Archive for December, 2009
Automated File Synchronization and Backup for Kiosks
by Charles on Dec.16, 2009, under Software
One of the strategies we are employing at the National Museum of the Pacific War is a server/client content synchronization method. The battle kiosks have so much information that it is unrealistic should we, or the institution need to update them; to perform the updates on each individual machine.
In order to remedy this, we are using Microsoft SyncToy along with scheduled tasks on each kiosk machine to synchronize their content. Due to the fact that each time a page is loaded on the exhibit, it is parsed from HTML, you can update the html templates in the background and changes are seen instantly on the kiosks on the museum floor. It is really a neat solution that works well by simply having each client machine able to see the master network folder on the server.
Around the office we have also been using Microsoft SyncToy to backup our development machines to a Drobo that we have on our office network. Sync Toy is a free utility for people using Windows XP and higher. You need at least the .NET 2.0 framework in order to use Microsoft Sync Toy.
The drobo that we use with SyncToy for archival and backup
The National Museum of the Pacific War is Now Open
by Charles on Dec.10, 2009, under Miscellaneous, Software
One of the many rooms at the National Museum of the Pacific War
A large percentage of Boston Productions has been working on the National Museum of the Pacific War. The facility opened to the public on December 7th, 2009 with a ribbon cutting ceremony by former president George H.W. Bush. There was a special preview event for veterans the Saturday prior to the official opening. Many of them had a difficult time completing the tour due to the emotional impact of some of the media.
There are roughly eight kiosks in the institution that Bruce, myself, and our production staff worked on. Boston Productions also worked on a large portion of the video and audio media for the facility. The kiosks have been added to the Boston Productions Interactive Exhibit key.
The over-all theme that I heard from military personal, veterans, museum staff, and donors while on-site; is that the facility will help convey the severe cost of war and sacrifice of our previous generations.
