The OWC Gemini is a universal RAID enclosure and docking station that makes it easy to back up projects such as audio or video.

Professional video post-production teams should always create three backup copies of their work. The OWC Gemini RAID enclosure makes this process easier. Additionally, it functions as a docking station with a 2.5GbE network interface.

When it comes to archiving data for video projects, the process can quickly become complicated due to the large size of video files. You also have to manage exports, renders, proxies, versions, and more. The safest archiving strategies require storing multiple copies of these assets in multiple locations.

Because of this complexity, most content creators operate without a proper archiving strategy. This often results in using various drives, docking stations, cables, and different software solutions.

If your archiving strategy needs improvement, OWC Gemini is the simplest way to begin a secure and professional backup workflow. Here’s how.

3-2-1 Backup Rule

According to NinjaOne: “The 3-2-1 backup rule states that you should have at least three copies of your data; two backups should be stored on different types of media, and at least one backup should be stored offsite or in the cloud.”

If you are a professional video creator, you should treat the 3-2-1 rule as the absolute minimum for backing up footage. In reality, many filmmakers and professionals go beyond this rule by creating even more backups in additional locations.

However, balance is also important. You don’t want your archiving strategy to consume too much time. It’s up to you to determine the number of backups and storage locations required to avoid losing footage while keeping the process realistic and efficient. Fortunately, OWC Gemini makes this process much easier.

OWC Gemini was designed for easy video archiving and is far from a typical storage solution.

In terms of storage, OWC Gemini features two drive bays supporting both HDDs and SSDs. As a Thunderbolt 3 enclosure, it is optimized for speed. By connecting OWC Gemini through Thunderbolt 3, you can achieve transfer speeds of up to 956 MB/s. This means backing up large projects takes minutes instead of hours.

What truly makes Gemini unique is the combination of high-speed storage and Thunderbolt docking capabilities.

The integrated SD card reader makes it easy to quickly transfer footage from your camera for editing or archiving.

OWC Gemini allows you to connect an additional Thunderbolt device (or daisy chain devices), an SD card, two USB-A devices, and an 8K display via HDMI 2.1. The Thunderbolt port can also be used to connect USB-C devices, add another display, or charge Thunderbolt/USB-C devices.

You can also connect to your local network and transfer files through the high-speed 2.5 Gb/s RJ45 Ethernet port. Thanks to its combination of storage and connectivity, OWC Gemini is truly the only device video professionals need on their desk — besides the computer itself.

Archiving Strategies with OWC Gemini

Dual drive bays and RAID support through the SoftRAID application make OWC Gemini an excellent solution for archiving. In addition to SoftRAID optimization, Gemini also includes a built-in hardware RAID controller. If you work across platforms, you can easily connect Gemini to both Mac and PC using OWC’s MacDrive software (sold separately).

If you archive individual projects, starting with 4 TB is a good option. For larger workflows, you can build RAID storage up to 40 TB. Once footage is copied to OWC Gemini, storing the final exported video in the cloud is also a smart idea. This gives you a second offsite backup.

Cloud storage is not cheap, however. Paying monthly for archived files that may never be used again can be difficult to justify. That’s why storing only the highest-quality export in the cloud while keeping multiple local backups on Gemini is often the best balance.

For example, if you run a YouTube channel, you may rarely need unused footage. But if you produce documentary films, you may need access to unused interviews and raw material later.

Both project types are ideal for archiving on OWC Gemini. For critical productions, it’s recommended to keep an additional copy on a separate drive stored safely offsite in a fireproof safe.

Different Storage Levels with OWC Gemini

It helps to think about video storage in terms of how quickly footage needs to be accessed. Here are several common storage categories:

Online Storage

Online storage refers to fast, active storage connected directly to your computer for editing. It’s typically the fastest but smallest storage tier in your workflow. If you used OWC Gemini for this purpose, you would configure it as RAID 0 and connect it via Thunderbolt. You would also likely install SSDs instead of HDDs in both drive bays.

Nearline Storage

This storage tier is slower than online storage but still relatively accessible. For example, after completing a commercial project, you could move the footage from online storage to a larger-capacity nearline storage system for several months.

The built-in drives in OWC Gemini can function as nearline storage, or you can connect external nearline drives through the USB-A ports at speeds up to 10 Gb/s. This allows Gemini to act as your editing drive while external drives handle secondary storage.

You can also connect a separate Thunderbolt drive to Gemini for editing, while Gemini’s internal drives operate as nearline storage.

Offline Storage

Let’s say six months have passed since finishing a commercial project. It may be time to move those files completely offline.

It’s a good idea to define in client contracts how long you will retain project data. Before archiving, you can consolidate the project and remove renders, old versions, and proxy files.

Once the project size is reduced, you can use OWC Gemini to create two copies and place them into offline storage. Keeping the main export in the cloud remains essential in case of disasters such as fire, theft, or hardware failure.

Cold Storage

If you want an offsite archive for all video footage, cold storage services are a cost-effective option, although uploads and retrievals can take a long time.

Gemini can serve as a staging area for uploading projects to cold storage. You may later clear Gemini, but it’s still recommended to maintain another local copy. Since Gemini supports removable drives, you can safely store archived drives separately.

Keep in mind that HDDs and SSDs do not last forever on a shelf. Even cold-storage backups should be periodically checked to ensure data integrity.