I was on a short vacation last week, so I missed Apple's first update to Final Cut Server. Note that both the server and clients must be updated to QuickTime 7.5 before this release. If you are using Final Cut Pro, you must update to Pro Applications Update 2008-02 as well. There have been significant changes to how FCS handles FCP projects, so all cataloged FCP projects should be reanalyzed by the FCS administrator after upgrading.

As a nice change, Apple has published release notes for Final Cut Server.

• Final Cut Pro project files are now delivered as binary XML files on checkout, which is one bit better than text.
• Checked-out FCP projects can now be returned with additional media, and that media will be added to Final Cut Server automatically. (Other apps, such as Motion or Soundtrack Pro, need to have additional media added manually.)
• FCS no longer eats double-byte metadata, so you CJK users can type away.

Please discuss in the FCS 1.1 forum thread begun by djdan...

We're happy to announce that Eric Cardinale, Promise Technology's Apple support specialist, is in the house.

Eric has offered to help out with Xsanity's new Vtrak storage forum, answering any questions about Promise's RAID products for Mac & Xsan. (He especially likes the kinds of questions known as "pre-sales".) I've already consolidated some of our recent Promise questions into the new forum, so please head over and welcome Eric to our community.

Relatedly, Apple has posted recommended procedures for replacing a Vtrak controller. These aren't hot-swappable, so you may want to bookmark the link.

[Update: Maybe I should read the articles I link to? Of course they are hot-swappable.]

I missed the news by a few weeks, but last month Quantum released StorNext FX 2, their Windows, Unix, and Linux client for Xsan-hosted SANs. The update brings bug fixes, Windows Vista compatibility, and support for 64-bit operating systems. It is a free upgrade from previous versions.

Apple's migration guide says that yesterday's Xsan 2.1 update is supported, too.

More information can be found on the SNFX Support Site. Quantum handles requests for software updates online.

We've brought back the list of the latest Apple Xsan Knowledge Base articles. You'll find it in the right column on our home page. The list is just an RSS feed from Apple.

We're having some trouble finding a similar feed for Final Cut Server articles. Any clues?

Apple has released Xsan 2.1, and Xsan Admin 2.1. According to Apple, changes include:

• Easier methods of changing computers' roles within the SAN
• Able to remove clients from SAN in situations in which the controller may be offline
• Corrected an issue which could cause users and groups to not be shown when primary controller is offline
• Better visual indications for truncated LUN sizes
• Improved Assistant warnings and size indicators when creating or expanding a volume
• Improved SAN health indicators

[Update: I fixed the Admin app link. And here's a link to the Xsan 2.1 Uninstaller.]

Apple has released a new version of the Xsan Migration Guide. The new version includes information relating to Xsan 2.1, which we expect to be released promptly.

It appears that Xsan 2.1 now gives feedback when upgrading Xsan 1 volumes. This should help avoid the confusion that many users have faced.

A reminder that our annual Xsanity get-together will be held tonight, Tuesday June 10, at 7:30 at the Tunnel Top, 601 Bush Street. From the Apple Store just walk up Stockton 5 blocks. (Map)

All Xsan users, administrators, developers, and Final Cut Server folks too are most welcome. Drinks are on Tekserve, an Apple Specialist in New York City (and my employer!)