Intelligent shared processing workflow for transcode-intensive operations showcased at IBC
IBC, Amsterdam Sept 11 2008… A peek into the future is provided on the ROOT6 Technology stand at IBC where the company will demonstrate Clustering – an important new feature for ContentAgent which will become available with the release of V.3 software at the end of 2008.
ContentAgent Clustering locates all the acknowledged advantages of universal content repurposing, management and distribution at the heart of a high volume, fast turnaround automated workflow.
The Cluster Engine, resulting from technology hardware collaborations with Isilon and Hewlett Packard, provide an infinitely scalable end-to-end transcoding system.
I/O is controlled by ContentAgent running on a standard Hewlett Packard workstation which is used to import file-based media from a variety of sources and to capture from tape. ContentAgent then allocates the required tasks to individual processors in the HP blade server. Because these require no capture or storage capabilities, the cost of ownership is considerably reduced. And, as requirements change, more CPUs may be added to spread workload and increase performance. Centralised scalable shared storage is provided by Isilon.
As project-specific workflows are easily created on ContentAgent and replicated at will by non-technical staff, the new Clustering feature will offer considerable cost benefits to transcode-intensive operations, freeing up expensive hardware I/O systems to continuing working while transcoding is taken care of on the blades.
“Clustering is an exciting new development and a natural progression for ContentAgent,” asserts Product Manager Kevin King. ”Multiple system users will now benefit from the compelling proposition of faster throughput and increased cost effectiveness. ContentAgent Clustering addresses today’s digital landscape where the volume of content is increasing against contracting timeframes.”