XenData, the global provider of video archive solutions to the media and entertainment industry, today announced the launch and immediate availability of its new SXL-8 archive systems. These are based on XenData’s SX-250 archive server and an LTO-7 autoloader that holds up to 7 LTO-7 cartridges. The system attaches to a network via 1GbE or 10GbE, and manages digital content across three tiers of storage: 6 TB of disk within the server, 42 TB of near-line LTO and unlimited capacity of offline LTO cartridges.
   

The autoloader minimizes the need for operator intervention when compared to a system with external LTO drives. The system will automatically initialize and load blank cartridges when needed as the Archive grows, and if automatic LTO cartridge replication is selected, the system can be scheduled to update replica cartridges overnight to maximize daily workflow performance. The system will also issue email alerts and on-screen messages when operator intervention is required to exchange full LTO tapes for new blank cartridges, or to import an offline cartridge for file restores.

Files are presented in a standard file/folder structure that is typically shared over the network, and means that the archive appears just like a disk drive. Files are transferred to and from the archive locally by using either the standard Windows network protocol (CIFS/SMB) or FTP file transfers. In addition, the system provides an object storage interface using an XML API. These interface options mean that the system works with most media asset management and other applications used in the creative video industry. Software modules are available that deliver a tight integration with specific applications, including for Avid Interplay Production and for archiving Avid projects from shared edit storage. Alternatively, video files may be archived and restored manually to a file-folder structure using Windows Explorer or FTP utilities.

The SXL-8 is intended for mounting in a 19 inch rack, taking only 2RU of rack space. Options include addition of 10 GbE Ethernet ports and fibre channel ports for connection to a SAN. The base system includes USB 3.0 ports, which are ideal for connecting USB disk drives as sources for archiving content to LTO. The SXL-8 systems write to either 6 TB LTO-7 or 2.5 TB LTO-6 cartridges using the LTFS exchange format or the open standard TAR format. LTO cartridges provide highly reliable storage with archival lifetimes of 30 years.