GB Labs API Completes Tapeless Workflow

The release of the Space API by GB Labs is a development in the evolution of intelligent tapeless workflows.

With the new connectivity, third party systems can control entire multi-tier storage networks, moving, tracking, sharing and processing data with a new level of speed and control.

Initially, the availability of the API extends the functionality of systems such as CatDV, Cantemo, Focal Point and Metus MAM. As well as managing clips and files across tier 1 and 2 arrays, asset managers will now be able to help users store, track and retrieve data and projects stored on LTO tape drives, including GB Labs’ Space LTO.

Thanks to the API, monitoring the health of storage can also be performed using third party infrastructure management tools which many customers already run on their network. Security and user rights can also now be applied at the storage volume, project and file level via a single interface, rather than having to apply rules separately on the MAM and the network.

The intelligence built into the Space unit itself further enhances the process: automated notifications can be set up to confirm job completion while administrators can monitor the progress and status of tasks via a web interface.

Ben Pearce remarked:” This is finally achieving the original goal of the tapeless workflow. The API is an important step towards total system integration; third party manufacturers and integrators are already at work developing new automation, control functionality and interfaces between our storage and their systems.”

Benefits are expected to extend further: until now, in order to transfer data between storage tiers, media asset management systems have had to read and write each file via an asset management server. This two-stage process inevitably hits the performance of the MAM system, as well as the storage arrays.

Because of this dual performance impact of data transfers, at busy times essential data routines can be sidelined. This leaves valuable assets and projects potentially unprotected and un-backed up. With the API, the MAM can direct but not perform these data intensive processes.

The API is available. Development work is already underway with a number of media asset management manufacturers.