Media file access and storage solution for multi-workstation/multi-platform non-linear video editing systems

A system, implemented by and including a computer server device that is in communication with a storage device and at least one processor, for managing access to digital media files stored on the storage device via the intermediary of the computer server device, the server device operatively coupled via a network connection with at least one user, the system comprising:

• a user directory in which a user is enabled to store digital media files;
• a shared directory having a location that is not directly accessible to the user in such a way that files stored in the shared directory are not directly accessible to the user;
• a first digital media file located in the shared directory, the first digital media file having been moved to the shared directory from the user directory;
• and
• located in the user directory, a link to the first digital media file providing the user with indirect access to the first digital media file;
• wherein if the link to the first digital media file is deleted from the user directory, the first digital media file is not deleted from the shared directory until the system subsequently receives an additional instruction to delete files corresponding with previously deleted links and deletes the digital media file from the shared directory.

A program storage device that is readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform method steps for managing actual digital audio and video media files in a system having a computer server that is in communication with a storage device, said method steps comprising:

• providing, using at least one processor, a user directory in which a user is enabled to store digital media files;
• based on a received instruction to move, moving, using at least one processor, a first digital media file from the user directory to a shared directory having a location that is not directly accessible to the user, thereby preventing direct access by the user to the first digital media file;
• and
• in the user directory, generating, using at least one processor, a link to the first digital media file, the link providing the user indirect access to the first digital media file located in the shared directory;
• wherein if the link to the first digital media file is deleted from the user directory, the first digital media file is not deleted from the shared directory until the system subsequently receives an additional instruction to delete files corresponding with previously deleted links and deletes the digital media file from the shared directory.