DynamicDrivePool, Ethernet-Based SAN by Ardis Technologies

The DynamicDrivePool from Ardis Technologies is an Ethernet-based SAN system and with its build-in Metadata Controller, AVFS, delivers SAN speed with NAS functionality.

When multiple Final Cut Pro stations need to collaborate, one needs a central shared storage system. The decision to make is: does one need a SAN, XSAN for example, or is a NAS solution from one of the many NAS suppliers sufficient?

The XSAN requires both a FC and Ethernet network, is complicated to install, maintain and operate and expensive but has performance. A NAS on the contrary is easy to install, maintain and operate but lacks performance.

The DynamicDrivePool unites the best of both worlds: SAN performance with NAS functionality. It is one box (a DDP) and one network (Ethernet) from one manufacturer (Ardis Technologies). The DDP drive(s) show up on the Mac screen as local drive(s) with local drive performance.

Everything comes standard. Standard of-the- shelve Ethernet switches can be used. There are no licensing costs not even for additional Windows and Linux clients. Laptops can be used just like that. Any uncompressed HD format can be sustained via one or two GbE ports standard available on Mac Pro. Integration with Final Cut Server, Avid, Pro Tools, Premiere and Edius and others is seamless. The optional Workflow Manager has all the required access right management tools. The DDP also features a special algorithm for Final Cut Pro what guarantees that Final Cut Pro gets its data exactly on time.

The DDP can also be integrated with Interplay, Final Cut Server, Build4Media and MAM and Backup systems. The DDP series range from a small desktop DDP4DP with 4 SATA drives, a 19" DDP8D, DDP12D, DDP16D, DDP24D, DDP40D and DDP48D, to large scalable redundant systems.