Aspera's high-speed file transfer software solves the problems of moving big media assets, and has become a popular alternative to secure FTP and HTTP in leading digital media management solutions. Several platforms have fully integrated Aspera technology using Aspera's SDK. The integrations are designed to take advantage of the network-independent high speed of Aspera transfers to create simple, high performance, cost-efficient solutions.

The problems of transferring large media assets over the wide area with conventional file transfer protocols have traditionally led companies to replicate centralized asset stores locally, near users, for better access time. But replicating content means more storage cost, more application maintenance, and more complexity, and still some distant users suffer from slow transfers.

In some cases, companies have invested in dedicated network infrastructure, or network transport services that rely on leased lines to move content through their systems. These options are not only very expensive but are still subject to throughput limitations of conventional protocols and long lead times for implementation.

Recognizing the need for a superior file transport technology that provides high-performance on existing network and computing resources, the solution providers described below have adopted and fully integrated Aspera's software. Their customers enjoy streamlined, low-cost systems that provide global performance, and end-to-end media supply chains that deliver dependable, high throughput at low cost.

The Aspera and Isilon Solution for High-Performance Content Delivery

Aspera and Isilon Systems have partnered to create the first high-performance, reliable, and scalable content delivery solution, designed specifically for Isilon clustered storage. Aspera Enterprise Server for Clustered Storage, a new software application running directly on Isilon clustered storage, provides a cluster-aware version of Aspera high-speed file transfer technology. When combined with Isilon's IQ clustered storage platform, the solution provides rapid, reliable, and scalable content delivery, directly from clustered storage.

Read more about Aspera Enterprise Server for Isilon Systems

Aspera in Microsoft Interactive Media Manager (IMM)

Microsoft Interactive Media Manager (IMM) is a collaborative media management solution that extends Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 for media and entertainment companies. The solution builds on existing technology investments, and helps companies create an end-to-end content production system capable of dealing with the new challenges of taking digital content to the Internet. The integration of Aspera software solves one of the most pressing challenges in this process – moving large media assets between disparate and distributed systems. Interactive Media Manager integrates the Aspera Enterprise Server software and Connect browser plug-in software out-of-the-box for uploads of media files through the IMM web portal. Similarly, the IMM back-end can be extended with Aspera software for high-speed transfers between production units and with distribution partners. Built upon the Aspera SDK, the Windows Communication Foundation Web services, and the Microsoft Connected Services Framework, the solution offers interactive tracking and control of file transfers throughout a workflow, and a customizable web interface for IE, Safari, and Firefox users. Customers gain the combined benefits of Windows workflow tools with the high-performance of Aspera's file transfer technology immediately, with no additional effort of integration.

Microsoft IMM is available now through Microsoft.

Aspera in North Plains Systems TeleScope Enterprise 8

North Plains System TeleScope Enterprise 8 is a digital asset management (DAM) system targeting multi division enterprises that need to effectively manage and share digital assets either locally or globally. Upon the request of a major Hollywood Studio familiar with Aspera, in late 2006 North Plains integrated the Aspera Enterprise Server and Connect browser plug-in with the North Plains TeleScope application for high-speed, secure downloads.

The integrated solution allowed end-users to seamlessly download content from the TeleScope web interface, fast, reliably, and with predictable transfer time, even across national boundaries. End-users download the Aspera client application (Connect with browser plug-in) the first time they access the application. The Aspera browser plug-in integrates seamlessly with the user's browser, supporting drag-and-drop of files or directories for upload, and click-able links for single and multi-item downloads. The Connect software is resident on the user's desktop, and allows the user to manage transfers from outside the browser process, including pausing, resuming, and controlling transfer rates on the fly (even when the browser is closed).

North Plains took full advantage of Aspera's SDK: Using Aspera's external authorization web service API, North Plains was able to preserve single sign-on for its users, and authorize and secure each transfer request. Using Aspera's Java Script API, the Telescope application dynamically generates custom HTML content including a fasp URL governing the user's download. Transfers use Aspera's adaptive rate control, and can be assigned higher bandwidth proportions through the URL parameters. The new 2.0 automatic bandwidth discovery capability ensures that transfers run automatically at a proportion of the user's capacity with no setting of preferences.

The integrated solution launched in January 2007 for the first customer and is generally available through North Plains.

Aspera in OpenText Artesia Digital Asset Management

OpenText Artesia is a leading digital asset management (DAM) system that provides enterprises with sophisticated support for the production, management, collaboration, and distribution of all types of rich media content. In fall 2006, one of the largest broadcast and entertainment companies undertook an effort to consolidate its multi-site asset management system into a single system, serving assets to users globally, with consistent high performance. Following successful tests of Aspera's Connect browser client and Server software for wide area file transfers, the broadcaster then asked Artesia to assess the integration requirements. Artesia determined that Aspera's SDK would provide a rapid integration path, the broadcaster licensed Aspera software, and the project was underway. The integration is targeted for mid-2007.