Raid on a network?????

[Mark Slade]

I'm sure it's possible.....but at what cost? I know I can have storage on a network.....but I want to have a raid setup that I can access from 2 computers.....ie....finish an edit and have the machine render while I use the other machine to edit another project using the same raid. Or capture tape on 1 machine while editing on the other. Of course it may be easier(or cheaper) to just have a raid setup for each machine??
Talk to me like I'm a 2 year old on this....I'm just starting to read about san's and lan's, and a whole bunch of other abbreviations that I have no idea what they mean!! :icon_eek:

Mark

[WindyHillsVideo]

Just my opinion...

From my perspective, the main benefit of having network/shared access to your file system for more than one NLE workstation is the ability for more than one user to access the same project files. If it's your primary intention to have 2 or more workstations working simultaneously working on more than one project, you're better off in the long run building those workstations with stand alone storage.

Network capable RAID arrays that support multiple workstations are a very expensive proposition and need to extremely robust in order to support file transfer speed needed for multi-user environments. And if your primary workflow consideration is to allow working on multiple projects, you're creating the potential for a single point of failure. And as an additional consideration, unless you have some sort of server environment to manage all these shared project files, you're not going to be able to fully take advantage of some huge array on a network anyway. If you don't already have gigabit or fiber channel capabilities, once you add this hardware, you're quickly adding a few extra zeros to the price tag.

Build stand-alone workstations with required storage and skip the headaches associated with high-end network arrays until you win the lottery.:devil-smiley-076:

Michael

[JC/DV]

Mark, I have a RAID 0 setup on my main editing PC. I have a Linksys Gigabit router that all 3 (work) computers and my wife's computer is on. I have the RAID shared to the other 2 computers. I can edit HDV fine on all 3 at the same time (well, if I had 2 other people) but basically, I can either capture on all 3 at same time to the RAID, Render on main and work on one another... it works fine. For HDV and SD. Going uncompressed or ProRes might be different.

Nothing beats directly attached storage like Michael said, but the network setup I have as mentioned works well for me...... BTW, don't even try this on a standard 100 mbps network...

[Mark Slade]

Thanks Michael....that's what I was beginning to figure out.

J-man....sounds interesting....kind of what I want to do.....you'll hear from me soon.....

[WindyHillsVideo]

Thanks Michael....that's what I was beginning to figure out.

J-man....sounds interesting....kind of what I want to do.....you'll hear from me soon.....

I anxiously await Rat Vega's input on this topic, I trust he is knowledgeable and has a few ideas to share regarding this subject...


Michael

[Mark Slade]

What I have is 1 machine running Prem Pro, another with Edius and the 3rd is a cheap e-machine running a bravo 2 duplicator. I also have a laptop which is for all intents and purposes my home machine....I-net, e-mail and stuff like that. But I also use the laptop for doing some photoshop stuff. I find it a PITA transferring files back and forth between the 4 machines. So maybe what I need is some type of shared storage for file transferring and just a raid for each of the edit machines. My thinking in my original post was 1 central giant raid and everything could work from that.......

Mark

[RatVega]

Jerome is on the right track. We've been sharing storage over gig ether for 4-5 years.

What I want to caution you about is how you set up the RAID. Yes, I'm the same guy who had a RAID_0 (the configuration that can crash in an instant) up for over four years without a hitch, but that's not how to bet. That's like driving on ice: OK for experienced players, but never a great idea.

Get yourself a good hardware RAID controller like a CalDigit and then build yourself an array or two using the kind of hardware sold at (www.pc-pitstop.com (http://www.pc-pitstop.com)). Think big since once you get your RAID up and running, the hassle factor to expand is a lot like reconfiguring your system drive. Don't forget that you'll be needing extra drives: in the array for parity and on the shelf as spares. RAIDs work best with matched components. For quite a bit less than the "ready-to-run" arrays you can have a nice little RAID_5 or RAID_6 and few heartaches.

Don't forget that in a shared environment version and access control are what keep things sane. There are apps designed to manage these things in large scale environments; we do it with brains and communication.

Good luck!

[JC/DV]

I should add that I do have a couple drives that I use as a backup drive to my RAID0 setup... Certain sets of folders get backed up to certain drives. Basically whenever I do a new project or changes to a project, a backup is done that night.... only changed files are backed up so it really doesn't take much time.... just in case RAID craps out.

[WindyHillsVideo]

This looks intesting...


http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/12/lacieethernetdisk_01.jpg

The rack-mounted NAS features 6TB in a 1U 19-inch rack form factor and can work with all OSes out on the market. It can support a total of 100 users with customizable access rights and up to 25 users accessing it at the same time.

The 6TB edition costs $1,500. If that's a little too much space for you, there's a 4TB option for $1,100 or 2TB for $749.

LaCie Ethernet Disk: Up to 6TB in a Rack-Mounted Backup Appliance

* 1U 19" rack-mounted backup solution for small and medium business

* Most comprehensive data backup and protection software suite in its class

* Can be used together with Apple® Time Machine™

* Powered by trusted Windows® XP Embedded

* Instantly store and share files with Mac®, PC, Linux or Unix users

LaCie today introduced a new version of its award-winning Ethernet Disk, a network-attached storage (NAS) device featuring a capacity increase of up to 6TB in a 1U 19" rack form factor. Designed by Neil Poulton, it is the most compact all-in-one rack-mounted backup appliance operating in heterogeneous ecosystems.

Designed for small and medium business needs, the Ethernet Disk is powered by the field-proven Windows XP embedded operating system that provides all the necessary features for data backup, storage and file-sharing through its Gigabit Ethernet connection. Thanks to Active Directory compatibility, the LaCie Ethernet Disk supports a total of 100 users with customizable access rights to different shares, with up to 25 concurrent users.

"Microsoft is pleased to work with LaCie to provide the core embedded foundation for its new Ethernet Disk," said John Doyle, Senior Product Manager for the Windows Embedded Business. "We are excited to provide customers with an innovative platform that allows them to develop a, smart, connected device that offers increased security and storage capabilities."

Developed to provide data protection for Windows, MAC, Linux and Unix-based workstations, the LaCie Ethernet Disk ships with three licenses of both Genie Backup Manager ProTM for Windows and Intego Backup Manager ProTM for Mac, which can perform scheduled file backups for workstations. The LaCie Ethernet Disk's ability to work together with Apple Time Machine allows Mac users to take advantage of the continuous data protection the software provides.

The included backup software protects against major disasters and natural catastrophes by offering a computer recovery function for selected workstations. Optional extra licenses are available through the LaCie online store.

The LaCie Ethernet Disk can integrate into any global disaster recovery plan, as its built-in engine can back up its volumes either onto a USB-connected DAS (direct-attached storage) to be taken off-site, or remotely onto another NAS.

"Backing up data – even mission-critical data – always boils down to making and storing copies of data, located on your primary storage device, onto a secondary device," said Erwan Girard, LaCie Product Manager. "For this reason, the perfect backup companion for your information system should be kept simple and cost-effective. The LaCie Ethernet Disk offers computer backup and recovery, and backs itself up onto a NAS or DAS, all at the best price-per-terabyte ratio in the market. It is therefore an excellent complement to the complex and expensive technology used in front end storage servers."

Availability
The LaCie Ethernet Disk is available immediately in capacities of 2TB, 4TB and 6TB through the LaCie Online Store or LaCie resellers at the suggested retail price starting at $749.99 (excluding VAT), which includes a three-year limited warranty. Silicon feet and bracket covers are included for standalone use, as well as power and Ethernet cables. The optional Rack Rail Kit is available for $59.99 while the Advance Replacement Option is available for European customers for €124. For more information visit www.lacie.com

About Neil Poulton
Neil Poulton was born in Thurso, Scotland. A graduate in Industrial Design from Edinburgh University and Milan's Domus Academy, Poulton first came into public view in 1989 as the creator of "the ageing pens," pens made from a "living," wearing plastic that changes color and form with use. Today, Neil Poulton designs and develops best-selling, award-winning products for a variety of international clients including LaCie & Artemide. Since 1991, Poulton has lived and worked in Paris, France. www.neilpoulton.com

About LaCie
Located in the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Europe, Singapore and Hong Kong, LaCie is the leading manufacturer of computer peripherals for Windows, Apple and Linux users. LaCie creates external storage solutions and color monitors that help professionals and everyday people easily manage their digital lives. LaCie has differentiated its products through original designs and leading-edge technology. Established in France in 1989, LaCie is listed on Euronext under FR0000054314 (LAC). For more information, visit www.lacie.com

[RatVega]

This is more like it:
file:///Users/splinter/Desktop/5big_3Qtr-Left_NEW.jpghttp://www.lacie.com/imgstore/product_large/5big_3Qtr-Right_NEW_ON.jpg
"The 5big Network is the most complete five-bay RAID solution for small and medium workgroups or offices that need large storage and backup capacity, improved performance and advanced security. Offering capacities of up to 7.5TB* (7500GB) and a versatile hot-swap feature, the 5big Network supports seven RAID modes including RAID 5 and RAID 6 for more flexibility and superior data protection. Designed with the modern professional office in mind, the 5big Network is housed in a sleek and durable aluminum tower with five lockable, removable drive trays. "

It's not rack mount, but it's a real RAID...

[WindyHillsVideo]

With that big blue light on the front, it makes me almost hear it saying....

"I'm sorry, I can't let you do that Dave"

[RatVega]

That was a RED light... :uhoh: