Bright Systems is debuting its BrightDrive G2 multi-protocol media file servers featuring the E2 Ethernet interface at IBC. Designed on an architecture that supports either quad 1Gb or single 10Gb connections to the network, the E2 Ethernet interface can be dynamically clustered for greater scalability into lower I/O and higher transaction environments.

The BrightDrive G2 and E2 Ethernet interface combination delivers significant business-level benefits and workflow efficiencies to digital postproduction workflows. For example, users will be able to render over Ethernet but directly play or feed high-performance applications over Fibre Channel without moving data between storage systems. This will drastically reduce time-to-view and time-to-finish by combining the best of NAS and SAN in a single, advanced multi-protocol system. Further benefits will be realized through reduced need for storage hardware.

An industry first, BrightDrive is a fully self-maintaining system due to its use of Bright Systems’ underlying BrightClip file recording technology that minimizes physical storage needs and costly production downtime and labor commonly associated with maintenance activities.

“BrightDrive G2 with the new E2 interface allows users to fully harness their Ethernet environments and breathe new life into their storage infrastructures by ensuring maximum operational levels are maintained at all times without loss of performance,” says Antony Harris, CEO, Bright Systems. “The new functionality creates the best possible client-operator experience using first choice, best-of-breed applications at the lowest total operating cost.”

The E2 interface allows BrightDrive G2 users to remain focused on creative processes while satisfying unprecedented operational efficiency and predictability. It is compatible with leading file-based media applications and file formats, and it supports a wide variety of file-based workflows including commercials, animation, DI, dailies and VFX.

Launched at NAB 2009, BrightDrive G2 delivers multiple streams of real-time film and video up to 4K resolution allowing teams of creative professionals to access, share and work on the same media files concurrently. This means that even with the most complex projects, facility managers no longer need to spend time copying files between applications or waiting for individual processes to be finished before media can proceed through the workflow.