The growth of the industry has resulted in media companies having to store and manage more assets for a wider range of uses. With teams working across hybrid environments, the need to consolidate disparate storage systems into cohesive structures is more crucial than ever. Poor storage processes lead to inconsistencies, which in turn, results in wasted resources.
No media workflow is the same; organisations have different requirements of their assets, with some needing nearline access on-demand, some needing archive storage with less regular access, some needing cold storage, and many needing a mix of both. Although it can be tricky to get the balance right, implementing a media-focused hybrid storage system puts your content where you need it – without the headache of managing multiple separate storage platforms.
A Unified Approach
A growing realisation of how inefficient asset storage affects resources, is driving vendors to explore alternative options. And it’s easy to understand why, with benefits including, the smart organisation of assets with metadata, faster access, reduced costs, and improved security. However, there is an extra factor to consider. To ensure seamless access and collaboration, an integrated solution which incorporates the above benefits must also be non-proprietary. By implementing vendor-neutral technology, media teams can overcome the potential restrictions of incompatible technology and avoid a sense of disconnection between users. Non-proprietary storage systems remove vendor lock-in, enable seamless scalability, and promote a superior user experience.
Maximising Workflow Productivity
For hybrid workflows to be effective, users need assets to be accessible across all cloud and on-prem workstations. This optimises media operator’s and editor’s output, wherever they are based. So, what are the top considerations when integrating storage with media workflows?
1. Security
Security should always be at the top of your list, especially when dealing with high-value media assets. An integrated storage platform allows users to securely travel to the content, whether it is on-prem, or across multi-cloud storage.
As companies transition away from legacy infrastructure and LTOs and start implementing cloud and hybrid workflows, features such as firewalls, data immutability, and data encryption can help keep assets secure. Additionally, having a central point of access for users, both office- and home-based, allows companies to implement strong user authentication while also monitoring and maintaining the security of assets.
2. Automation
As the volume of content we process increases, and media workflows become more expansive, simplifying any manual and repetitive tasks can go a long way towards increasing productivity. From automatic backup to data retrieval and disaster recovery, automation is a vital tool to improve efficiency and optimise resources.
However, to be most effective, metadata should be utilised to facilitate the accuracy and speed of organising and locating assets. Metadata is an important component in any media workflow. It enriches data files, enables faster search and retrieval among archives, and maintains consistent processing of content across hybrid environments.
3. File management
A storage platform that fails to meet the specific requirements of your business is pointless. The needs of media companies vary, but large file sizes is the common denominator. Can you effectively organise, manage, and retrieve your files, on-demand, regardless of your location? If not, it’s time to reconsider your options.
An integrated storage approach allows your media assets to be accessed how and when you need them. Furthermore, integrating your storage with a robust media asset management (MAM) solution, helps maintain organisation and accessibility.
4. Interoperability
As we’ve covered, a non-proprietary solution removes incompatibilities across your system. By considering the importance of interoperability, and only implementing technology that can seamlessly align with other infrastructure, your media storage stays within your control. Any concerns around siloed assets are removed.
Establishing systems that are connected, intuitive, and secure, promotes collaboration and cohesiveness across distributed teams. Having the option to integrate your storage with other media platforms and toolsets, within the content supply chain opens a world of possibilities. It helps maintain consistency, empowers teams, and optimises workflows.
Find out how MatrixStore Hybrid delivers a future-proof, unified storage solution for media businesses. Leverage the most efficient mix of on-prem and cloud storage, and the right tools for your specific needs.
About Object Matrix
Object Matrix is the award-winning software company that pioneered object storage and the modernisation of media archives. It exists to enable global collaboration, increase operational efficiencies and empower creativity through deployment of MatrixStore, the on-prem, hybrid and cloud storage platform. Their unified deployment approach ensures content spans on-prem and cloud storage whilst their focus on the media industry gives them a deep understanding of the challenges organisations face when protecting, processing and sharing video content. Customers include: NBC Universal, TV Globo, Warner Bros. Discovery, MSG, ATP and the BBC, to name but a few!
