Avid Nexis

Avid Nexis
Name	Avid Nexis
Developer	Avid Technology
Released	2015
Latest release version	(see vendor)
Operating system	Linux, Windows, macOS (clients)
License	Proprietary

Avid Nexis is a shared storage platform designed for media production workflows that provides high-performance shared storage and collaboration services for video and audio projects. Launched by Avid Technology, it targets broadcast studios, post-production houses, and live event facilities seeking centralized asset management and simultaneous collaboration. The platform integrates with major non-linear editing systems, media asset management platforms, and storage network technologies to support demanding media pipelines.

Overview

Avid Nexis operates as a shared storage solution tailored to professional media environments, drawing adoption from organizations such as BBC, NBCUniversal, Warner Bros., Disney, and Sky. It addresses collaboration needs similar to systems used by Technicolor, Deluxe Entertainment Services Group, Riot Games, Electronic Arts, and Dolby Laboratories. Vendors in adjacent markets include StorageDNA, Quantum Corporation, NetApp, EMC Corporation, and Dell Technologies. The product roadmap and industry positioning have been discussed at trade events like NAB Show, IBC (conference), and SXSW.

Architecture and Components

The architecture centers on software-defined storage controllers, metadata controllers, and modular storage enclosures. Core components integrate with media asset management systems such as Avid MediaCentral, Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro, Autodesk Flame, and Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve. Network components often involve Ethernet (computing), Fibre Channel, and InfiniBand fabrics supplied by vendors like Cisco Systems, Arista Networks, and Juniper Networks. Storage hardware partners include Western Digital, Seagate Technology, Intel Corporation, and Samsung Electronics. System management interfaces borrow paradigms from VMware vSphere, Microsoft System Center, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux tooling.

Features and Functionality

Nexis provides features such as multi-user read/write access, media-aware metadata indexing, and versioning workflows that echo capabilities seen in Avid Media Composer and Grass Valley EDIUS. Real-time collaboration supports editors working concurrently on projects for clients like Netflix, HBO, Amazon Studios, and Hulu. Integration points enable tethering to orchestration and automation platforms like Kaltura, Vizrt, Grass Valley, EditShare, and Primestream. Performance metrics and QoS are comparable to SAN solutions deployed by Sky Sports, Fox Corporation, and CBS Corporation.

Deployment and Scalability

Deployments range from compact single-rack systems used by boutique post houses to multi-rack clusters deployed by broadcasters and content distributors including Sky, PBS, ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation), and Al Jazeera. Scalability is achieved via modular expansion shelves and controller clustering strategies similar to those used by Ceph, GlusterFS, and Dell EMC Isilon environments. Cloud integration and hybrid models enable connectivity with Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform for remote edit and archive workflows employed by companies like A+E Networks and Discovery, Inc..

Integration and Compatibility

Avid Nexis interoperates with a broad ecosystem: edit suites running Avid Media Composer, finishing systems like Autodesk Smoke, broadcast automation systems from Ross Video, and asset management platforms such as Primestream and Dalet Digital Media Systems. It supports media ingest and playout environments used in sports production by organizations like ESPN, Sky Sports, and BT Sport. File-system and protocol compatibility aligns with NFS, SMB, and media-aware APIs employed by OpenTimelineIO adopters and post houses collaborating with studios such as Paramount Pictures and Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Security and Data Management

Data protection and administration features include role-based access, snapshotting, and tiering workflows consistent with enterprise solutions from Symantec, Veeam, and Commvault. Integration with identity providers like Microsoft Active Directory and Okta facilitates user management in broadcast organizations including ITV plc and TelevisaUnivision. Archive and LTO tape workflows often reference standards used by Linear Tape-Open Committee, and long-term preservation policies align with practices at institutions like the Library of Congress and British Film Institute.

Use Cases and Industry Adoption

Common use cases include collaborative editing for episodic television produced by Warner Bros. Television, feature-film post-production at vendors such as Deluxe, live event production for Live Nation, and news production at organizations like Reuters and Associated Press. Sports broadcasters including NBC Sports and production companies serving UEFA and FIFA employ shared storage to manage multi-camera feeds, highlights, and fast-turnaround edits. Educational institutions with media programs, such as University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts and New York University Tisch School of the Arts, use similar technologies for training workflows.

Category:Broadcast engineering Category:Video editing Category:Storage software