Technical Specifications
The fundamental basis of the Cinemage system is a distributed multimedia database
system. The system is designed so that it may access multimedia content collections
located anywhere on the Internet.
The heart of the system is the Service Manager, which controls access to the various
collections or services. The service manager performs two major roles for each
service, acting as a top-level directory to the services, and providing authentication
and access control. Each service consists of one or more inter-linked databases,
containing text and possibly multimedia items. Users can search and browse the
various databases, moving freely between them
The data owner has complete control over access to the data with multiple levels
of access available. These levels can include free public access to some or all
of the data, access which requires a user account, and administrative access.
Administrative access provides multiple levels to allow complete control over
the data. Administrative accounts have access to tools for data entry and maintenance.
The service owner also has control over the look and feel of the service including
such things as organization, colours, fonts, and other items.
A unique feature of the Cinemage System is the ability for data owners to create
their own "views" into the database. This facility means that, while their materials
form part of the overall database, they can also provide a different unique access
to just their materials.
The system includes an optional e-commerce component that provides a variety of
options including pay-per-view, subscription-based pricing, and the ability to
sell individual media items (for immediate download or later delivery).
In short, the system provides a powerful tool for creating and maintaining archival
collections.
Technical Systems Requirements
Client Software
The only requirement for the client is an Internet-connected PC and a standard
web browser. (Internet Explorer 5.x or higher or Netscape 6.x recommended.)
Cinemage System Server
Minimum requirements for the Cinemage System server are a PC running the Linux
operating system (At least a Pentium 600MHz with 512Mb memory is recommended).
Further requirements will depend on various other factors including the size of
the collection, whether the system is to be Internet-deployed, and the anticipated
user load. If remote (Internet) access is required, then a high-speed link to
the Internet is necessary.
Cinemage Media Server
The Media Server software may physically reside on the same hardware platform
as the System Server. The System Server can also access multiple Media Servers
(which can be local or reside on remote machines).
The primary requirement for the Media Server is sufficient disk space for storage
of the media. This is entirely dependent on the size of the media files and the
size of the collection.
Cinemage E-commerce Server
The E-commerce Server usually resides on the same hardware platform as the System
Server. E-commerce capability requires the establishment of an arrangement with
a 3rd party credit card processing service for fulfillment.