Give Software - Project Overlord

Because Give has heard the cries of many about some of the issues associated with ‘working locally’, a new feature is in development and will be released shortly. The new feature allows PO to operate as a layer over the top of existing file storage methods. Working locally means that artists, before working on a file, must get the latest from the server. This method is pretty simple with the PO client. However, the ‘back-and-forthing’ of files is not for everyone.

Some studios work with massive footage files, and this workflow may not be practical for them. It requires a lot of storage space and files are being copied all over the place. Because of the way this method versions files, the repository data is not accessible outside of the PO Client. (There is a feature, however, that pumps out the most recent versions to a select location that can be read without the use of the server.)

In any event, the new feature is going to be great. The client and server do not send assets back and forth. All it does is keep track of the assets and allow them to be linked to different production elements. It keeps versions of all the assets and operates just like PO has always operated on the surface.

The key difference is, instead of clients having a local workspace to work from, the client workspaces are all mapped to the same network drive. This mapped location is where the server stores all the assets and back-up versions, and this is the location everyone works from via the Client. So everyone is working off the same share location (like in traditional no asset management set ups), only Project Overlord is managing the files and not allowing anyone to work on files without checking them out (as long as the rules are followed).

One thing to remember, if the server is running in this new mode, a remote client will not be able to work on the project unless they have access to the network share that everyone in the studio has access to.

There are benefits from working this way, as well as benefits to working locally. The point is, now studios will have a choice.

Local Mode




Network Mode

Project Overlord was released April 29th, one day ahead of schedule. A 30 day trial is available at www.give-soft.com. It was a long journey, but it finally is released. The work though is really just beginning as many new features and ports for Linux and OSX are in the works. Updates will be flowing out of the factory on a regular basis. Please feel free to contact Give with any questions or any requests for us to pay you a vist and fit your studio with a custom app based on the core code of Project Overlord. We plan to offer very reasonable custimization rates.

Also available is a program we like to call ManuPro. Short for manufacturing professional. It’s designed to help small to mid-sized manufacturing companies manage inventory, shipping, and order taking. It’s also good for companies that don’t actually manufacture anything and just take orders and ship. It was an application that was designed specifically for a company in our area. More information is available on the website.

If you would like to become a beta tester, please visit the forum and create an account. Once your account is activated you will be able to locate download links and further instructions.

http://www.give-soft.com/forum

We have been testing Project Overlord more with anyone who would like to test it out. We’ve got some small studios using the software as well as some large groups of remote users teaming up on projects. Things are going well. We are trying hard to get version 1 ready as soon as possible. Keep in touch.

We are still looking for Beta Testers located in the United States. Tell your friends, tell your family. We are mainly looking for studios with five or more employees.

Give is also hiring and accepting applications for programmers, both remote and in-house.

give-soft.com has some new screen shots of Project Overlords Client. Check them out here.

Today the big emphasis is on asset management software. Asset management is basically just keeping track of your files and making sure no one else in the studio overwrites your work. These systems prevent users from working on the same file at once. Asset management is great and all, but what have studios been complaining about?

Studios need to track project data. Sequences,shots, and tasks are a huge part of undertaking a cg production. It seems that the main applications out there stay away from these things because all studios function differently. Each studio has its own workflow. That is correct, but isn’t every production made up of the three components we just mentioned. What is the harm in integrating those components along side asset tracking?

Ask yourself these questions, and then look at Project Overlord. The flexibility the application gives you is unmatched. Great thought has gone into its creation. Professional studios have been working with us since day one, telling us what they need in an application such as Project Overlord. Our testers are stressing how useful the application is. So hop on board.

If your studio would like to Beta test Project Overlord, fill out this application.

I came across this book today. I’m not sure why I haven’t noticed it before. It’s mainly for ones interested in creating a cg studio asset management system. But I ask you this- why build your own when we have developed one for you?

check the book out here http://www.amazon.com/Implementing-Digital-Asset-Management-System/dp/0240806654

Found this article today, it might be interesting for some.

Read the article on asset/project management here

And did I mention that Project Overlord allows you to archive projects and then search archived projects for assets by name or meta data? Well, there you go… I mentioned it

Just wanted to mention that the Beta testing phase of Project Overlord is going quite well. Actually it’s going better than we expected. The program is getting some interesting features compliments of some of our testers. We are very confident that this application is going to be a smash.

If you are looking for an Alienbrain alternative that actually packs quite a few extra (and in my opinion) more useful features, Project Overlord just might be what you’re looking for.

Take a look at the site and see some of the features, and keep in mind that we have a bunch that we aren’t talking about just yet.

Cg Studio Project Management Software