XenData Reveams SXL-8 LTO-7 Network Attached Archive System

XenData Ltd. announced the launch and availability of its SXL-8 archive systems.

These are based on SX-250 archive server and an LTO-7 auto-loader that holds up to seven cartridges. The system attaches to a network via 1GbE or 10GbE, and manages digital content across three tiers of storage: 6TB of disk within the server, 42TB of near-line LTO and unlimited capacity of offline LTO cartridges.

The auto-loader minimizes the need for operator intervention when compared to a system with external LTO drives. The system will automatically initialize and load blank cartridges when needed as the Archive grows, and if automatic LTO cartridge replication is selected, the system can be scheduled to update replica cartridges overnight to maximize daily workflow performance. The system will also issue email alerts and on-screen messages when operator intervention is required to exchange full LTO tapes for new blank cartridges, or to import an offline cartridge for file restores.

Files are presented in a standard file/folder structure that is typically shared over the network, and means that the archive appears just like a disk drive. Files are transferred to and from the archive locally by using either the standard Windows network protocol (CIFS/SMB) or FTP file transfers. In addition, the system provides an object storage interface using an XML API. These interface options mean that the system works with most media asset management and other applications used in the creative video industry. Software modules are available that deliver a tight integration with specific applications, including for Avid Interplay Production and for archiving Avid projects from shared edit storage. Alternatively, video files may be archived and restored manually to a file-folder structure using Windows Explorer or FTP utilities.

The SXL-8 systems write to either 6TB LTO-7 or 2.5TB LTO-6 cartridges using the LTFS exchange format or the open standard TAR format. LTO cartridges provide highly reliable storage with archival lifetimes of 30 years.

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The SXL-8 is intended for mounting in a 19-inch rack, taking 2RU of rack space. Options include addition of 10GbE ports and FC ports for connection to a SAN. The base system includes USB 3.0 ports, which are for connecting USB disk drives as sources for archiving content to LTO.

Priced from $15,880, the SXL-8 is an economical approach to managing large digital archives that can scale to many petabytes of offline content.