XenData, a leading provider of state-of-the-art data storage solutions, has unveiled Media Portal, a new software enhancement for its LTO tape and public cloud archival services.
This software introduces a web-based interface that simplifies the process of navigating the archive’s filesystem, allowing users to easily preview, select, and download video and image files stored within the archive. Media Portal is designed to work alongside XenData’s existing access options, including local network access and S3-compatible object storage.
Enhanced Capabilities for LTO Archives
Media Portal integrates seamlessly with both new and existing XenData LTO archive installations, supporting setups that utilize robotic LTO libraries and stand-alone external drives. The system generates previews for video and image files as they are archived, storing these previews on the archive’s disk volume for easy access. This feature enables authorized users to browse through the previews via the Media Portal’s web interface, identify the necessary files, and download them directly. For archives utilizing externalized tape cartridges, Media Portal displays previews for all content, offering information on the specific LTO cartridges needed for accessing the desired files.
Cloud-Based Functionality
The Cloud version of Media Portal operates on either physical or virtual Windows servers and acts as a gateway to various public cloud services, including AWS S3, Azure Blob Storage, and Wasabi object storage. It provides previews for all archived video and image files, even those stored in less accessible storage tiers like AWS Glacier and Azure Archive Tier, facilitating easier file retrieval decisions.
Expert Commentary
Phil Storey, the CEO of XenData, emphasized that while Media Portal is not a full-fledged Media Asset Management (MAM) system, it offers a straightforward and efficient interface that meets the needs of many users. He highlighted the solution’s ability to give users a clear understanding of their media archive’s contents without the complexity of a full MAM system.
Availability and Pricing
Media Portal is marketed as a subscription-based software, with annual pricing beginning at $980. The software is scheduled for release in May 2024, promising to offer XenData’s clients a more intuitive and efficient way to manage their digital archives.
News source: https://xendata.com/
