Uploading

Uploading your files into iBase is as simple as drag and drop, with support for any type of file, automatic keyword tagging, duplicate file detection, multiple versions, watch folders, watermarking and embedded metadata import.

File Support
Supports any file type

Any type of file can be imported into iBase and automatic previews are generated for all common image, video, sound and document types. Any file type can be blacklisted and limits on file size and number of files can be set up.

Import Folder
Import entire folder structures

When importing files, entire folder structures can be picked up. These can be 'flattened' at the point of import or can be replicated within iBase, allowing for familiarity and ease of migration from previous systems.

Upload
Upload via browser or hot folders

Upload your files into iBase by dragging them from your desktop or file manager straight onto the browser. In addition, iBase supports the use of hot folders so you can import files from any location on your network.

Duplication
Detect and prevent duplicates

Every file has a unique reference assigned to it, which can be used to prevent duplicate files from being uploaded. This can also be used to detect if files have been changed since they were uploaded, a key requirement for digital preservation applications.

Import Meta
Import embedded metadata

iBase will automatically import any technical or descriptive metadata directly into the system, including EXIF, IPTC and geolocation data. Descriptive metadata can be mapped to the corresponding fields within the system and all embedded metadata data is searchable.

Bulk Import
Bulk import external metadata

Descriptive metadata can be imported at any time from external spreadsheet files and either mapped to existing items using the filename or added as new items to which files can be similarly matched in the future.

Editing

iBase has a number of powerful editing features that enable you to easily manage your assets – both in terms of the descriptive metadata associated with them and their progression through your preferred workflow.

File Support
Multiple metadata schemas

iBase can be configured to have as many simultaneous schemas as you need, each of which can have as few or many fields as you want. Supported field types include text, number, multi-value picklists, datetime, currency and more.

Import Folder
Hierarchical taxonomies

iBase's hierarchical keyword feature is useful for maintaining a controlled vocabulary of hierarchical terms, or importing data from an existing thesaurus. Users can modify the hierarchy or simply assign terms to files, depending on their level of access.

Upload
Automatic image tagging

Images can be automatically tagged based on content at the point of ingest – tags are made visible to users based on a predefined confidence level and can be hidden or made visible. In addition, different language versions of tags can be entered into the system.

Duplication
Image editing

Images can be cropped or rotated and multiple versions created for different applications. In addition, previous versions of files are always retained if a new version is uploaded or an image is edited, ensuring that you can always revert if necessary.

Import Meta
Batch editing

The Batch Edit page allows you to edit one or more fields values for multiple files simultaneously. Each field has options including overwrite, append and search and replace. There is no limit to the number of files that can be edited, and this page also allows you to update geolocation and hierarchical keywords.

Bulk Import
Workflow states

Files can be progressed through a series of workflow states, indicating their current status and availability. For example, files can be uploaded in an incomplete state and requiring metadata entry or approval. Once signed-off they can be moved to an active state. Sensitive content can also be restricted.

Searching

The powerful searching facilities within iBase ensure that you can always easily find your assets, whatever the criteria. Functions include free text, field, taxonomy and geolocation searches.

File Support
Quick search

All descriptive and technical metadata associated with a file is indexed for easy search and retrieval. iBase supports fuzzy searching and search terms can be combined using standard Boolean operators. Search results are returned according to their relevance to the searched term and can be reordered according to any criteria.

Import Folder
Advanced field search

Field search allows you to carry out more specific searches than the quick search. Rather than search across the entire metadata schema for the search terms entered, you can enter terms for individual fields and carry out the search based on exact match, empty fields, assigned pick list values and range, etc.

Upload
Taxonomy search

This search feature enables users to step through your keyword tree and select those terms that they wish to search for. It is a useful feature for those users who may not have a good understanding of your content, or who wish to use a predefined thesaurus of terms.

Duplication
Geolocation search

Geolocation data that has been imported from files or entered manually can be searched for using a Google Maps-based search feature, which allows users to enter a location or browse and zoom the map itself. You can define the limits and starting location of your map and define custom categories with markers.

Import Meta
Search result filters

All search results can be filtered according to a number of criteria – these include item type, workflow status, owner and rating. Search results can also be filtered by collection or folder, or combined with any other search to narrow or broaden the result set.

Bulk Import
Recent / saved searches

iBase keeps a history of all searches carried out and users can view their most recent ones. In addition, any search can be marked as a favourite so that it can be returned to at any time. The search history can also be used for reporting and analysis purposes.

Downloading

iBase has multiple download options, including specifying the size, format and compression of files, granting or restricting access to file versions and bulk downloading via browser or export folders.

File Support
Export all major file types

All major file types are supported when downloading images, videos and sound files, whilst the original file is also preserved within the system and available for download.

Import Folder
Multiple versions

Multiple versions of a file can be presented for download, with a range of options including specifying the file type, dimensions, compression ratio, watermark, colour space, etc.

Upload
Controlled access

Different groups of users can be granted or denied access to a specific download version – for example, users within the organisation might be granted access to the full-size original files, whereas external users might be allowed only to download smaller, watermarked versions.

Duplication
Embedded metadata

Any of the descriptive metadata that has been entered into the system alongside an image can be embedded within the file at the point of download. Multiple metadata schemas – such as IPTC-Core and XMP-DC – are supported and geolocation data can also be embedded.

Import Meta
Bulk download via browser or export folders

Files can be downloaded either via the browser or to a network location via hot folders. There is no limit to the number of files that can be downloaded to a hot folder and certain browsers can also support unlimited downloads without the requirement for an additional app.

Bulk Import
Bulk export metadata

All of the technical and descriptive metadata associated with items within the system can be bulk exported at any time, from any search result. Data is exported to an Excel file for ease of use.

Sharing

Sharing content with other users in iBase is easy and secure, and files can also be shared with various online platforms and other applications.

File Support
Collections and exhibitions

Files can be grouped – temporarily or permanently – into hierarchical collections that can be presented in the form of exhibitions or for a special event. Collections can be posted to the home page of either the management or public sites for maximum exposure.

Import Folder
Lightboxes

Each user has their own private lightboxes – these can be used to keep track of ongoing curatorial work, sharing with other users or simply a repository for frequently used items. Lightboxes can be managed by admin users if required.

Upload
Collaborate with other users

The sharing features within iBase allow for a number of ways of collaborating with other internal or external users. In addition, collections can be ring-fenced to allow non-system users the required access without comprising the other content within the system.

Duplication
Share to social media

iBase supports sharing of content to a number of social media platforms, as well as natively supporting the share options within mobile browsers, to provide maximum exposure as easily as possible.

Commerce

iBase has a highly sophisticated e-commerce module that can be configured in a variety of ways to support different licence types, payment methods, currencies and fulfilment methods.

File Support
Royalty-free and rights-managed licences

iBase supports a sophisticated licensing model that allows files to be made available to customers on either a royalty-free or rights-managed basis. This means that customers can be charged either a flat fee per file or print size, or a calculated fee based on usage.

Import Folder
Multiple currencies and payment types

Any number of currencies can be supported by the system and users can specify which exchange rates should apply. In addition, multiple commerce models and payment types can be set up, for example licence requests, orders with automatic fulfilment, invoice and credit-based payments, etc.

Upload
Multiple content providers with royalty payouts

Multiple users or businesses can be set up as content providers, with their associated percentage or flat fee royalty payout. Amounts due are calculated automatically and can be reviewed / marked as paid as and when appropriate. Reports can also be exported for ingest into standard accounting systems.

Duplication
Integration with all major payment platforms

iBase can integrate with PayPal, Worldpay, Barclaycard PDQ, Capita SCP, Cardsave and any other payment processor that provides an integration API. All communications are secure and no card details are retained by iBase, removing any PCI DSS requirement.

Import Meta
Multiple regions and languages

iBase fully supports multiple languages and locales. This means that the site can be presented to users in the language of their choosing, VAT rates are correctly calculated based on the origin of the user, and delivery charges can be specified for different countries and regions.

Bulk Import
Automatic fulfilment

Once an e-commerce transaction is completed, iBase can automatically fulfil the order by providing the user with a download link that gives them access to the version of the file that they have ordered. Links can be time-expired if necessary and the system allows for staff intervention, for example to validate a licence request.

Security

Security is paramount when storing your valuable digital assets, so iBase places this at its core. You can be sure that only those users that you want to can access the files held within the system.

File Support
Secure folder hierarchies

Files and their associated metadata are held within a secure hierarchy of folders, access to which can be controlled by assigning different permissions to each group of users that has access to the system - read, download, upload, edit, etc. Access to individual metadata fields can also be controlled to protect sensitive content.

Import Folder
Multiple user roles 

iBase supports as many different user roles as are required - typically these would be along the lines of System Manager, Contributor, Moderator, Public User, etc. These roles are granted different levels of access to the assets themselves, as well as to the various functions available within the system.

Upload
AAD / SSO Integration

Support for integration with existing network security protocols such as AAD is included, with AD groups being mapped on to the corresponding roles within iBase so that network administrators can manage access to the system. SSO is also supported.

Duplication
Secure read / write API

iBase includes a comprehensive read / write API which allows other applications to access assets and their metadata on a controlled basis. Applications can be granted membership of roles in the same way as users, , which means that their access to the system can be managed using the standard security interface.

Import Meta
Secure hosting environment

iBase Cloud is hosted within Amazon’s AWS secure environment, in their London data centres. Asset files are held securely within their S3 storage facility, with 99.99% durability. The system is hosted on multiple application servers for maximum availability and redundancy. Metadata is backed-up every hour to S3 and archive copies are held for one year. The system and environment regularly undergo penetration testing to ensure they remain resilient in the face of any attack.

Bulk Import
Comprehensive auditing

Every action within iBase is audited, with details of which action, who carried it out, whether or not it was successful, etc. This data can be exported to any external program for analysis and a reporting feature allows system administrators to analyse searching patterns, identify erroneous updates, etc.

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