Information distribution system and method

Abstract

An information distribution system with an architecture that facilitates efficient distribution of a plurality of information asset data to a plurality of different requesting users substantially simultaneously. Fundamental components of the system include a plurality of mass storage devices that store information assets, mass storage device interface units, a switching unit, a centralized control unit and a gateway to the users. Information transfer between various components of the system is accomplished through a plurality of communication channels according to a circuit switching protocol. According to one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of communication channels are provided between the mass storage devices and the switching unit such that information asset data may be transferred, in substantially a single format and according to substantially a single protocol, from the mass storage devices directly through the switch and to the requesting user.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An information asset distribution system implemented based upon an ATM communication architecture, said information asset distribution system comprising: 
 a plurality of mass storage devices each of which is associated with an interface unit capable of retrieving data from said mass storage device,    a plurality of ATM information transmission communication channels for transmitting information assets to a plurality of users,    a switch fabric having a plurality of communication channel connections for establishing a virtual ATM circuit between one of said plurality of interface units and one of a plurality of said transmission communication channels,    a switching fabric control unit for controlling said switching fabric to establish said virtual ATM connection and for issuing an appropriate sequence of commands to said interface units for transmitting at least a portion of an information asset stored on said associated mass storage device through an established virtual ATM connection of the switching fabric to one of said plurality of said information transmission communication channels.    
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein at least one of said interface units is further capable of storing data to an associated mass storage device.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein a plurality of mass storage devices is associated with at least one interface unit.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein said information assets include data selected from the group comprising text, audio, video, image and multimedia data.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  where at least two communication channels are provided between each interface unit and said switching fabric, wherein one communication channel handles communication of information to said switching fabric and the other communication channel handles communication of information from said switch fabric.