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Known Participant
May 1, 2011
Open for Voting

P: Allow Catalog to be stored on a networked drive.

  • May 1, 2011
  • 570 replies
  • 14315 views

I'd love to make LR more multi-computer friendly. I have no doubt that there's probably database architecture issues and a host of other barriers... But I have to believe that the need for either multi-user or at at lease multi-computer use is widely desired. And yes, I know you can do the catalog import export thing but I find this less than ideal.

570 replies

Participating Frequently
April 17, 2013
Following the ideas on that thread, what we need it Adobe Drive integration with LR. That would open the door to much more powerful collaboration features...
Participating Frequently
April 17, 2013
"What we are asking for on this forum is a pretty hefty amount of programming."

If Adobe would use current proven technologies to accomplish that and not re-invent the wheel, that would not be that big of an effort. Sure, it will take time and engineering but it's not like we are asking to build something that does not exist. There are environments with much much more complex concurrency problems at a much bigger scale today. The tools and patterns are already there and waiting to be used.

"Does it mean that we shouldn't be asking for this feature? No. It's a really really needed thing, much more than better retouch tools or some nifty little button or other. "

Cannot agree more. 🙂 At least we can talk about it, maybe dream a little, no harm in that.
Participating Frequently
April 17, 2013
Walter, thanks for the clarifications on Bridge's potential integration with a DAM server, I was not aware of that. Something I will look into.

"LR does as well. Sidecars and some embedded xmp. Not all by any means. (All of this is limited by the FS IO speed.)"

yes an no, the metadata is stored in the catalog and LR does not scan the XMP files when searching in the Library module. It will only pull it if the user refreshes the metadata manually. It uses it's SQL lite relational database. Bridge (when not connected to a DAM server at least) has to scan XMP files to build a metadata cache to allow searching. My point was that a proper SQL server would speed things up compared to SQL lite and certainly compared to scanning tons of little files on the file system (and worst on network storage for archives). Database servers are optimized to do that kind of thing with high performance caching, memory management and storage management to overcome the FS limitations while digging in relational data.
Participating Frequently
April 17, 2013
agreed. PS and LR are different beasts. PS is an optional step in the LR workflow but not needed all the time. LR speeds up things considerably and I want to keep using it for that reason
Participating Frequently
April 17, 2013
We essentially agree. Our backgrounds and needs are different but we are saying the same thing...

I like LR because it helps me avoid to use a bazooka when 60% of the time I only need a fly slapper. I could use the Bridge + CR combination but the LR GUI alone is enough to make me want to us LR.

But when I need to do heavy lifting, pixel based editing is needed.

You are suggesting to beaf up LR to also handle the other asset types and this can be a solution. The only thing is LR is really built with photographers in mind and that would mean to risk loosing the photographer focus. Maybe not. I haven't carefully thought about this option.

In any case, yes, Adobe needs asset management...
stuartp78321341
Participating Frequently
April 16, 2013
I don't think it's a win or loose scenario, you buy their products to create and make money and with forums and idea rooms like this, those ideas can be sent over to developers and the guys who hold the purse - If they don;t impliment what you want, you jump ship.

The period when Apple bought out FCPX, Avid and Premier were biting at the bit to get users on board with new features and price cuts
stuartp78321341
Participating Frequently
April 16, 2013
However, Avid have used proprietary storage for years and only recently have 3rd party manufacturers been able to 'get hold' of the file system goodness.

This is something i envisage Adobe trying their hand at, and so building adobe file storage based on Adobe drive and therefore making a file system that just works with adobe products. No, i'm not talking about psd's or stuff like that, but using it like Avid have used ISIS. You want to use our products, you use our file system. In a similar way they have gone down the 'apple app store' route with their products, cutting resellers and everybody else out of the chain.
Participating Frequently
April 16, 2013
Adobe only wins if we continue buying version after version without the tools being added. If you want to win at a business game, you have to speak with your checkbook. If software upgrades don't include the core components they should then don't buy them until such time that the programmer realizes that the sales have stopped or considerably slowed because of the lack of implementation. As many have said; doing the same thing over and over again but expecting a different outcome is insanity.
Axiom DeSigns
Participating Frequently
April 16, 2013
i don't know you and I completely approve of your message. 🙂
Axiom DeSigns
Participating Frequently
April 16, 2013
Hiya Mark,
I've actually found some informative stuff through this thread - you should tuck in with a hot coca and have a read lol
There are a few valid work arounds, that of course are beside the point but useful nonetheless.

I shall remain on the thread though as i have this soap box here, and it does require use *smiles*

Beside, if we give up... the Adobe wins.