Quantum Releases StorNext 5.4

Quantum has announced the release of StorNext 5.4 – an update of the company's workflow storage platform.

Enhancements include the ability to integrate existing public cloud storage accounts and third-party object storage (private cloud), commencing with Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, NetApp StorageGRID, IBM Cleversafe and Scality RING, as archive tiers in a StorNext-managed media environment. Users are also able to deploy applications embedded within StorNext-powered Xcellis workflow storage appliances.

One of the most significant enhancements is a new feature in StorNext Storage Manager that offers automated, policy-based movement of content into and out of users' existing public and private clouds. Customers are able to protect their prior investments and reduce the cost and complexity of cloud storage administration. Other benefits include seamless integration for public and private clouds within a StorNext-managed environment that can also encompass primary disk and tape storage tiers; full user and application access to media stored in the cloud without the need for additional hardware or software; extended versioning across sites and the cloud; and the ability to leverage integrated cloud transfer acceleration, a selection of third-party WAN acceleration tools and high-speed connectivity options for high-volume data transfers.

By allowing applications to run inside its Xcellis Workflow Director, Quantum's new Dynamic Application Environment (DAE) capability in StorNext 5.4 enables users to leverage a converged storage architecture. The DAE supports embedded applications in self-contained virtual machines (VMs), with a hypervisor dynamically allocating resources as needed to guarantee both storage and application performance. This approach to application deployment removes the need for dedicated servers and networking resources, keeps applications close to content storage and helps users take full advantage of their compute resources. With support for both Windows and Linux VMs, the DAE adds application flexibility and compatibility to the storage environment.

In addition, StorNext 5.4 provides users with new connectivity options for Xcellis workflow storage (quad 16Gb Fibre Channel and dual 40Gb Ethernet), as well as new NAS capabilities such as NFS 4.0. Other upgrades include support for a broader range of flash-based metadata controllers, including lower-price options for smaller deployments with high-performance requirements; improved monitoring and reporting for real-time insight into the entire tiered-storage environment; and automated over-the-air upgrades.

In conjunction with the release of StorNext 5.4, Quantum has refined its StorNext Connect management tools with an app-based framework that facilitates the independent installation, operation and updating of individual components while they are online. The Installation App simplifies the initial installation and configuration of Xcellis systems, providing step-by-step walk-throughs and visual guides that match the new configuration options in StorNext 5.4 and on Xcellis. A new NAS App simplifies and consolidates management of NAS functionality, while a Discovery App and a total environment Capacity Reporter App are also being developed.

StorNext 5.4 is currently shipping with all newly-purchased Xcellis, StorNext M-Series and StorNext Pro Solutions offerings, as well as Artico archive appliances. It is available at no additional cost for StorNext 5 users under current support contracts.

Dave Frederick, Senior Director of Media and Entertainment, Quantum, said: "One of the key challenges in today's media workflows is managing the ever-growing volume of higher-resolution video content. Quantum has been at the forefront in helping users address this challenge and capitalize on the opportunities to leverage this content for greater business and organizational success. StorNext 5.4 builds on the company's leadership, enabling users to extend their StorNext multi-tier storage environments and achieve even greater workflow efficiency, flexibility and cost savings."

Image: Universal Cloud Content Management With StorNext 5.

www.quantum.com

(JP/LM)