The XSAN is a media storage and collaboration tool. It is deployed and managed by ILS’s Digital Media Studios specifically for video and audio production and the related creative collaborations between students, faculty and staff. The XSAN is a network of computers, servers and storage space. In the edit suites, connection to the XSAN is via a special high speed fiber connection. The iMac lab connects to the XSAN via the “Go>Connect to Server” command or via Final Cut Server.

Use of XSAN

The XSAN is for the storage of media files (generally, audio and video) for active multimedia projects. It is not designed to replace a user’s Paris drive.

The XSAN is specifically NOT for the storage of backup files or documents unrelated to media production. Using the XSAN for purposes outside of media production will result in the discontinuation of access for the offending user(s).

Additionally, the XSAN should not be used for the purpose of archiving inactive media projects. The DMC staff will gladly assist users in backing up completed or inactive media projects to other, more appropriate, forms of storage.

The XSAN is divided into individual directories. Directories may be shared with multiple users or limited to a single user. Please see the section: XSAN Security and Privacy for more details.

Requesting XSAN access and directories

Users wishing to gain access to the XSAN should contact Colin Kelley [ckelley@bates.edu] or Kristen Carey [kcarey2@bates.edu].

XSAN users are expected to read, understand and follow the XSAN User Agreement; it contains a simplified listing of the policies and procedures outlined on this document. Questions can be directed to Colin.

Life of XSAN Directories

XSAN directories are automatically –without warning—purged (deleted) at the end of every semester. The directories may be extended into the next term IF the project is still ongoing/active. Users who wish to keep their directory active must request so in writing (email is preferred) before the end of the term.

The cutoff dates for these requests (and the date of the next scheduled directory purging) are always posted on the DMC website: http://axis.bates.edu/dmc

Summer and studying abroad: It is the policy that regardless of written request, individual student XSAN directories will be purged at the end of Short Term unless the student is actively working on a project over the summer (i.e. they will be at Bates during the summer months). Otherwise, it is recommended they purchase a portable hard drive to back up their work. Likewise, the DMC cannot keep XSAN directories active for students who are studying abroad for a term.

There can be exceptions to this rule, but again, requests must be presented in writing before the end of Short Term. All other types of directories may be carried over to Fall term—but the request MUST be made in writing. Otherwise the directory will be purged.

XSAN Security and Privacy

To encourage collaborations, the XSAN is administered differently than other Bates storage servers (such as Paris and Denmark). Instead of individual directories for each user, directories are designed so that they might be shared with other collaborators.

As such, when requesting a directory, a user can and should specify who (beside themselves) should have access to the requested directory. If at a later date additional users need to be added to (or removed from) the directory a request should be submitted in writing (email is fine) to the DMC XSAN managers.

IMPORTANT: While the DMC XSAN managers do not make it a practice to review your files without your permission or knowledge, it is important to note that anything in your directory can be seen and accessed by the DMC XSAN managers Colin Kelley and Kristen Carey.

No one beyond the XSAN managers (and any users YOU specify) will have access to your directory and files.

Users wishing for additional privacy should consider purchasing a portable hard drive instead of using the XSAN.

Accessing the XSAN

There are two methods to access the XSAN.

Method 1. The XSAN is connected via fiber to the “Edit Machines” (MacPros) in the Edit Suites. It appears on the desktop as “DMC” and can/should be accessed as though it were a hard drive. This is the preferred way of connection and will result in the best results.
Method 2. The XSAN may also be accessed from any campus Mac via an SMB connection. For more on this, please see How to save an iMovie project to XSAN.
PC Connections: It is possible for PC users to connect to the XSAN, but it is not recommended practice—and keeping this option available is not a priority.