Apple is now shipping Final Cut Server, its scaleable server application that automatically catalogs assets, allows searching across multiple disks and SAN volumes and enables viewing, annotation and approval of content from anywhere using a PC or Mac. Final Cut Server is available for $999 for one server and 10 concurrent client licenses, and $1,999 for one server and unlimited client licenses. Tightly integrated with Final Cut Studio for a seamless extension of the workflow, Final Cut Server includes Compressor 3.

Final Cut Server automatically catalogs media and generates thumbnails, poster frames and low-resolution clip proxies for quick browsing in user-specified formats. A cross-platform client enables a PC or Mac to use Final Cut Server’s search capabilities, which extend from simple keywords to complex combinations of IPTC, XMP and XML metadata. Final Cut Server also configures a range of highly specific access controls that define user permissions on an asset or project basis.

Final Cut Server scales to support workgroups of different sizes and can automate as much, or as little, of the production pipeline as needed. A configurable event-based response model tracks job status, monitors media changes, and automates review and approval notifications and complex sequences of tasks.