Square Box Systems Updated QLS Archive Plug-in for CatDV MAM System

Square Box Systems Ltd. announced that QLS has delivered a update of its QLS Archive plug-in for the CatDV media asset management (MAM) system.

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QLS Archive is a middleware tool that links CatDV with storage and archiving solutions such as the StorNext workflow storage platform from Quantum Corp., communicating with both the MAM and the archive handler to ensure a fail-safe and clear archive-and-restore process.

“Two industry leaders – our widely deployed CatDV MAM system and Quantum’s renowned StorNext platform – make a powerful combination for our joint customers. With the latest version of QLS Archive for CatDV, archiving of critical media assets from CatDV into StorNext is now faster and more seamless than ever before,” said Dave Clack, CEO, Square Box. “QLS Archive gives users visibility into media assets throughout their entire operation – regardless of whether content is on disk or archived for long-term preservation on tape.“

The update of QLS Archive uses CatDV’s web-based REST API to access data stored within the CatDV Server, as well as the latest Quantum APIs. Also, the plug-in’s queuing uses CatDV metadata rather than a file queue for faster and more robust archive performance with greater throughput.

In addition, CatDV’s Worker now provides options to automate archive workflows based on CatDV metadata and policies. For example, users can opt either to archive all files that are older than one month or to archive files for a particular project when it is completed.

“Enhancements to the QLS Archive plug-in make it easier than ever for CatDV users to take full advantage of our acclaimed StorNext platform and Lattus object storage for archive applications,” said Dave Frederick, senior director, media and entertainment, Quantum. “Enabling greater automation and introducing greater flexibility in working with multiple storage destinations, the plug-in helps to ensure the availability of content when and where it’s needed.“

Further, the QLS Archive plug-in supports Quantum’s Lattus, giving CatDV users access to Lattus’ object storage capabilities in a policy-driven, tiered environment. The result is a DR solution that can support high-resolution media workflows and transcontinental collaboration during normal operation as well as production continuity during disaster situations.

The latest version of QLS Archive strengthens the Lattus integration further, using Quantum’s Web Services (V2) API to give CatDV users the ability to commit content to multiple archive destinations; for instance, to move content to Lattus object storage and to LTO tape.

For additional flexibility, QLS Archive gives operators the ability to restore content to a different SAN location if the SAN changes. The plug-in provides a permanent redirected restore, enabling customers to configure storage for the SAN without having to rearchive assets.

Finally, CatDV Server has been certified to operate on Quantum’s Xcellis shared storage system using its compute capabilities. The MAM system also operates with Quantum’s Artico NAS archive appliance. Both Xcellis and Artico are powered by StorNext.