Portfolio system types
On this page
Portfolio is a client-server system that supports three types of computers: Server, Media Engine, and Clients.
Server
The server system runs the Portfolio application: a client-server system that allows you to store your digital assets and additional information about them in catalogs, and allows users to access those assets.
Media Engine
A Media Engine system stands at the ready, waiting to be assigned media conversion and other tasks by the server. Organizations with lightweight media conversion needs probably won’t need a dedicated Media Engine system, with all conversions being done on the server system. Those with intensive media processing needs can add several Media Engines to their Portfolio installation, and Portfolio will hand off jobs to the available Media Engines.
Portfolio clients
Portfolio client applications are generally lightweight in terms of system requirements. All clients connect to the Portfolio server to allow users to perform specific tasks. Administration apps allow the Portfolio Administrator and Catalog Administrators to change the Portfolio configuration. The Web and Desktop clients allow users to work with Portfolio assets.
Which client applications a user needs will depend on what they do. Often, and a user will use one client frequently and the others only occasionally.
Administration
The Administration application uses modern web technologies to allow the Portfolio Administrator to license and configure Portfolio, add users, and create catalogs.
Web client
The Portfolio Web Client runs in a browser and allows end users to add assets to catalogs, add information to assets, and use assets in other applications.
Desktop client
The Portfolio Desktop Client is a stand-alone desktop application that gives tighter integration with other desktop applications. It is the client of choice for creative types.
NetPublish client
NetPublish allows a Portfolio user to distribute content from a catalog to other interested parties via a website. The NetPublish “client” is simply a web browser that meets certain minimum requirements.