DataDirect Networks and BlueArc Together for Workflow Solution for Visual Special Effects

DataDirect Networks Inc. (DDN) and BlueArc announced highlighted their joint, total-workflow storage solution for visual special effects (VFX) and rendering at the IBC 2010 exhibition in Amsterdam. By combining DDN’s S2A6620 storage array and BlueArc’s silicon-based file storage platforms the companies provide dynamic speed and scalability to create a consolidated full-workflow solution for visual special effects, rendering, and animation.

BlueArc’s SiliconFS and family of storage platforms have been certified for interoperability with DDN’s Silicon Storage Architecture (S2A) Storage Systems and are currently installed together at leading media production organizations. One such customer of this new reference architecture is Dr. D Studios, a Sydney, Australia-based digital production studio whose work includes the soon-to-be-released Happy Feet 2 in 3D.

"By combining BlueArc’s SiliconFS-based NAS platforms and DDN 6620 storage arrays, we’ve found a great solution to support our mission-critical film production schedule," said Kim Pearce, Render and Data Operations Manager, Dr. D Studios. "Data transfer rates to and from BlueArc/DDN over NFS are the fastest I’ve seen. Now we can ensure greater data integrity via our disaster recovery mirror, without impacting performance.  Moreover, as new projects have come online, the solution has easily grown with our requirements."

The combined BlueArc and DDN solution is available from both companies’ direct sales forces as well as from BlueArc channel partners.

"BlueArc platforms are the ideal complement for DDN’s modular, high-efficiency S2A6620 systems and resolve many of the pain points of scalable rendering and VFX organizations," said Jeff Denworth, DDN Vice President of Marketing. "Together with BlueArc, DDN is now offering to the marketplace world-leading IOPS, bandwidth, density and energy efficiency all rolled into an integrated, simple-to-manage and very scalable solution."

"VFX houses need to increase the productivity of their post production workflow and only storage solutions that utilize a silicon-based architecture have the ability to deliver the highest I/O performance required to meet tight deadlines," said Bridget Warwick, BlueArc Senior Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. "The unique high density storage array from DDN and the silicon based architecture of BlueArc’s SiliconFS file system meet the needs of the most demanding VFX environments."