GB Labs ECHO is a highly scalable nearline storage platform designed for media organisations that need secure, cost-effective storage for growing digital archives.

The system provides large-capacity storage combined with high network performance, enabling organisations to maintain an instantly accessible media archive while also supporting backup and disaster-recovery workflows.

ECHO systems can be deployed locally or remotely and can replicate primary media storage environments, ensuring critical assets remain protected and available when required.

Key Use Cases

ECHO nearline storage is designed to support several critical media infrastructure tasks:

• Fast data backup

• Disaster recovery and system replication

• Secondary storage for graphics and media assets

• Online media archiving for long-term retention

These capabilities allow organisations to manage large volumes of content while maintaining quick access to files over standard Ethernet networks.

High-Performance Nearline Storage

Unlike many object-based storage platforms that prioritise capacity over performance, ECHO systems provide the speed required for production environments.

The system can support multiple simultaneous HD video streams, allowing it to function as a failover production platform if primary storage becomes unavailable.

This performance makes ECHO suitable for broadcasters, post-production houses, and media organisations working under tight production deadlines.

Massive Scalability

ECHO storage platforms are designed to scale dynamically as archives grow.

For example, the ECHO 36 platform can deliver capacities up to 448TB per unit, with total system expansion reaching over 10PB through additional expansion units.

Expansion systems can be added without interrupting operations, allowing storage capacity to grow while existing data remains in place.

Flexible Expansion Architecture

The ECHO platform supports EX SAS expansion units, allowing organisations to rapidly increase storage capacity.

Expansion features include:

• Storage modules ranging from 64TB to 448TB

• Mixed capacity expansion units

• Dynamic volume growth without system downtime

• Scalable single-volume storage architecture

This flexible design allows facilities to adopt a “grow as you need” approach to storage infrastructure.

System Features

Ethernet Connectivity

Additional network interfaces can be added via PCI expansion cards, supporting:

• 40GbE

• 25GbE

• 10GbE

• 1GbE

Redundant Operating System

Optional mirrored OS configurations provide enhanced resilience using dual SSDs and RAID controllers.

RAID Protection

Multiple RAID controllers can be installed to increase capacity and improve system reliability.

Cold Spare Components

Critical hardware components such as disks, power supplies, and RAID controllers can be stored on-site for rapid replacement.

Warranty Options

Extended warranty programs are available, including:

• Three-year coverage (1+2)

• Five-year coverage (1+4)

These packages include software updates and replacement parts for the duration of the warranty.

Cross-Platform Collaboration

GB Labs storage systems are designed for cross-platform compatibility, enabling teams working on Mac, Windows, and Linux systems to access shared media assets efficiently.

This ensures production teams can collaborate seamlessly regardless of operating system.

ECHO Product Range

The ECHO ecosystem includes multiple configurations designed for different capacity and workflow requirements:

• ECHO Bridge – repurposes existing storage as nearline infrastructure

• ECHO 16 Bay – compact nearline storage system

• ECHO 36 Bay – large-capacity nearline platform

• ECHO EX – expansion systems for increasing capacity

These options allow organisations to build storage architectures that support backup, archive, and disaster-recovery workflows.

Designed for Media Production Infrastructure

ECHO nearline storage is widely used in environments where large digital media archives must remain accessible and protected, including:

• Broadcast facilities

• Film and television production

• Post-production studios

• Animation and VFX environments

• Digital content archives

By combining large-scale storage capacity, strong data protection, and flexible expansion, ECHO provides a cost-effective solution for managing growing media libraries.