Andrew Kasson
Forum Replies Created
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Hi Jay,
Did you ever end up making a decision on shared storage solution?
Andrew Kasson
NMH -
Hi Jay,
As far as virtual volumes go, you can create a virtual volume structure very easily in Space by using Projects. Each project is a different ‘volume’ on the desktop, furthermore you can quota these and change the quota at a later date. This gives you the same functionality as virtual volume in a much more flexible and open way.
Space currently does not support AFP – we have 100% Mac companies and mixed platform companies using Space with NFS without any problems. Another option for companies who need more controls for their users is implementing CIFS.
We have been installing fibre solutions for over 15 years. Last Fall we installed the first Xsan using mac mini’s as metadata controllers with Lion in a live post-production environment in the country (a pretty cool video case study will be at the Promise booth at NAB) – fibre is still a relevant and useful technology. But when a client is looking to build their first shared solution, a high-speed GbE NAS solution like Space is our automatic first suggestion. It has the best value with the lowest maintenance and greatest flexibility/scalability.
Let me know what additional type of information you would like on Space and I can provide it.
Thanks,
Andrew Kasson
New Media Hollywood -
Hi Jay,
I would definitely like to suggest another solution – GB Labs’ Space (https://www.gblabs.com/products/Space/). It is a high performance NAS that works well with all of your applications, is very low maintenance, and costs less per TB than anything in its class.
It offers both 10GB and 1GB connection options. Depending on the bandwidth required by your FCP and graphics workstations, an effective network can be created to allow all of your systems to share media. If you end up needing to add new stations (e.g. grow your company or a Producer on a laptop for a day, etc.), it’s no problem. If you end up needing to add a Windows station, it’s no problem.
Also, scalability is very simple. Storage can be added quickly and dynamically – which means you don’t have to add another icon onto your desktop, your existing volume just grows.
We are definitely big fans of Space. It has only been sold in the US for about a year, but has been used in the UK for about 3-4 years (the BBC is a major client). We have been selling them for about 9 months and it has been a perfect entry solution for that 4-8 editor environment that needs high speed and low maintenance.
It’s also been a breeze for installation. One recent project: 2 weeks ago in Austin, TX – we flew in Saturday and by Monday 9AM, 22 clients were able to work on 64TB of Space full bore.
If you would like to know more, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Andrew Kasson
New Media Hollywood
andrew@nmh.com -
Hi David,
Throwing another hat into the ring – you also may want to look at GB Labs Space (https://www.gblabs.com/products/Space/). It is a high performance network appliance that works with Final Cut and Avid media (or Premiere, etc.), is very low maintenance, and costs less per TB than anything in its class.
In the US it is a fairly new solution (they are based in the UK, but have just opened US offices) and we only recently picked it up (as a reseller/integrator), but every place we have put a demo unit has resulted in the client keeping it.
A lot of our clients are in the same position as you, and there is no clear direction for current FCP houses to follow. So definitely make a decision that won’t diminish your flexibility.
Andrew Kasson
New Media Hollywood