Richard Mansfield, product management director at MediaKind explains what advantages Managed Cloud Applications offer broadcasters and TV operators
By Contributor
Published: January 20, 2022
Richard Mansfield, product management director at MediaKind explains what advantages Managed Cloud Applications offer broadcasters and TV operators
target=_blank title=Share on LinkedIn class=share-linkedin>
The media industry's evolution to the cloud has been convoluted at the best of times. While there is an urgent need to rapidly launch new services and compete with a swathe of new streaming platforms, many of the current cloud migration approaches within media are incredibly inefficient and fail to leverage some of the cloud's key benefits. A new approach to the relationship between media companies, technology vendors and cloud service providers is desperately needed.
The truth of the situation when cloud technology is fast becoming the de-facto approach when deploying new media services. Markets and Markets forecast the growth of cloud-based video streaming solutions at a 20.9 per cent CAGR between 2020-2025. Given that most media companies - including broadcasters, TV operators and content owners - have existing relationships with one or several cloud service providers (CSPs), an examination of the most efficient deployment and operational models is a vital undertaking.
A fresh outlook on cloud deployments It's undisputed that the public cloud enables media companies to deliver their services in the best way. Its benefits include decoupling infrastructure lifecycle and deployments from traditional approaches, adding the flexibility of scaling or usage, and optimising total cost of ownership. Beyond these, media companies must also understand what new cloud operational models could mean for their business and how they impact their existing infrastructures and relationships with technology vendors.
The adoption of new approaches such as Continuous Integration and Continuous Release (CI/CR) and combined Development and Operations (DevOps) have hastened within modern cloud rollouts. However, while many media companies might leverage these approaches internally already, they'll often revert to traditional methods when integrating third party components and solutions.
A new methodology for public cloud deployments for media companies sets out to aid the evolution of operational models from on-premises integration to Managed Cloud Applications (MCAs). In short, MCAs are a new form of commercial and deployment models for cloud-based software, sitting somewhere between Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and software subscription models. The MCA approach aids media companies as they look to manage their relationships with CSPs while utilising technology vendor expertise in the most efficient and productive way.
Demystifying MCAs In an MCA model, the software is deployed and managed by the technology vendor within a customer's cloud account. This allows the customer to use their preferred CSP, rather than being locked into whichever provider the technology vendor is integrated with. The choice of CSP is typically selected as part of a wider company transformation, while utilising these extended agreements and spending commitments for media use cases.
The role of the technology vendor within an MCA deployment is to ensure the service is continually monitored and available, maintain software updates, and manage the overall lifecycle of the solution. Not only does this make use of their existing software maintenance expertise, it also avoids unnecessary costs for the media company who would otherwise need to hire specialist internal staff. Furthermore, it enables the automation of maintenance operations, minimising errors and costs while allowing updates to be performed remotely.
The advantages for broadcasters and TV operators The prospects of MCAs for broadcasters and TV operators are immense. For TV operators, MCAs offer a way to make their media businesses run more efficiently while navigating the complex process of migrating their Pay TV businesses towards streaming-first functions. MCAs enable them to eliminate the burden of operating their cloud infrastructure. Instead, they can place the onus onto third-party experts who have the pre-existing knowledge to operate their software and cloud assets. It also allows them to scale efficiently within the operator's network, a particularly beneficial feature as they find more streaming clients within their pay-TV services.
It's a similar story for broadcasters, who need to improve the efficiency of their operations while understanding the operational need to move to the cloud eventually. To date, this migration which has been slow throughout the sector. The current multi-vendor approach taken by broadcasters, whereby they buy lots of equipment from multiple vendors and integrate it themselves with their own systems, requires lots of ongoing maintenance and access to that infrastructure. Moving their operational functions to the cloud, such as playout and distribution, while leaning on technology vendors to manage the entire process, makes this a far more efficient process.
The shift to MCAs requires a whole new mindset and a radical new approach to media company's operational structures. However, by relying on third party experts and trusting the resilience and wide-reaching capabilities of the cloud, they can guarantee a hands-off and seamless transition. The result will be far more freedom and ease to work within any existing deployment model, the ability to pick-and-chose which cloud service provider works for them, and most importantly, better media experiences for their customers. It's a win-win situation that will place media companies front and center as they lay out their strategic vision.
Europe Stories
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
09/10/2026
September 10 2026, 06:00 (PDT) Dolby Expands Dolby OptiView Platform with New Capabilities at IBC 2026
New Sports Intelligence helps providers better unders...
07/10/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...
10/09/2026
Editing, restoration & mastering suite upgraded Acon Digital Acoustica 8 audio editing restoration mastering software.
Acon Digital have just launched the la...
10/09/2026
Classic synths & drum machines available to play
Based in Reading, UK, Readipop are a music and arts charity with a long track record of innovative, partici...
10/09/2026
Popular model updated & new addition introduced
With many of the models in Neumann's KH family now boasting onboard DSP and support for the company'...
10/09/2026
Improved desktop interface announced
The latest iteration of Arturia's flagship desktop audio interface has just arrived, introducing improved preamps, ...
10/09/2026
Progress needs proof: Rohde & Schwarz showcases its trailblazing test solutions ...
10/09/2026
The beloved duo are back with big challenges and even bigger laughs as they discover if you're ever truly too old to try something new.
Previous praise for...
10/09/2026
Thursday 10 September 2026
Sky News Defence Insider app launches as new researc...
10/09/2026
Thursday 10 September 2026
Award-winning network Sky Mobile to offer Apple iPho...
10/09/2026
Thursday 10 September 2026
Sky unveils gripping teaser for The Good Daughter, coming this NovemberTurn on cookies to view this content. Go to Privacy options a...
10/09/2026
Harmonic Leads the New Era of Broadband Connectivity at SCTE TechExpo 2026 Showcase Spotlights Include:
New cOS SensAI intelligence fabric unleashing data-pow...
10/09/2026
RT to Broadcast Amgen Irish Open free-to-air
New multi-year agreement will see RT continue to bring the Amgen Irish Open to Irish audiences
Ryder Cup hig...
10/09/2026
More than 30 women report allegations of sexual harassment, misogyny and bullying within National Ambulance Service
Tonight on RT Prime Time, 9:35pm, RT One ...
10/09/2026
Series 3 of Nero's Class begins Friday 11 September on RT Listen
The third...
09/09/2026
New parts aimed at hip-hop and pop productions
The latest update to Celemony's innovative virtual session musician expands the collection of built-in in...
09/09/2026
Save up to 40% until 21 September 2026
Sonarworks are currently running their Autumn Sale, with discounts of up to 40% currently available across their rang...
09/09/2026
Upcoming title officially launches in September 2026
Bjooks' celebrations for this year's 909 Day will be welcome news amongst drum machine lovers, ...
09/09/2026
Chennai/Luxembourg, 9 September 2026 - SES, a leading space solutions company, today announced the inauguration of its new office in Chennai, India, marking a s...
09/09/2026
September 9 2026, 22:35 (PDT) Cinema Sunshine Becomes Japan's First Exhibit...
09/09/2026
Wednesday 9 September 2026
Tom Daley adds final stitch to giant Baa-Ewe' t...
09/09/2026
Red Seat Ventures Integrates Barometer into Speakeasy to Maximize Podcast Revenu...
09/09/2026
Baselight-powered color comes natively to Media Composer, connecting creative de...
09/09/2026
RT brings three packed days of live radio, entertainment, news, weather and fun
Join RT Radio 1: Morning Ireland, Oliver Callan, Today with David McCullagh,...
08/09/2026
Built for rap producers, by rap producers
Sauceware Audio, the independent plug-in company founded by Grammy-nominated producer Jacob (Travis Scott, 21 Sava...
08/09/2026
Classic Sound Techniques design revived
Warm Audio's latest release delivers a meticulous recreation of the preamp circuitry employed by the Sound Techn...
08/09/2026
Latest soft synth inspired by the Memorymoog
XILS Lab have just launched a software instrument that draws its inspiration from Moog's iconic Memorymoog,...
08/09/2026
September 08, 2026 NORTHRIDGE, Calif. - Soundcraft today announced the launch of its Signature Plus Series Analog Connected Mixing Consoles. As the next genera...
08/09/2026
Tuesday 8 September 2026
Sky Go gets a major upgrade for Sky Glass and Sky Stream customers
Today, Sky launches a new version of the Sky Go app for Sky Glass ...
08/09/2026
Documentary thriller simulating a Russian attack on UK soil will culminate in a live final episode reuniting the playersTuesday 8 September 2026
Trailer releas...
08/09/2026
Tuesday 8 September 2026
Jamie Demetriou and Amelia Dimoldenberg to host next t...
08/09/2026
Wuppertal September 8, 2026
Riedel Introduces New OnAir Headset PlatformRiedel Communications today announced the launch of its new OnAir headset platform, a...
08/09/2026
BERLIN, September 8, 2026 - J nger Audio will introduce a major expansion of its flexAI audio processing platform at IBC 2026. The flexAI system adds autonomous...
08/09/2026
New Vendor-Agnostic Broadband Intelligence Fabric Reduces Operational Complexity and Improves Service Quality for Broadband Service Providers SAN JOSE, Calif. -...
08/09/2026
Arvato Systems Brings TI Expertise to the Stage
Panels, workshops, and real-world examples at the TI-SUMMIT 2026
Arvato Systems, a partner of the TI-SUMMIT 2...
08/09/2026
On October 1, Apple Arcade is rolling out a lineup of fun new games for players ...
07/09/2026
Two new full-range, flat-response cabinets introduced
HeadRush have recently introduced a pair of new full-range, flat-response cabinets designed for player...
07/09/2026
Answering questions about AI in game audio
GameSoundCon, the largest professional conference for video game music and sound design, have announced that they...
07/09/2026
New directional headset mic on show at IBC
Just ahead of this week's IBC show, DPA have announced the launch of a new directional headset that's bee...
07/09/2026
We are not building systems to replace human decision-making; we are building systems that execute our decisions at machine speed. The media companies that win ...
07/09/2026
Every day, we rely on products to work safely, from the power bank in your bag to the solar panels on rooftops. Behind that trust is a process called conformity...
07/09/2026
Monday 7 September 2026
Freddie Meredith joins cast of SNL UK ahead of start of Season 2
Freddie Meredith Images
ZIP (3MB)
Saturday Night Live UK announces ...
07/09/2026
Monday 7 September 2026
Sky and NFTS team up to launch new routes into screen careers
Sky has today announced a new apprenticeship programme, with application...
07/09/2026
Monday 7 September 2026
Sky Sports announces most comprehensive NFL coverage to...
07/09/2026
Dolby, MainConcept, Techex and J nger Audio will showcase the industry's first demonstration of Serial Audio Definition Model (S-ADM) in a cloud-based produ...
07/09/2026
dB Broadcast will showcase APIS Hive, its software platform for designing, deploying and managing modern broadcast infrastructures, at IBC 2026.
Developed from...
07/09/2026
552,000 streams on RT Player
The historic fight, which saw Katie Taylor become...
06/09/2026
Recreates Rolands TB-303 & MC-202
BS-203 MacroAcidizer is the first virtual instrument from Born Second, and it offers a recreation of two Roland classics -...
Richard Mansfield, product management director at MediaKind explains what advantages Managed Cloud Applications offer broadcasters and TV operators
