Three Media Develops Workflow Data Translation Engine

A leading strategic broadcast and operational specialist, Three Media Associates, has launched XEN: a data translation engine designed specifically for broadcast workflows. The software application was developed by Three Media Associates in response to on-going business needs regularly identified by its clients.
"Because of the way workflows have developed, all broadcasters have critical data distributed across Excel spreadsheets and other discreet applications," explained Dave Headdon, Director of Three Media Associates.
"They need to move this data from system A to system B, format A to format B. This is an everyday requirement, but we could not identify an existing tool to accomplish it simply, accurately and cost-effectively. XEN: was born out of our own frustration."
XEN: is a Microsoft .NET engine with plug-ins to provide bespoke functionality such as data verification, transformation and translation. A simple user interface manages users, configuration and logging. XEN: allows customers to develop their own plug-ins or draw on the expertise of Three Media Associates to customise their comprehensive plug-in library.
The current version runs in the background on a network connected server, but a future development will see it also offered as a Software as a Service cloud solution.
XEN: is already in use by a number of broadcasters. Typical applications involve bridging together a number of databases, determining which is the master data set for each piece of information and maintaining appropriate synchronisation where necessary.
It can be used to drive Service Level Agreements by tracking key performance indicators like processing time targets, or for output functions like creating EPGs or driving non-linear schedules.
(BMcC/CD)