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Designed to be a scaleable server application, Final Cut Server automatically catalogues large collections of assets, allows searching across multiple disks and SAN volumes and enables viewing, annotation and approval of content from anywhere using a PC or Mac.

When cataloguing media, it automatically generates thumbnails, poster frames and low-resolution clip proxies for quick browsing in user specified formats. A cross-platform client enables a PC or Mac to use its search capabilities, which extend from simple keywords to combinations of IPTC, XMP and XML metadata. Final Cut Server also configures a range of highly specific access controls that define user permissions on an asset or project basis.

The software scales to

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support workgroups of different sizes, ranging from a two-person post house to a multinational news organisation, and can automate as much, or as little, of the production pipeline as needed. A configurable event-based response model tracks job status, monitors media changes, and automates review and approval notifications and complex sequences of tasks.

Naturally, it tightly integrated with Final Cut Studio and includes Compressor 3, Apple's digital encoding and compression tool, which provides format conversions for publishing to DVD, broadcast television, the internet, Apple TV, iPod and iPhone and other mobile phones.

"Whether producing a 30-second spot, the nightly news or a major motion picture, Final Cut Studio is the choice of editors around the world," said Rob Schoeben, Apple's vice president of Applications Product Marketing. "With the introduction of Final Cut Server, collaboration just got a whole lot easier for millions of editors, producers and clients who work with Final Cut Studio."

UPDATE: Final Cut Server will be available for £699 (inc. VAT) for a single server and 10 client licence, and for £1,399 (inc. VAT) for a single server and unlimited client licence.