[Douglas Learner]

Andre, I believe you have an Xserve RAID, which was Apple’s fibre channel-based storage device, as opposed to an Xserve, which is a server that runs Mac OS X Server software and has room for only three internal hard drives.

Given the work you’re doing there might be a different way to accomplish it without upgrading the FibreShare software or getting a fibre channel adapter for the new Mac Pro. Essentially, you’d be moving away from fibre channel and using Gigabit Ethernet instead. This will likely work because Gigabit Ethernet has enough bandwidth to support your SD and DV editing.

Here’s roughly how everything goes together. One PowerMac G5 has a fibre channel connection directly to the Xserve RAID. You add a multi-port Gigabit Ethernet adapter from the folks at Small Tree, which connects to a Gigabit Ethernet switch that supports link aggregation. Small Tree can help you with that as well. File sharing gets turned on on the Power Mac G5. The second Power Mac G5 and the new Mac Pro connect to the switch via Gigabit Ethernet. You’ll then be able to share files from the Xserve RAID to the second Power Mac G5 and the new Mac Pro

This is a quick and dirty overview of what connects to what. The folks at Small Tree, or a Mac consultant if you have one available, can help you with the specifics. Give Small Tree a call to find out more and to make sure your hardware will be compatible with theirs.

One final note. We’ve been seeing more and more Xserve RAIDs fail. Not the drives, but the RAID controllers and the mid-plane assemblies. Last time I checked Apple does not have replacement parts, so the solution is usually hunting for used equipment. Please make sure you are regularly backing up of your data. You should also begin looking for a replacement for the Xserve RAID so you have a plan in case it fails. In the approach I described above the Xserve RAID can be replaced by an eSATA-based array. That’s another conversation for you to have with the folks at Small Tree.

[Douglas Learner]

Hal, it sounds like you just need network storage set up for file sharing, and since you don’t plan to edit directly from the shared storage there are a lot of concerns about latency and bandwidth that don’t apply. That being said, please recognize if you don’t design the system to support editing over the network it probably won’t let you do that should you change your mind later.

If you have an IT guy let him figure out what server and storage to get. He’s going to have to manage it, after all. Do talk to him about setting up a dedicated network for you and the capture machine to make sure your work doesn’t bring the rest of the organization’s network to its knees.

Good luck.

[Douglas Learner]

Andre,

It sounds like it should work, but I’d suggest talking to the folks at FibreShare as they probably have the most experience with the setup you’re considering.

You might also want to step back a bit to look at your workflow and ask if this is the best setup for your needs before investing in a new FC adapter and a new version of FibreShare. You have old equipment that may not have much more life, and it’s also possible you don’t need Fibre Channel to meet your requirements. Are you editing over the network or moving assets from the Xserve to the Power Macs for editing? What format are you editing in? How much storage do you have on your Xserve? Are you planning an expansion of storage or the number of edit stations in the next six to twelve months? All things to look at and consider.

Finally, Final Cut Studio 3 will not work on the G5, so you’l be running different versions on the two Macs. That may not be an issue, but it’s worth considering going in.

Good luck.

[Douglas Learner]

I grew up in Stamford, CT and know Westchester County well. Pretty country…I’d enjoy chatting about your production company. Feel free to send me your contact info at douglas [at] macguynetworks [dot] com if you’d like.

[Douglas Learner]

Billy, the companies who advertise here, Small Tree, Maxx Digital, etc., are a good place to start. You’ll probably be looking at a storage array connected to a Mac Pro that uses a Small Tree multi-port Ethernet adapter to share files over the network. Good proven technology.

A good supplier will take the time to learn about your workflow and what you want to accomplish and then recommend a system that will meet your needs now and give you room to expand. A consultant with experience in video production workflow may be able to help with the transition to shared storage. Where are you located?

[Douglas Learner]

Billy,

The Xserve gives you the option of redundant power supplies and includes Lights Out Management, which lets you restart the Xserve remotely after a power failure. Neither of these are available on the Mac Pro. The Xserve also comes with Mac OS X Server software, which has to be purchased separately. On the down side, the Xserve is very noisy, require a rack for installation. Also, AppleCare for the Xserve is four times the cost of AppleCare for the Mac Pro, though it does provide for advance replacement of failed components if the issue is being handled by a certified tech.

Lots of trade-offs, and the best answer depends on what is important to you. If you don’t have experience with Mac OS X Server you might want to contact a member of the Apple Consultants Network in your area. [ https://consultants.apple.com/ ] It’s always good to have a knowledgable and trusted resource on your side.

You should also look at a shared storage solution rather than a server. If you’re just looking for shared storage for video editing (as opposed to also wanting to share contacts and calendars, manage email, get remote VPN access, set up project wikis, etc.), you might as well put the $4K-$5K it will cost to install an Xserve towards shared storage and a backup solution.

Douglas

[Douglas Learner]

Hal, it sounds like local or direct attached storage should be fine. What resolution and frame rate are you editing in? How many streams do you typically edit? This will help determine the storage performance you need.

Are you just looking for more storage? Is there some other issue you’re hoping to address as well? What’s prompting you to look at network storage for you and your dog?

Kudos for your backup goals. It’s good to hear that’s a priority.

[Douglas Learner]

You can find the Avid Unity ISIS User Guides in the Avid KNowledge Base here: https://avid.custkb.com/avid/app/selfservice/search.jsp?ssdFilterCommunity15=0&ssdFilterCommunity11=606&ssdFilterCommunity13=0&ssdFilterCommunity3=1082&ssdSearchOperator=0&ssdFilter_SearchKeyWord=&page=1

There are also two Interplay tutorials here that might be helpful: https://learn.avid.com/content/tutorials/

Good luck!