Ubisoft Montreal Powers Game Development With Studio Network Solutions

Studio Network Solutions (SNS), a provider of post production storage systems for audio and video applications, has announced that Ubisoft Montreal has deployed SNS's Enterprise A/V SAN PRO shared storage solution and SANmp software for the production of game trailers, marketing clips and interviews, as well as audio editing for sound FX, foley and in-game music.
Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide, with teams in 27 countries, game distribution in more than 55 countries around the globe, and annual revenue of 928 million Euros for its 2007-08 fiscal year. Ubisoft Montreal is one of the largest game developer studios in the world with over 1,800 employees, and the largest studio in the Ubisoft group.
After carefully evaluating and testing systems from several competing vendors, Ubisoft Montreal awarded SNS with the job of designing an Enterprise-class shared storage solution for its unique requirements in cutting-edge game development. Performance/reliability requirements, large customer base, and ease-of-use were among the important reasons Ubisoft Montreal chose to invest in an SNS-powered solution.
SNS' SANmp volume sharing software for Mac/PC enables all computers to concurrently share massive amounts of data over high-speed Fibre and iSCSI Storage Networks, resulting in a dramatically faster workflow since all users can capture, record, edit and share directly onto the storage system in real-time, eliminating the need to copy files locally. SANmp requires no servers or metadata controllers, which makes it a perfect choice for companies that need a shared SAN for applications like Pro Tools, Final Cut Pro and Avid, and want a sharing solution that offers high performance and uptime with minimal administrative overhead.
Jean-Francois Patenaude, Storage and Special Projects Architect, Ubisoft Montreal, states: "Games will be of even better quality, more games will be produced, and also we are engaging in CGI (computer-generated imagery) creation. The SNS products will definitely be part of our toolsets and they will be used to accompany us in our growth."
"We are thrilled that Ubisoft Montreal has chosen A/V SAN PRO and SANmp for its storage requirements in game development. Their system’s outstanding performance and usability will significantly increase their efficiency and productivity as they grow and expand," comments Jeremy Strootman, Director of Worldwide Sales, Studio Network Solutions.
Further information is available at: www.studionetworksolutions.com and www.ubisoftgroup.com.
(KMcA/JM)