Six Ways Archiving Contributes to Production More Than You Might Think

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The following is a guest post by Dr. Marc M. Batschkus, Archiware

[mk_dropcaps style=”simple-style”]A[/mk_dropcaps]rchiving has been around for a long time. More than 2,ooo years ago, the Romans archived their scripture rolls by putting them in a building they named “archivum”, hence the term “archive.” Today, a digital archive has much more to offer than ever before.

1. The Archive keeps all files in one place

The Archive serves as central repository and file memory of the company when every production that is completed goes into the Archive. As a result, there is only one place to search for files. No more searching through shelved disks. Therefore, searching and finding files is easier than ever. P5 Archive´s web interface offers visual browsing with thumbnails and proxies as well as searching for metadata and combined searches to find files.

2. Save on expensive storage

Since Archiving is a migration of data, you can re-use and re-claim expensive production storage as well as local editing storage as soon as files are archived. An added bonus when archiving to tape is the historical low price point of LTO tape of about 10 USD per TB (LTO-6). Professional storage has never been at this price level before. When density is the focus, LTO-8 with 12 TB native capacity might be the way to go. Archiware P5 Archive supports all tape drives and tape libraries by Quantum.

The special case of ingest archive takes all files during ingest to keep them on low cost tape. Editing with proxies saves bandwidth, time and storage. For the final conform process, only the actually needed hi-res files are restored. This way productions storage can be kept at a reasonable size and expansions saved.

3. Archive with just one click

P5 Archive offers the easiest way to archive. With its optional Finder and Final Cut Pro X integration called P5 Archive App, it only takes a right-click to send files to the archive from the desktop of an editing workstation. Local storage is freed up immediately. Now the editor can archive as soon as a production is completed and re-claim local storage while doing so. This is independent of the Archive strategy so the storage can be disk, tape or cloud. Compatibility with Quantum´s StorNext file system helps to integrate in high performance environments.

4. Future proof and long-term protection

Archiving often needs to protect data for years or even decades. For this, LTO tape is the most secure media with a shelf life of 30 years and therefore used by banks and insurance companies worldwide. P5 Archive supports automatic migration to future tape generations, making it easy to keep up with future LTO developments. Quantum Tape libraries can be either upgraded by adding or replacing tape drives. Moving from one server platform to another is also easy. This makes the Archive future proof, optimizes performance and reduces footprint. The longer data is kept, the more likely it is to become of relevance for re-purposing, returning customers, compliance or historic context.

5. The individual metadata schema as key to the Archive

Finding files needs to be easy now and for future employees that were not involved in creating the material they need to find. Metadata describing the content becomes extremely important. P5 Archive offers customizable metadata fields and menus so that an individual metadata schema can easily be built. Combined searching offers the option of filtering for very specific clips and files.

6. Create revenue from your archived files

The combined pool of all your clips, images and files can be a treasure and source for added income. New revenue streams can open up when re-using, re-purposing, licensing and referencing. For returning or new customers previous productions are an important reference point. New production can build on it or re-use part of it. Depending on the industry and relationship to the client, restoring previous productions might also be chargeable as a service.

There are other factors like increased motivation when finding files is easy. Archiware P5 Archive is the mini-MAM Archive that makes it as easy as possible to archive, browse, search, retrieve and re-use files and media. Its simplicity empowers users of all backgrounds and gives companies maximum flexibility.

Archiware P5 Archive is one module of the data management suite Archiware P5. The suite covers the A-B-C of data management, Archive, Backup and Cloning in one solution with one interface. Each module can be used stand-alone or in any combination.

A free 30-day trial is available at http://www.archiware.com. Click HERE for more information. You can also download the data sheet HERE.

About the Author: Dr Marc Batschkus is a former scientist and medical and media informatics specialist, and in charge of business development for Archiware. He can be reached at mmb@archiware.de[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]