SAN Solutions ArtiSAN Metadata Controller

SAN Solutions Inc. announced that its signature ArtiSAN Metadata Controller (MDC) is an alternative to the recently discontinued Apple Xserve enterprise metadata controller platform.

The ArtiSAN MDC allows broadcast and post-production facilities to centralize existing storage volumes and bring together all content into a shared environment, affording access to media files.

"Designed specifically for the fierce demands of media environments, the ArtiSAN MDC features ultra reliable SSD system disks, Lights Out Management, redundant power supplies, and utilizes the Red Hat Enterprise Level operating system," said Harry Aine, president of SAN Solutions. "These enterprise-class features make the ArtiSAN MDC ideal for managing true cross-platform shared storage workgroups including Apple Xsan installations."

KTVU, a Cox broadcast station in California’s Bay Area, has deployed the ArtiSAN MDC to create their shared file system infrastructure for the facility’s mission critical archive. The next phase will enable the facility to bring both the KTVU editing and design departments into the centralized storage environment.

"The ArtiSAN Metadata Controller has allowed us to bring everything into one centralized location, supporting various production activities such as archive retrieval and multiserver management," said Lee Macpherson, director of engineering at KTVU. "Eventually, the ArtiSAN MDC will manage all of our HD editing and high-resolution graphic design material – from our Mac Pro and Final Cut Pro workstations – giving us quick and reliable access to content as needed, while also providing long-term protection of our media assets."

The ArtiSAN MDC is a member of the ArtiSAN Application Platform, a family of products developed by SAN Solutions that enable and optimize file-based workflows. SAN Solutions also offers Professional Services to help operations incorporate their new ArtiSAN MDC platform into existing Xsan environments. These services include MDC conversion using existing storage infrastructure, integration of additional storage infrastructure, data migration capability (incuding temporary storage), storage sub-system performance optimization, hands-on training for end-users, and continued site support post-implementation.

The SAN Solutions ArtiSAN Metadata Controller (MDC) will be on display at the 2011 NAB Show at booth SU3725.