[Chief Technician]

I do not work for Digidesign, nor do I consider myself a specialist on this unit, since I don't own one. I have used it once. I think what you'll read below will clear the air.

I've seen this DigiDelivery server equipment twice. Once at AES and a second time at a more exclusive event. First off, the basics: It occupies one (1) RU, you never have to attach a keyboard or a monitor to it, and it runs on some type of linux. It is an outgrowth of the defunct Rocket Network acquisition (a system for having session collaboration online 2 years ago that faltered for reasons I'm not privy to).

How does it function? You either have one of these DigiDelivery servers, or you have access to one. You can upload a text file, an mp3, or the newly mastered Linkin Park album, with encryption, to the server. You then specify who should receive an email saying that project X (what you uploaded) is available for download. The email that is sent out has a unique delivery key. The email recipient downloads client software (for Windoze XP or Mac OS X) and using that client software and the information in the email they can then retrieve the file. For those who are prone to being cutoff from the internet in the middle of the download, it has a resume function.

The server can keep track of who has downloaded the file and can delete it once everyone downloads your uploaded file. The deletion can occur immediately, or at a set time (a day later, a week later).

This product, it seems to me, is aimed at two types of clientele. Those who want a fully automated FTP server and not worry about maintenance (file server for dummies as one individual put it), and those who want to be sure that their album isn't released on Kazaa before it hits the shelf at Virgin in Times Square. Notice I mentioned Linkin Park above. If you've read MIX within the past year, you probably read an article on the great lengths they took to prevent that album from leaking (I'm not a fan so I don't know if they were successful).

The purchase of a DigiDelivery server is a one time transaction with Digidesign. They do not stand to make money beyond your purchase for this product. There are two versions of the server. A $3k and a $10k unit. I believe the only difference is disk space (could be wrong).

Hope that helps.