NAB: More Efficient Storage Solutions From Rohde & Schwarz

Using the IBM Spectrum Scale file system solution with Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & CO. KG‘s storage solutions ensures more efficient storage capacity utilization.

Broadcasters and post-production houses can implement intelligent solutions for storing their media files based on their needs. The file system software for R&S SpycerBox Cell (left) and R&S SpycerBox Ultra TL (right) simplifies the storage workflow and makes it more cost-effective.

Reliable storage solutions are essential for broadcasters and post production houses. Digital content is the media industry’s key asset. It must be securely and safely stored. At the same time, certain media files must be quickly accessible. As budgets shrink and cost pressure grows, efficient storage becomes key in every respect.

To meet these requirements, IBM Spectrum Scale is available for the R&S SpycerBox product family. This file system enables users to more efficiently utilize different storage tiers based on their needs. Combining R&S SpycerBox Cell online storage and powerful R&S SpycerBox Ultra TL nearline storage with IBM Spectrum Scale provides the basis for a centralized, tiered storage solution.

The file system solution assigns files to the most efficient storage location based on how frequently they are needed and other file characteristics. The advantages of the R&S SpycerBox products are optimally utilized. For example, R&S SpycerBox Cell features performance for real time processing of video material, while R&S SpycerBox Ultra TL is a much more cost-effective nearline storage medium.

Spectrum Scale allows files to be automatically or manually stored in the optimal location. Since file paths remain constant regardless of which tier is used, workflows do not have to be modified.

“It is important for our customers to be able to reliably access their media files at any time,” says Stefan Wsales director media, Rohde & Schwarz. “This data is their company’s most important asset. With IBM Spectrum Scale on R&S SpycerBox Cell or R&S SpycerBox Ultra TL, broadcasters and post production companies can rest easy knowing that their key asset is securely and cost-effectively stored.“

As storage requirements increase, storage solutions must be scalable in terms of capacity and bandwidth. Customers in the media branch cannot tolerate any interruptions during production and broadcasting when they expand their storage space. The R&S SpycerBox series is capable of non-destructive scaling. Individual R&S SpycerBox Cell systems can be combined to achieve even more performance.

“In the media branch, a deadline is a deadline – especially for broadcasters. There are no extensions,” says Dirk Thometzek, product manager file based media solutions. “That’s why a storage solution that guarantees efficient workflows is so important. The combination of Rohde & Schwarz hardware with the IBM file system makes it possible to scale the performance and capacity of centralized storage without interruption.“

R&S SpycerBox Cell and R&S SpycerBox Ultra TL with the IBM Spectrum Scale will be available in 3Q17. Quantum StorNext is still available as a file system option.