Promax Adds Shared Storage Servers

ProMAX Systems has announced additions to their platform shared storage server line.

It disrupted the norms of shared storage by launching their platform servers with functionality covering not only shared storage, but also other functions such as asset management, media conversion, and archiving. Latest innovations represent a progression by expanding upon the platform online and platform studio lines with a platform nearline storage system that is tailored for disk-based backup.

In addition to hardware options, software developments have increased the functionality of every platform system by adding features previously found in the enterprise storage sector. Each system is engineered to deliver performance to the most demanding video-post workflows, ranging from online and nearline to enterprises, with capacities from 8TB to 512PB.

With these software and hardware options, companies looking for shared storage are no longer forced to choose between video functionality and enterprise data protection and management: they get both. The expansion capabilities position it as an enterprise solution. This series offers a combination of functions and multi-location data management controls that are easy to use for workgroups.

“Platform opened up the concept of scaling servers beyond just shared storage; extending into a multi-functional, all-purpose, workgroup server that can scale storage, users, performance and workflows. The newest release of platform builds on that foundation and positions it as a significant player in the Enterprise market with advanced data protection and management,” explains ProMAX CEO Jess Hartmann. “These new platforms are perfect examples of ProMAX’s goals in providing powerful IT features that also maintain simplicity of use.”

With this, the company has developed workflow solutions in several sectors.

• Multi-Tiered Shared Storage Management – Time saving tools with capabilities including the ability to grow or shrink volumes (i.e. platform spaces) to match usage demands, without the threat of data loss. Features include allowing the control of all servers with a centralized interface.

• Scalability – Supporting scalability to thousands of users, up to hundreds of Petabytes and to meet any performance requirement, it removes limits found in other storage products. It remains focused on the ability to scale into workflows beyond shared storage, such as organizing media files, providing long term data protection, supporting media conversion, automating repetitive tasks and more

• Workflow Automation and Media Management – New permissions management features simplify complexities and eliminate duplicate tasks. Data replication function provides continuous, 2-way updates of media between servers and across multiple locations for efficiency and additional backup. In addition, features for high speed data moves and data copies have been introduced with both scheduling and performance settings that facilitate media management control.

• Expanded Performance Monitoring Controls – Real-time displays of CPU performance, storage performance, connections to users, and connections to groups enable dynamic bandwidth adjustments to make sure priority projects get the bandwidth they need, when they need it.

The company has also amplified scalability and expandability, emphasizing the ease of scaling workflows. Smaller workgroups, and those with portable requirements, are a fit for on-set solution; Platform Studio (which gained attention for its on-location performance supporting the editing team for the Emmy Backstage Live! Webcast).

Single platform systems that expand up to 256TB, meet the needs for most mid-sized facilities. The platform nearline series fulfills the resource demands of enterprise operations. Its models offer the ability to install multiple, synchronized platforms across several locations, with automated data management capabilities and multi-tiered storage deployments.

Among the dozens of features included within the platform series, there are several elements listed below.

Platform Hardware and Features

• Platform Online – Improved streaming bandwidth by up to 20% for servers. This hardware refresh increases performance for shared storage as well as other tasks like rendering and media conversion.

• Nearline Storage Servers – Up to 144TB per unit offers tier 2 storage options

• Replication – Provides continuous, 2-way updates of media between servers, even in multiple locations, for additional backup

• Conflict Manager – References who’s using specific files for resolution

• Group Permissions – Create groups for organized and time efficient management

• Bandwidth Controls – Manage by group, user, connection, server, specific workstation or by location

• Verified High-Bandwidth Data Copies and Data Moves – Functioning across servers, ensuring file integrity and protecting against data loss

• Real-Time Integration with Active Directory – For making instant modifications to users and permissions