StorageDNA Adds Next Gen LTO LTFS Archive-Retrieval Solution

StorageDNA, Inc., in storage and archiving workflow solutions for media professionals, introduced the latest version of its archive and retrieval workflow solution, DNA Evolution, at the 2013 NAB Show.

 
DNA Evolution 3.0 is a workflow solution that combines nearline and archive storage on LTO tape, enabling substantial cost savings. Built on LTO and LTFStechnologies, it was designed to help media professionals manage digital content with  performance and lower storage costs as they transition to file-based pipelines.
 
"DNA Evolution 3.0 is a monumental step forward for LTO and LTFS-based archiving solutions as it is the only software that is designed to maximize the direct access ability of LTFS and can achieve advanced digital workflows that have never been seen before," said tC Chakravarty, CEO and president of StorageDNA. "By offering cutting edge features, DNA Evolution provides up to ten times lower storage costs than HDDs, and performs up to ten times faster than the alternatives."
 
Benefits of DNA Evolution 3.0 include:

• Fast performance – New archive engine accelerator and direct-connect architecture make it easy to take control of growing storage costs by keeping more content on secondary storage, with the ability to quickly retrieve it when needed.
• Redefined media workflows – Features maximize the direct access nature of LTFS to unleash media workflows and help users save time.
• The most ways to archive and restore – A solution that offers any archive workflow for any media pipeline such as: Web interface, drag ‘n’ drop, camera masters, watch folder, AAF/XML/EDL, third-party (Automatic Duck, CatDV, Avid Interplay).
• Long-term data integrity – Protects assets long-term as data is kept safe and healthy with checksums, periodic tape verification, and timers for annual re-verification.
• Scalability – Easily add multiple archive stations while maintaining a single point of control, search, and management.
• Cost savings – Helps users streamline their workflows so they can work more efficiently and save significant storage costs.

"As a current customer of StorageDNA and user of DNA Evolution, I am excited about version 3.0, and I want Authentic Entertainment be one of the first to upgrade because of the performance enhancements that will help us to keep costs down by allowing us to keep a minimal amount of media online on our SANs," said Will Pisnieski, VP, post-production, Authentic Entertainment, Inc. "Using the Smart Browse feature will allow us to find our content right away, and bring it back at unbelievable data rates using XSIO. Usually, I’m reluctant about being one of the first to upgrade, but my experience with StorageDNA has been great."
 
New features include these advanced technologies:

• XSIO: Archive Engine Accelerator – By combining a shared SAN/NAS storage accelerator, with the ability to use multiple high-speed and reliable LTO tapes, DNA Evolution raises the bar on performance with fast LTO LTFS media archive technology. This helps users keep primary storage costs in check by keeping more content on LTO and quickly retrieving content when needed.
• Smart Access LTO – New levels of cost savings and efficiencies are achieved with direct controlled access to LTO tape from third-party applications such as transcoding, preview, partial restore, and playout.
• Restore and conform from LTO – Solution capable of conforming high-resolution media from LTO, now with ARRIRAW and other format support. Users also have the ability to restore files and folders via a Web interface or use AAF/XML to restore offline sequences.
• Open Data and Metadata – Solution enables 100% open data and metadata. All content is stored in open LTFS format on LTO tape, and all metadata is extracted and stored in open XML so that future access to content is ensured.
• Smart Browse – In addition to built-in media asset management features for browse and search, it maximizes the use of metadata in the pipeline and accelerates field and post workflows with metadata extraction, indexing, and search engine.
• Drag ‘n’ Drop Tagging – Integration into OpenMeta tagging applications provide an easy way for users to tag, add user comments: and ratings for files and folders simply by drag ‘n’ drop on the finder and desktop.

Version 3.0 of DNA Evolution was on display this week at the 2013 NAB Show in StorageDNA’s booth and is expected to be available in the second half of 2013.