XenData, a global provider of video archive solutions to the media and
entertainment industry, has announced the launch and immediate availability of its
new SXL-8 archive systems. These are based on XenData’s SX-250 archive server
and an LTO-7 autoloader that holds up to 7 LTO-7 cartridges. The system attaches
to a network via 1GbE or 10GbE, and manages digital content across three tiers of
storage: 6 TB of disk within the server, 42 TB of near-line LTO, and unlimited
capacity of offline LTO cartridges.
The autoloader minimises the need for operator intervention when compared to a
system with external LTO drives. The system will automatically initialise 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 maximise 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 6 TB LTO-7 or 2.5 TB 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.
The SXL-8 is intended for mounting in a 19 inch rack, taking only 2RU of rack
space. Options include addition of 10 GbE Ethernet ports and fibre channel ports for
connection to a SAN. The base system includes USB 3.0 ports, which are ideal for
connecting USB disk drives as sources for archiving content to LTO.
