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handle with care: early window content transfers To show movies that are fresh out of theaters, airline systems must comply with strict security requirements set by the studios to protect the early-window films.
Airlines Get Comfortable With the Cloud Data files are getting bigger, but how suitable is the cloud for large data transfer within the constraints of aviation security requirements? by Marisa Garcia illustration Jorge de la Paz
Film studios and production companies rely on services like Aspera and Arkena to share and transfer large content files through the cloud. Both offer high-capacity file transfer and a high degree of security. But the large files airlines must manage contain sensitive financial, technical and security details that must be protected. The unique formatting of in-flight entertainment (IFE) content makes it expensive and
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airlines must protect the intellectual property of their supplier partners, including early-window content. In the past, sensitive data was maintained on storage media and servers on site. Even now airlines rely in part on content runners – people who deliver hard drives directly to the airplane – for file transfer. But aviation-specific, secure cloud-based solutions are increasingly attractive alternatives. “There is clearly a cloud trend happening with the way our industry handles large files across various operating domains, through the use of powerful server, storage and network infrastructure, with smarter networks and collaboration solutions, as well as better tools and best practices,” explains Benoit Verbaere, portfolio director, Cloud, SAAS and ISV at SITA. Airlines have begun using the cloud for content delivery networks, which
All six major Hollywood studios will allow early window content on airline-provided seatback displays and tablets, but not on personal devices. Currently, early window content is manually transferred to aircraft through encrypted cartridges and delivered by content runners to prevent data piracy. While wireless file transfers are the future, studios are still wary of distributing early window content through this channel.
improve the handling of rich static content for websites and e-commerce, including mobile devices. The cloud is also host to IFE post-production platforms that allow airlines to handle large infotainment files securely, says Verbaere. “It is the combination of faster networks and platform processing that created this capability, which is now better handled than in the airlines’ own data centers,” he tells us. “Security is one of the most important criteria for IT, for regulatory and compliance with industry standards,” says Verbaere. The industry uses various levels of rights, encryption, design and operating procedures. Encryption may be embedded within the application and software development. With tailored processes airlines can also protect their sensitive data, such as customer details and other applications, just as they protect licensed IFE content.
Airline Passenger Experience Association