Object Matrix Partnered With Distributor Channel Dynamics

Based in Caerphilly (Wales, UK), Object Matrix, a developer of secure asset archive and retrieval software, has partnered with distributor Channel Dynamics to launch The MatrixStore, a multi purpose disk based archive solution. The MatrixStore provides a secure archive to businesses with large data libraries at a fraction of the cost of a tape library. Ideal for the broadcast, design and creative industries, this solution offers users on-demand access to digital assets at a more affordable price point.

Nick Pearce, sales and marketing director of Object Matrix, commented: "As the creative industry begins to rely more on rich media content in projects, storage requirements also become more advanced and demanding. With file based workflows becoming more common, the scalable nature of The MatrixStore makes it an ideal and cost effective alternative to tape libraries, while enhancing the workflow by delivering on demand access to archived content. Additional storage nodes can be added as the storage requirements increase, providing users with an easily expandable digital archive. Although it is not market specific, this product is particularly well suited to creative environments in which there are more requirements to provide access to current and legacy content."

As the demand for instant access to data rises and acquisition technology advances, the creative industry is increasingly moving towards a ‘tapeless’ workflow. The combination of inexpensive server hardware and powerful software provides users with an economical and easily expandable method of archiving all their assets within a project. Archived data is always available and the ease of installation and administration allows businesses to concentrate on their core competencies, rather than the demands of IT management.

The MatrixStore comprises of a cluster containing a minimum of three nodes, each of which consists of enterprise class hardware components, integrated with an optimised Linux distribution and layered on top is the MatrixStore software from Object Matrix. It is already fully integrated with Apple’s Final Cut Server providing seamless transition of assets through the whole workflow and can be integrated directly into other applications through the solutions open application programming interface (API). Alternatively, assets can be searched, uploaded and downloaded using the DropSpot desktop application, allowing users to script and automate processes across Mac, Windows and Linux platforms and applications. The MatrixStore is a self managing and self healing system, making it extremely simple to operate and maintain. Should any part of the cluster fail, the system reorganises data to ensure preservation of the users assets whilst maintaining availability.

Other features include:

• Searchable – allowing data to be found instantly Self healing, self managing clustered architecture – reducing management overheads and processes
• Highly secure – 256 bit encrypted data access independently audited for security
• 99.999% data availability – automatically protects digital assets against hardware failure, copying to independent hardware or to an off-site location
• 
  Non proprietary – off the shelf hardware, standard operating systems, file systems and file formats
• Appropriate for nearline or deep archiving workflows – keeps shared assets protected and online for a few months, years or forever
• Enhanced meta-data support – meta-data for the asset can be updated and searched anytime
• Business rules and regulation compliance ready – data is immutable, protected and always available
• Fully integrates with Digital Asset Management applications – integrated with Final Cut Server but can also integrate with other DAM apps