NAB: XenData Unveils Hybrid Cloud Storage Optimized for Video Content

XenData Limited launches its Cloud File Gateway that manages a single scalable file system across two storage tiers: on-premises RAID and Microsoft Azure blob storage.

The storage system allows existing file-based applications to use cloud storage without the need for modification. Its tiering policies keep frequently accessed files on local storage, which minimizes cloud access costs and Internet bandwidth usage.

Optimized for video files, the Cloud File Gateway includes certified integration options for video surveillance and a range of media and entertainment applications. It also supports partial file restore, which allows clip creation from large video files without downloading the full file.

The Cloud File Gateway software runs on a Windows Server or client computer and the file system is presented as a logical drive letter, which can be accessed locally or as one or more Windows network shares.

The gateway provides the following functionality:

Scalable to petabytes – The content stored in the cloud is unlimited, easily scaling to multiple petabytes, and the data held on local disk can scale to 256TB. A single gateway can store up to two billion files within the hybrid file system.
Tailored local and cloud storage policies – The company’s tiering policies determine which files are written to the cloud, local storage or both. The user can set policy rules for various file types and folders. Timed local disk retention rules may also be applied to files written to the cloud, determining how long files are held on local disk after written or last read.
Scheduling optimizes internet bandwidth – Time windows are scheduled so applications can write to local disk while postponing a copy being made to Azure, allowing Internet bandwidth to be optimized when in high demand.
Partial file restore (PFR) support – For creative video applications, only a portion of a large file is required with PFR to create a video clip, avoiding the need to download the entire file.
Standard file sharing and security – Files may be accessed locally or shared via SMB or FTP. The tiered storage volume is compliant with the Microsoft security model based on Microsoft Active Directory, allowing for easy introduction into an existing Windows domain or workgroup.

The Cloud File Gateway can be installed on a Windows Server 2012 R2 server or Windows 10 computer with a local NTFS disk volume that becomes the on-premise storage. Alternatively, it can be added to an existing on-premise company’s LTO or optical archive system.

“Our Cloud File Gateway intelligently manages on-premise and Azure cloud storage to achieve great performance as well as ease of use,” said Phil Storey, CEO and co-founder, XenData. “In addition, our hybrid approach optimizes bandwidth utilization and provides almost bottomless storage“

Tad Brockway, GM, Microsoft Azure storage, Microsoft Corp., added: “We are delighted to partner with XenData, and our shared customers in the media archiving and video surveillance markets. The combined solution gives customers the power of XenData as a front-end, unlocking the full capabilities of Microsoft Azure.“

Prices for the gateway start at $125 per month.

The Cloud File Gateway will be demonstrated for the first time at the 2017 NAB Show in Las Vegas, NV, on the company’s booth.