ProMAX Systems is now shipping their latest breakthrough workflow server system; the Platform Portable. Initially announced at IBC in Amsterdam, Platform Portable distinctively allows creative groups to connect their existing attached storage devices and transform them into a simple, yet sophisticated, shared editing environment. ProMAX, the manufacturer of Platform modular workflow servers, high-performance ONE editing workstations and Cache-A archival appliances, designed this revolutionary mobile server to establish an entirely new product category by utilizing existing drives as shared storage to accelerate the efficiency of video production and post workflows both in studio and on location. The Platform Portable is available now through ProMAX’s worldwide channel of reseller partners and distributors.
Platform Portable is cross-platform compatible (OSX, Windows, Linux) and supports all common attached storage interfaces including Thunderbolt, USB, FireWire, SAS and eSATA. Portable also reads all common file systems including, HFS+, FAT32 and NTFS. Platform Portable can connect clients up to 5 x 1GbE or 2 x 10GbE ports, copper or fiber. Storage expansion ports include 2 x Thunderbolt 2.0, 8 x USB 3.0, 4 x USB 2.0, 2 x FireWire 800, 1 x FireWire 400, 2 x eSATA and an optional SAS controller.
“Platform Portable enables workgroups to share any content, from any device, in any format, with any user in the group, anywhere they choose to take it,” summarizes Jess Hartmann, ProMAX CEO. He adds, “People are excited to find a new way to retain their investment in terabytes of existing local and attached storage. Response to the system has been resoundingly positive.”
Platform Portable enters the market with capabilities unlike any other shared storage device. Portable models include varied levels of workflow acceleration features such as built in Media Asset Management and Transcoding for groups of up to 6 users. Platform software supports these workflows as well as Portable’s fundamental ability to make use of existing attached storage devices to become a powerful shared storage system.
As the most affordable video optimized shared workflow solution for smaller workgroups, Platform Portable offers an accessible “bridge” in moving from attached storage into more robust shared storage. Portable can be configured with an optional, built-in 2TB SSD storage module featuring 2 x 1TB drives in RAID-0 for fast access to media. The Portable base configuration will have an MSRP of around $5,995, before options for expanded network connectivity, transcoding, or onboard storage are added. There are no per seat licensing costs.
Platform Portable’s functionality mirrors the merging of production and post processes, blending features to fit the needs of creative teams ranging from production groups of D.P.s, audio technicians and DITs, to post teams of editors, colorists, and graphic artists. For live event production and creating packaged content that requires immediate turnaround for social media and PR packages, Portable delivers an incredibly collaborative editing experience that enables finishing projects faster.
The Platform Portable also answers the call for a shared editing system with supreme mobility to effortlessly travel from studio to locations and back. At 18” x 12” x 2.5” and 10.75 pounds, it’s lightweight and small enough to easily take by plane or car to any shoot location. Its rugged steel construction and anti-shock braces are designed to perform in tough outdoor environments and every Platform Portable comes with a shock absorbent, protective travel bag.
About ProMAX Systems
ProMAX develops and manufactures award-winning workflow servers, storage systems, high performance workstations and archival appliances for professional content creators around the world. The ProMAX Platform is a unique shared storage system designed to increase efficiency and improve the content creation process by managing multiple production processes such as transcoding, rendering, asset management, and archiving. The ProMAX ONE+ is a powerful and expandable workstation designed for high-end video workflows and is favored by editors, colorists and VFX artists who require superior performance for high quality video production. ProMAX and Cache-A systems are available through ProMAX’s worldwide channel of reseller partners and distributors.
For 20 years ProMAX has expertly devised and supported end-to-end workflow solutions designed to accelerate and advance the content creation process. For more information, visit www.promax.com, follow @ProMAX Systems on Twitter, and see more ProMAX happenings on Facebook and YouTube.
