Softimage has released Alienbrain 8 software starting at $495 and offering accelerated and scalable solutions that meet the needs of growing global collaborative networks. Alienbrain is an asset management system that enables CG artists to visually track, control versions, manage and share any kind of digital document: from 3D game assets and models to complex visualization files. Alienbrain 8 software introduces powerful plug-ins that easily integrate with leading 3D and digital content creation applications, so artists can seamlessly edit, save and collaborate during all stages of the digital production process.
As the demand for high-resolution game titles for Microsoft Xbox and Sony PlayStation game consoles and content for training/simulation applications continues to rise, the complexity and sheer size of high-resolution models are also increasing. Alienbrain 8 software introduces new features that specifically address the challenge of managing millions of large-sized assets in a central repository, independent of geographic location.
New features in Alienbrain 8 software include:
* Multi-site collaboration -- New Remote Client Set-Up is a streamlined version of a full-featured client that delivers accelerated performance for users who work remotely or have a slow connection. Frequently accessed data is also stored in the Shared Client Cache, reducing traffic between remote and local sites.
* Central License Server -- Licenses are maintained and tracked on a single server, making it easier for site administrators to manage licenses for large-team environments with hundreds of users, and can be installed on unlimited servers, taking advantage of load balancing. Projects can be distributed to multiple servers without issuing additional license files.
* Multi-project administration -- Administrative groups can be used to select projects and apply pre-defined tasks to all projects within a group. Administrators can also apply customized or routine tasks such as scheduled backups and consistency checks.
"Alienbrain is a complex and powerful source control tool, but it works in a way that our art team can understand and use easily, and we're excited to see Avid moving this product forward," said Ian Lovett, technical art director at Lionhead Studios, U.K., which is currently working on FABLE 2 for Xbox 360. "Alienbrain helps us keep up with our very dynamic and creative production processes."
"At 10TACLE STUDIOS, we work with more than 70 people on the next-generation, multi-platform title, ELVEON," said Juergen Reusswig, mad of 10TACLE STUDIOS, Slovakia. "The demands for the production of such a big title and massive graphics pipeline lead us to choose Alienbrain. Its excellent toolset -- especially the smooth integration with our graphics tools -- convinced us that Alienbrain was the best product for asset management in our production pipeline."
Alienbrain 8 is available now in the following configurations: Alienbrain 8: Essentials for Programmers, Alienbrain 8: Essentials for Artists and Alienbrain 8: Advanced.
Starting at $495, all versions of Alienbrain 8 software are available from the Softimage sales team or a certified reseller. Upgrades to existing licenses are also available.
Softimage Co. (www.softimage.com), a subsidiary of Avid Technology Inc., develops innovative 3D character creation and effects tools to animators and digital artists in the film, broadcast, post-production and games industries. Its product line includes SOFTIMAGE|XSI, the advanced 3D animation and character creation software for next generation games & film, and SOFTIMAGE|FACE ROBOT, the first production for lifelike facial animation, SOFTIMAGE|CAT, a complete character animation system plug-in and Alienbrain, an industry leading production asset management solution for creative teams.
Avid Technology Inc. (www.avid.com) is a leader in digital nonlinear media creation, management and distribution solutions, enabling film, video, audio, animation, games and broadcast professionals to work more efficiently, productively and creatively.
Bill Desowitz, former editor of VFXWorld, is currently the Crafts Editor of IndieWire.
