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FAQ, an employee of Object Matrix, asked a question in Object Matrix on November 19, 2007 21:35:

Does MatrixStore run on a SAN?

FAQ, an employee of Object Matrix, replied on November 19, 2007 21:35 to the question "What is DropSpot?" in Object Matrix:

DropSpot is a free desktop application to search, upload and download assets from MatrixStore allowing you to script and automate processes across Mac, Windows and Linux platforms and applications.

With DropSpot it is possible to:
- archive single or multiple files and whole directory structures
- add metadata on the fly
- keyword search MatrixStore
- read back/restore data from the archive

DropSpot can run on the Mac OS, Linux and Windows.

FAQ, an employee of Object Matrix, asked a question in Object Matrix on November 19, 2007 21:24:

What is DropSpot?

FAQ, an employee of Object Matrix, replied on November 19, 2007 21:15 to the question "Can I search MatrixStore?" in Object Matrix:

Absolutely!

MatrixStore stores all metadata an asset accumulates throughout its production lifecycle. Every asset increases in value with the ease it can be found and reused. Every asset on MatrixStore is always only a metadata search away.

MatrixStore supports Metadata which can be added with the data stored upon initial storage or at a later date.

Finding an asset in an archive consisting of hundreds of terabytes with a keyword search is essential functionality in an archive solution.

FAQ, an employee of Object Matrix, asked a question in Object Matrix on November 19, 2007 21:07:

Can I search MatrixStore?

FAQ, an employee of Object Matrix, replied on November 19, 2007 21:05 to the question "What format is the data stored in on the disk?" in Object Matrix:

MatrixStore keeps data in its original format, we do not store the data in a proprietary format. It is YOUR data.

By using standard off the shelf hardware and standard Mac OS or Linux file systems the customer is not tied down to Object Matrix or MatrixStore.

FAQ, an employee of Object Matrix, asked a question in Object Matrix on November 19, 2007 21:01:

What format is the data stored in on the disk?

FAQ, an employee of Object Matrix, replied on November 19, 2007 20:58 to the question "What sort of data is MatrixStore used for?" in Object Matrix:

MatrixStore is a repository for reference data, data that will not change, its authenticity for many years to come must not be compromised.

Data such as original masters, final cuts, project files for completed edits.

MatrixStore is a great compliment for SAN based storage. A SAN is perfect for provisioning high performance shared workspace for the editing and production process. Its architecture, management and costs are less suited to long-term protection of assets. Xsan from Apple is ideal for what your working now, MatrixStore for keeping original footage and final cuts safe.

FAQ, an employee of Object Matrix, asked a question in Object Matrix on November 19, 2007 20:54:

What sort of data is MatrixStore used for?

FAQ, an employee of Object Matrix, replied on November 19, 2007 20:52 to the question "How easy will it be to migrate data when new technologies in storage emerge?" in Object Matrix:

MatrixStore is a software layer running on either the Mac OS or Linux which creates an abstraction from the underlying storage hardware. If it is supported by the Mac Os or Linux then MatrixStore can run on it.

The real benefit of this abstraction is that when new technologies are introduced they can be introduced into a cluster that is built on legacy hardware. Old stuff with new stuff... no need to keep doors open with the old tin.

Another more important benefit arises from the way in which MatrixStore protects data. As the legacy hardware needs to be phased-out or the hardware fails due to its age the data will automatically be migrated to other nodes in the cluster,a portion of those nodes being based on the new technology.

FAQ, an employee of Object Matrix, asked a question in Object Matrix on November 19, 2007 20:49:

How easy will it be to migrate data when new technologies in storage emerge?

FAQ, an employee of Object Matrix, replied on November 19, 2007 20:48 to the question "Can I run 3rd party applications on the same hardware as the MatrixStore server?" in Object Matrix:

MatrixStore is not designed to run concurrently with 3rd party applications since those would compromise the strict data security and data safety that the MatrixStore solution otherwise enforces, as well as to create unpredictable dynamics in system performance. MatrixStore is uncompromising in secure data storage.

FAQ, an employee of Object Matrix, asked a question in Object Matrix on November 19, 2007 20:47:

Can I run 3rd party applications on the same hardware as the MatrixStore server?

FAQ, an employee of Object Matrix, replied on November 19, 2007 20:45 to the question "Can MatrixStore automatically run against 3rd Party applications?" in Object Matrix:

As mentioned previously applications communicate with MatrixStore through the MatrixStore API. We are continually developing further partnerships with 3rd party vendors of applications which would provide excellent solutions for creative organisations. If you have a suggestion or wish to integrate your product to the MatrixStore API please do give us a shout.

FAQ, an employee of Object Matrix, asked a question in Object Matrix on November 19, 2007 20:42:

Can MatrixStore automatically run against 3rd Party applications?

FAQ, an employee of Object Matrix, replied on November 19, 2007 20:11 to the question "What is a MatrixStore node?" in Object Matrix:

A MatrixStore node is basically CPU and Disk.

This can be within a single form factor or separate units as with the Apple Xserve and Xserve RAID platform.

To run MatrixStore in production we recommend (we support) the following configurations:

Xserve with 64-bit Dual-Core Intel Xeon - Part Number: Z0DB
- Dual Channel gigabit Ethernet card with PCI Express riser 065-6495
- Dual Channel 4Gb Fibre Channel PCI Express Card 065-6581
- Single 650W Power Supply 065-6423
- 80GB Serial ATA ADM @ 7200 rpm 065-6406
- 2GB 667 DDR2 FB DIMM ECC - 4x512MB 065-6482

Xserve RAID - Part Number: Z0D3
- 10500GB ADM (14x750GB Ultra ATA) 065-7047
- Cache Battery Back-up Modules 065-3777

The minimum amount of nodes in a MatrixStore cluster is 3, there is no maximum.

3 Apple based nodes as specified above provides 13.5TB of usable storage.

FAQ, an employee of Object Matrix, asked a question in Object Matrix on November 19, 2007 20:05:

What is a MatrixStore node?

FAQ, an employee of Object Matrix, replied on November 19, 2007 19:55 to the question "What platforms are supported?" in Object Matrix:

The hardware platform currently supported by Object Matrix is the Apple Xserve and Xserve RAID platform.

The MatrixStore server also runs on any hardware supported by the following platforms:

- Mac OS 10.5.1 (Leopard)
- Linux

The MatrixStore client API runs on Mac OS, Linux and Windows

FAQ, an employee of Object Matrix, asked a question in Object Matrix on November 19, 2007 19:53:

What platforms are supported?

FAQ, an employee of Object Matrix, replied on November 19, 2007 17:25 to the question "How do I access my data in a MatrixStore archive?" in Object Matrix:

All access to MatrixStore is via the MatrixStore API.

Applications such as Artbox from Proximity Group and our own DropSpot integrate to the API via the Java or C interface.

Users of those applications then have access to the data in MatrixStore.