Industry Insights: Balancing cloud and on-premise storage, adopting AI and automation

Apr 03 2024

Published by NewscastStudio here

In this first installment of our two-part Industry Insights series on media asset management and media storage, we delve into the the rise of cloud and hybrid storage.

As the broadcast industry grapples with the dual challenges of escalating content volumes and the relentless push for efficiency, our panel of vendors and suppliers explores strategies for balancing on-premise and cloud storage, integrating cloud solutions into MAM systems, and adopting scalable, cost-effective storage models.

This roundtable looks at how advancements in AI, automation and metadata utilization are updating MAM solutions, setting the stage for a discussion rich in insights and forward-looking perspectives.


Key takeaways from the Industry Insights roundtable

  • Broadcasters are finding an optimal balance between on-premise and cloud storage by leveraging the strengths of each to suit their specific workflow needs, enhancing both efficiency and collaboration.
  • The integration of cloud storage solutions into MAM systems facilitates remote and collaborative workflows and ensures scalability and cost-effectiveness in media production.
  • Scalable and cost-effective storage strategies are increasingly relying on hybrid models, employing both cloud and on-premise solutions to meet growing content demands without compromising on performance or cost.
  • AI and automation are becoming integral to MAM solutions, offering powerful tools for metadata enrichment, content discovery, and operational efficiency.
  • The strategic use of metadata within MAM systems is improving content discoverability and asset management, underlining the importance of accurate, detailed metadata in modern media workflows.

How are media companies balancing on-premise and cloud storage for optimal efficiency?

Sam Peterson, COO, Bitcentral: For new players in the broadcasting market, the costs of securing and maintaining on-premise storage mean an exclusively cloud-based model is likely their best bet. What’s more, the cloud’s accessibility, ease of content sharing, and metadata enhancement capabilities (such as audio transcription) are worthwhile investments for both new entrants and established industry players. In the case of established players with an on-prem setup, the optimal balance may be a gradual transition as they find the right stepping stones to move to the cloud, such as a hybrid solution.

How are cloud storage solutions being integrated into media asset management systems?

Sam Peterson, COO, Bitcentral: Not all media companies want to move their media asset management exclusively to the cloud; however, many recognize that the cloud’s flexibility is a powerful competitive advantage in today’s fast-moving media landscape. As a result, we’re seeing an increased demand for hybrid solutions — these allow media companies to retain their on-premise storage while reaping the full benefit of the cloud’s capabilities. We’ve observed significant benefits for news production teams with seamless cloud access to media content, facilitating easier retrieval of previously siloed and less accessible media.

What strategies are broadcasters adopting for scalable and cost-effective media storage?

Sam Peterson, COO, Bitcentral: Cloud architecture is the industry’s gold standard for scalability. It’s also one of the most cost-effective options in both the long and short term, given the expense of installation and continuing on-site maintenance. With that said, there are still customers who require on-site storage, and it’s important to remember that the cloud is not an either/or solution due to the availability of hybrid solutions.

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