Welsh TV channel S4C, implements Infortrend’s latest 16G Fibre Technology

Welsh TV channel S4C, implements Infortrend’s latest 16G Fibre Technology

High speed performance helps world’s only Welsh-language broadcaster deliver content for everyone

S4C is the first and only television channel in the world to broadcast in Welsh. Based in Cardiff, it delivers a comprehensive range of content, including news, sports, entertainment, drama, and children’s programming.

Moving to the best storage available

S4C chose Infortrend EonStor DS S16F-R2651 16G Fibre Channel storage for its unmatched high speed performance. Another key factor in the decision to go with an Infortrend solution was Infortrend’s very attractive price point, which enabled S4C to completely overhaul its data infrastructure, whilst ensuring the best performance - and all within their budget. The acclaimed reliability offered by Infortrend made the move to EonStor DS storage an even easier choice alongside the excellent scalability offered by the EonStor DS S16F-R2651, which enables future expansion and growth at S4C as their overall storage requirements increase with time.

Smooth implementation for an easy transition

In terms of replacing existing systems, the EonStor DS S16F-R2651 integrated seamlessly into S4C’s IT backbone. Easy configuration and deployment minimized downtime, simplifying setup and integration with the existing Quantum StorNext SAN and DALET Media Asset Management platform. The whole integration process proved to be very quick and simple through using Infortrend’s user-friendly SANWatch software. Infortrend storage was recommended to S4C by leading IT application provider ERA UK (www.eraltduk.com), who are extremely well-known and highly respected throughout the broadcast industry. “Recommending Infortrend was the natural thing to do in light of S4C’s requirements for high-end performance and high accessibility to improve services offered to their viewers. Plus, Infortrend systems are very easy to configure and integrate”, said Sean Baker, Commercial Director at ERA.

In total, S4C currently has 80TB of high performance storage available on Infortrend solutions, with the potential for quick growth as required. Overall, the EonStor DS S16F-R2651 solution can be expanded to accommodate up to 240 disk drives. The result of implementing the Infortrend EonStor DS S16F-R2651 is that S4C was able to completely upgrade its workflow, as Infortrend storage handles all of the content delivered by the channel to viewers via air, satellite, and the interne.

Support and quality mean a better future

S4C now has greater confidence in its data and storage systems. With the EonStor DS S16F-R2651 at the center of its IT operations, S4C can rely on Infortrend quality plus after-sales support to ensure uninterrupted service to its audiences in Wales and elsewhere. 

By opting to go with Infortrend, S4C gained new and vastly better performance, based upon the advantages of exclusive technologies and the bandwidth of 16G Fibre Channel with 6Gb/s SAS disk drives. Having experienced growing reliability issues with its previous data and storage system, which was beginning to show its age, S4C chose Infortrend for assured performance, versatility, and reliability in the long run.

S4C implementation of Infortrend EonStor DS in a SAN environment for media storage and delivery