggestions: Make “media management” a part of the learning process. Teach the kids what they need to know so that they can do it themselves.
Try “assigned seating” and have students save locally (and globally for back up).
Standardize your media folders so that “reconnecting” is only one click.
Mark
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XSAN is not an option. The setup was supposed to be “one click” and easy. We are not Mac or xserve savy-which is why we hired a firm to do it. It is a mess.
Do you know where I can get a step by step process to set this up?
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