MBC Group in Dubai Selects SGL FlashNet

Software
Generation Ltd (SGL), a provider of content archive and storage management
software for media and entertainment, has announced an installation for MBC
Group
in Dubai.

MBC Group has installed SGL FlashNet as an element of its new digital
workflow to support the launch of its bouquet of HD channels. The broadcaster
selected FlashNet because of its open system architecture, which provides
compatibility with MBC Group’s broadcast, storage and server systems as well as
its proven maturity as a broadcast management system.

MBC Group used SGL’s XML-based API, which allows broadcast vendors to create
integrated applications that can instantly access the SGL content storage
management system.

Ali Radhi, MBC Group’s head of IT, explains: "Through the use of SGL’s API we’re able to connect via our portal
system to search and retrieve archived material allowing us to seamlessly
provision content throughout our archive."

The FlashNet archive at MBC Group interfaces with systems from
suppliers including Pebble Beach, Omneon, Avid and Microsoft. It allows the
broadcaster to create dynamic watch folders within its nearline storage. When
items have been broadcast they’re moved to the watch folders to be archived.

Additionally, advance schedule information is available via Microsoft
SharePoint. Armed with this information users are able to restore content
required for transmission ahead of time directly from the SharePoint
environment.

Radhi adds: "The SGL
system significantly improves our workflow procedures, allowing the automation
of many archiving tasks as well as the seamless and transparent retrieval of
archived content."

Trevor Morecraft, SGL’s regional sales manager EMEA, says: "We’re delighted to make this announcement at
CABSAT, further highlighting our strong commitment to the Middle East market.
SGL’s open approach to integration has made expansion projects like this much
simpler for broadcasters worldwide."