Removable mediaSince it is likely that you'll be developing your multimedia titles using a distributed workgroup of different computers, you'll have to choose a method for transferring information between these computers. This used to be a considerable problem, given that most sites have a hodgepodge of different computers of various incompatible operating systems.
Fortunately, it is now relatively easy to pass information back and forth between computers with different operating systems and hardware architectures. There are three basic ways to move files between computers:
Removable media
File-transfer software across a serial port
Local area network
All three methods can be used to transfer information between different personal computers. Each method has its pros and cons, but generally you will find that speed and efficiency are directly proportional to cost. The following sections discuss each method.
One time-honored traditional way to move information between computers was to transfer the data to a floppy disk and running down the hall to the other machine—often referred to as “sneaker net.” When floppy disks only held 360K of data, this wasn't extremely efficient. But with the increasing availability of high-capacity removable media, this approach has become practical in many situations.
Removable media is available in capacities ranging from 360K floppies to 600 MB erasable optical disks. The most practical mid-range entry is the 44 MB removable hard disk, usually marketed under a variety of brand names. Although removable media is not as convenient as a local area network (LAN), it can be an economical alternative in a small operation, particularly if you install a SCSI card in your PCs and simply move the drive between machines.
But if you want to move big chunks of data between different types of computers, and don't want to use a LAN, you should combine your mass storage needs with your data transfer needs and get one of the high-capacity removable media drives previously described.
Possibly the least expensive method of moving files between computers that sit fairly close together is to run a cable between their serial ports and use specialized communications software. This method will transfer files too large to fit on a floppy disk, and can be fast enough to satisfy small production needs. However, it is difficult to connect more than two computers this way.
Networks are probably the most effective way to transfer files in a production environment. They are also expensive, potentially more complicated than the other methods, and require setup, training and maintenance. However, if you are serious about creating an efficient production environment, invest in a network.
Several network systems, such as Microsoft's LAN Manager, are available to connect PCs with other types of computers. They allow any machine to access the storage devices attached to any other machine to open or transfer files. Since you will probably use a distributed system of several machines to produce and manage your data, be sure you have a network up to the task.
Since the size of multimedia data resources can grow quite large, multimedia developers must identify the most logical points in the network to place the data resources. For example, clip art images belong on a fileserver close to those individuals that work with images. Audio waveform files belong next to the audio experts. Recent developments in technology allow for the creation of distributed databases, where individual servers contain only that portion of the database necessary to control the type of data for which they are responsible.
The subject of deciding which network to purchase, assembling the network, and managing the flow and storage of information on the network could easily fill several massive books. Issues such as backup, security, and access times across the net must be considered and addressed during design. Look for experienced, professional help before making any decisions regarding the acquisition, design, and maintenance of a network.