Final Cut Server and MatrixStore

MatrixStore integrates into Final Cut Server by adding an archiving device right into your workflow.

Here’s an outline of how this works:

Just like ArtBox before it, Final Cut Server can use MatrixStore as an archiving device. This means that MatrixStore can protect both your media files and metadata from within Final Cut Server.

An interesting aspect of using MatrixStore is that it can be used as an archive not only for individual Final Cut Server assets (along with their associated metadata) but can also archive whole productions; so that the metadata for the production can be archived with the production, and so that the whole production can be retrieved in a single step. Furthermore, MatrixStore can be set to automatically backup Final Cut Server itself and to take backup snapshots of assets whilst they are in production.

Does this mean the end to complex backup applications, processes and backup tapes? Do you still need to rely on an IT Specialist to find lost or archived media for you?

In some circumstances yes, but in other cases, sadly not. There is still a case for investing in options like SAN mirroring (vMirror) and the like for your “in production” data, e.g., when the focus is on business continuity …. or when the need is to keep or get the business going quickly when there is a failure rather than solely for data protection. But in many cases, using MatrixStore allows you to automate your workflow without the need for regular manual operations to be laboriously carried out.

So how does MatrixStore as a device within Final Cut Server shape up against tape backup?

• Metadata is stored on MatrixStore along side its associated media file. Individual files or projects can be searched and retrieved instantly. It’s fast too - because it’s disk.
• One Application. The tool you use throughout your workflow, the one you’re familiar with for your daily work, puts the archiving and retrieval process at your fingertips.
• No additional complex backup applications and processes to deploy and manage.
• Arguably more reliable long-term data protection (for another post)

In ten years from now, having all your data and metadata stored safely in their original format on a standard file system is of value. And having that data in an easily copyable/reusable digital format is key. Which is the whole point of the process. BTW, anyone got a working DLT drive that can read a 20GB DLTtapeIV from 1998 I could borrow?

You can grab the beta of the Final Cut Server to MatrixStore connector here:

• Final Cut Server - MatrixStore connector (Beta)
  
• Associated Scripts

We’re just finishing testing with our Final Cut Server Beta customers. Look out for a release of MatrixStore 2.1 in the next week or two which will include everything you need to integrate MatrixStore and Final Cut Server in one package.