Hitachi Data Systems helps The Mill to future-proof its IT infrastructure

With offices in Singapore, London, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, The Mill is responsible for the video post-production behind adverts for well-known brands including Heineken, Spotify and Nike. The Mill selected Hitachi NAS Platform (HNAS) to future-proof its IT infrastructure in response to new video formats such as the latest 4K high definition resolution, which creates video files that are approximately six times the size of traditional video files.

Due to the nature of the video post-production industry, The Mill often has to work to extremely tight deadlines. With more than 132 terabytes of data stored on its primary site, which is used by staff around the clock, The Mill required a robust storage solution that is able to handle vast amounts of data and formats, and cope with multiple users without delay or downtime. Hitachi NAS Platform was chosen for its reliability, high-performance and scalability. The platform will help The Mill deliver to deadlines and avoid contractual penalties.

Even though some adverts can translate into terabytes of data, the unique hardware-based file system of Hitachi NAS Platform helps post-production staff rapidly access information they need, when they need it, and without delay. Using single namespace technology, the system allows artists to save time by accessing files even if the individual files are physically spread across different storage volumes.

Stephen Smallwood, infrastructure manager, The Mill said, “At The Mill we pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality post-production for some of the world’s most exciting companies. As a result, we need to respond to tight deadlines 24x7. Hitachi Data Systems technology gives us the confidence that we are able to deliver to our clients’ needs every time. In addition, the Hitachi NAS Platform is a highly robust, scalable solution which ensures that we are in a good position to handle progressively large storage demands as a result of the emerging 4K format.”

Stephen Ball, vice president and general manager of UK and Ireland, Hitachi Data Systems said, “Organisations such as The Mill are at the forefront of delivering innovation in the digital world. We are confident that Hitachi Data Systems can support The Mill in delivering results on time, every time for its customers by eliminating downtime and help future-proof its IT infrastructure to better respond to future demands.”