The dynamics of the workplace have changed permanently due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For a lot of companies, a hybrid or totally remote workflow needs to be part of their infrastructure going forward.
At Z Systems, we have investigated and evaluated many solutions. At this point, we don’t really see a clear leader. They all have their advantages, disadvantages, and unique features. We are happy to work with you to find the best match. Here is a summary of the key offerings so far:
Option 1: Proxy-Based Remote Workflows
The idea here is that you have a high-speed video file server installed at your office and then automatically create lower resolution versions (‘proxies’) of the files so that working with and retrieving them remotely on-demand is easy to do. Once a project is done, it is conformed and mastered back in the office.
Studio Network Solutions’ EVO is a great example of this. The idea is that you have a high-speed shared storage server installed at your office that contains
Tiger Pool is another example
CatDV (?) I don’t think so
Option 2: Full Resolution – Based Workflows
With this approach, there are small servers installed at the remote location and then are continuously syncing to the main server in the office, or to a cloud target. This usually involves actively managing the files and folders that are syncing to just current projects and evergreen assets
Blackmagic Design’s Cloud Store is an example of this.
SNS’s EVO Prodigy Desktop is a great example: https://www.studionetworksolutions.com/evo/#prodigy-desktop
If you want to build something yourself, check out Syncthing https://syncthing.net/ – it is an open source file syncing solution
The advantage of this approach is that you aren’t dealing with proxies – when you are done you are done.
The disadvantages include managing the syncing files vs. the ‘done’ files, proper archiving and backup, and potential data throttling from your home internet service provider.
Option 3: Remote Terminal – Based Workflows
Another approach is to leave everything in place at the office and use a VPN / Remote Terminal connection to access your desktop at the office remotely from home.
Option 4: 100% Cloud-Based Solutions
Let’s face it, this is where it is all probably headed. As bandwidth to the home increases while the cost of cloud storage decreases, this will only become more and more viable. The question is whether or not it is viable for you now.
LucidLink is the best solution for this – Their approach is to use cloud object storage and then present that as block-level storage to your desktop, allowing instant access to everything in its full resolution – rather mind-blowing! It looks and acts like an external hard drive connected to your computer. It is expensive, though, and most will want a traditional storage server to complement the service.
A big advantage of this is that all of your data is in the cloud – you can access it from anywhere and the management is minimal.
You still will need to protect against accidental deletion and probably a less expensive solution for archive.
