Blackmagic Cloud Store Mini Network Storage Solution With 4 M.2 Flash Memory in RAID-0 Configuration

Blackmagic Design Pty. Ltd. announced Cloud Store Mini a network storage solution with the performance of 4xM.2 flash memory in a RAID-0 configuration.

With its built in 10GbE, itis fast so it allows multiple users to collaborate on video editing in software such as DaVinci Resolve. Plus with Dropbox sync, multiple units can be synchronized across different geographic locations. Cloud Store Mini is available from the WW company’s resellers for $2,995.

Cloud Store Mini rear

Cloud Store Mini is a network storage solution for any use. It’s for film and television where large media files need to be shared between multiple users for editing, color correction, audio post and VFX work. It even handles massive 12K Blackmagic RAW digital cinema files. Each user gets zero latency and they don’t need to store files on their local computer. It’s the solution for DaVinci Resolve.

Cloud Store Mini features a compact rackmount design that’s portable and quiet. Internally, it has an array of 4 flash memory cards working in parallel for higher speed. The 10GE and 1GbE port operate as a 2x port network switch. There is also an HDMI monitoring output so customers can watch a live graphic view of the storage operating on a TV or monitor.

The Cloud Store Mini is available with 8TB of flash memory, so customers have lots of space for their files. That’s forTV production, as it’s small enough to be portable, but it has enough storage space for lots of video media. M.2 flash memory cards are used for reliability, high access speeds and zero seek times. Plus the 4 M.2 cards are arranged in a parallel RAID-0 group so they can operate faster than a single card. That ensures enough speed to keep up with the 10GbE connection.

With a separate 10bE connection, Cloud Store Mini is fast. The internal memory core has been designed to saturate the 10GbE port to its theoretical maximum speed, even with multiple users connected. Even at maximum speed, it is quiet with little cooling fan noise. It’s so fast, multicam editing is smooth, even if it’s used with large digital film camera files.

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Customers can setup a local cache of their Dropbox files. This makes working much faster because files are instantly available without needing to be downloaded from the internet. Cloud Store Mini will constantly work to stay in sync. Customers can even sync multiple Cloud Store Minis via Dropbox so people in different geographic locations can collaborate without latency because everyone has a local copy of the files. Dropbox is also a backup solution.

An exciting feature is the HDMI monitoring output. Connect a TV or computer monitor to get a live status of the Cloud Store Mini. The storage map shows a graphic representation of the memory core and real time RW access happening for the connected users. There are also graphs that show customers the data transfers on the Ethernet connections. The status for each Dropbox connection is also shown. It’s even possible to see connected users and the power supply status.

The Cloud Store Mini has a 10GbE port, which is only found on expensive workstation computers. It is so fast, it will run the 10GbE port to its maximum capacity. Even when connected to an Ethernet switch with dozens of users accessing files at the same time.

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Modern laptop computers are so thin, they often don’t even have an Ethernet connection. Cloud Store Mini has a USB-C to Ethernet adapter built in and customers can access it by plugging their computer into the USB-C port on the store. Once customers have connected the Cloud Store Mini’s USB-C connection to their computer, customers have an Ethernet connection to the store. That means customers can just plug in to grab files when customers need them urgently.

The USB-C ports on the Cloud Store Mini can be used for the backup of files. Backup solutions are important, because even though M.2 cards are reliable, the system Mini uses RAID-0 so it’s always a good idea to backup any storage device. To solve this problem, connect a disk to the USB-C port, so customers can do local backups without any ongoing costs and with total privacy. It works with a single USB-C disk, or a USB-C disk array.

One of the advantages of the Cloud Store Mini is it’s private storage that customers control. There are no subscriptions to sign up for. There are no monthly license fees. There is no tracking of their usage or data. Customers don’t even need to log into a web page to maintain the storage settings, because Cloud Store Mini uses a free to download software utility that runs on Mac and Windows. That means customers can run a private network, totally disconnected from the Internet.

“The Blackmagic Cloud Store Mini is exciting because it’s a more affordable model of network storage, but it still retains a single 10GbE port, so it’s extremely fast,” said Grant Petty, CEO. “Unlike cheap storage products from office supply stores, Blackmagic Cloud Store Mini is much faster and is designed for the film and television industry. It even has the HDMI monitoring output for a live status of the memory core!”

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