Database Storage?

[dc3843]

Okay all, we want to go with Expression Media. But I haver a few questions....

Do I need to install this on the server? Or can I install it on my desktop and have it point to the files on the server? Also, do I need to buy a copy for each computer on the network? Sorry all, I'm new to this. Thanks again for everyones help and I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.

[stephenpinn]

The way I am using it is that I have expressions installed on 3 client computers and the image files on a server, I then save the expressions catalogs on the server.

To get the best guidance I would suggest contacting PhaseOne, there pre-sales tech support should be able to suggest a good structure for you to use.

Have fun

[billbunton]

Remember that both Lightroom and Expression Media are single-user systems, not client-server. LR will not allow the catalog to be put on a shared drive (the images can be). I don't think EM has that restriction, but it will not allow the catalog to be opened twice at the same time (i.e. from two different client machines).

If you are looking for a true client-server solution, you might look at Cumulus, Ant-Zero, or IDImager (I think IDImager is multi-user capable, I know it's got enterprise SQL Server capability).

[dc3843]

Bill, I'll take a look at those. I was under the impression that with EM it would allow two users to work on the same catalog. Even if it doesnt, my office is so small we wouldnt run into that problem. So my next question is, do I need to purchase a copy of EM for every computer in the office or will one copy allow me to install the client on all computers? Thanks.

[billbunton]

EM will allow two people to work on the same catalog, but NOT at the same time. As soon as one instance of EM opens a catalog, it creates a lock file that will prevent another instance from opening that catalog. In fact, one of the long-known issues with EM is it occasionally forgets to remove the lock file (and of course it sometimes crashes, leaving a lock file behind) necessitating manual removal of the lock file.

I _think_ it's licensed per user, and if so you'd need to purchase a copy for each different user. But you'd be best off checking directly with phase one. To get a definitive answer you need to create a support issue. All the fields that ask for stuff you don't have (i.e. "registered serial number" kind of stuff) just put in N/A.

[dc3843]

Originally Posted by stephenpinn

The way I am using it is that I have expressions installed on 3 client computers and the image files on a server, I then save the expressions catalogs on the server.

To get the best guidance I would suggest contacting PhaseOne, there pre-sales tech support should be able to suggest a good structure for you to use.

Have fun

I like that idea and I've started doing it, but I have a quick question about it if you don't mind....

When I import my images into an EM catalog, I save the catalog on the server. That works as long as I use this server. But what if this server crashes and I need to replace it? The file path for the picture will change, so the catalog will be useless at that point unless I can make it point to the new picture right? Anyone know how I would do that? Reason I'm asking is I made a copy of my boss's picture server on an external hard drive and brought it home so I can do all this work from home. I'm saving the catalogs on the hard drive as well, so the file path for the pictures is ending up mybook/images/etc... Obviously on the server the path is different. So am I wasting my time doing this from home? Thanks again all for your help!!

-David

[stephenpinn]

PM sent david