E-mail
Welcome to the Digital Storage Manager (DSM) Administration Manual. This manual is intended to serve as a guide for administering the DSM system. This chapter outlines the key features of DSM, introduces workflow scenarios for archiving and retrieving data, and gives an overview of the system architecture. Subsequent chapters describe procedures needed to properly set up and manage DSM system components.
The DSM system is based on a client-server architecture and uses a centralized database server to store and retrieve information.
Figure: DSM Architecture. The DSM Database is the key element of the system. All other system components use it to store and retrieve information and, if applicable, to interact with each other.
The DSM database is the key element of the system architecture: all other system components utilize the production and configuration information it stores. In the DSM system, Microsoft SQL Server is used to accommodate and manage DSM databases.
The MetaCommunications Application Server fulfills the role of the intermediate server. The DSM client applications—the primary interface for production groups—make connections and communicate with the database engine through the Application Server.
Digital Storage Manager incorporates an automation server called InterSync into its architecture. The major function of InterSync is to assist in the cataloging of digital resources (files/folders) in the DSM database. As changes occur to the file system (files and folders are added, deleted, or modified in course of production), InterSync adds, deletes, and updates digital resource records in the DSM database accordingly.
The DSM Image Portal Web Server allows customers, external departments and employees to use the Internet and any common web browser to access and download digital resources referenced within the DSM database, regardless of their current archiving status.
The MetaCommunications Management Console, Application Server Shell, and the administration portion of the client application together form a set of administrative and configuration tools used for setting up various aspects of the DSM system.
The DSM Production Pack serves as add-on software that provides a set of plug-ins (extensions) for graphic applications used in the production cycle. It is installed directly on the DSM client workstations.