File Convertion and File Management

It is important for the File-transfer/network manager to be brought into the production team to understand. Their role in the convertion, storage and backup of assets and all working files is crucial to the success of any project.

Storage

The network manager should be advised by the project manager of project file storage and of any special backup requirements. An estimate of the total disc storage space required can be made from the product specification document. A reasonable estimate is to allow for three times the projected byte size of the final product specification document. This allows for a working space equivalent to the final product size, a similar volume for finished assets, and another similar volume for the creation of a final product image.

Resolutions

Original scans or sound recordings should be retained at high resolutions in case they are required at some future date to help solve a problem. If originals are stored at high resolutions,--higher than is required by the product specification,--they can always be reworked and reduced to the target resolution much more satisfactorily than reworking an image or sound file at its target resolution.

Convertion, Protection and Backup Utilities

Software to handle the following are essential in any project:

Depending on the extent to which applications are received from outside on floppy disc or otherwise, anti-virus screening and cleanup software may need to be used on a systematic basis. Virus checking should always form part of the final product testing procedures before programs are distributed.

Backup Media

Backing-up to DAT is an economical means of insuring against loss of data. Backing-up onto 128Kb, 230Kb or 1.3Gb magneto-optical (MO) discs is more expensive but the data is more secure because electromagnetic media such as DAT is succeptible to shock and electromagnetic fields than MO discs. Also, data on MO discs are more quickly accessible than on DAT. Backing-up to CD-R is particular cost-efficient and fast but the procedures for doing so lend themselves more to the final archiving of materials than to daily or weekly backups, say. Finally, backups should be stored in fire-proof safes.