-- Getting the Best of Both Worlds - Hybrid WorkflowsWe are all excruciatingly aware of the explosion of content and how the broadcast industry is having to take advantage of emerging technologies. Rapidly developing backlogs of hours of content that consumers want at their fingertips at all times requires assistance to make the workflows efficient. Social media platforms, along with VOD and OTT services have changed the way people are consuming content. We have gone from a set menu service to an all you can eat buffet', and some broadcasters are finding the adaption in workflows a struggle. It is difficult to transform decades worth of content into easily accessible assets that can generate revenue, but that is exactly what media companies need to do to keep on track.
Broadcasters are developing a stronger trust in the cloud, and are using it more and more for sharing. However, whether companies have put their entire catalogue of content on the cloud and are now finding that they are over paying for content that isn't being used, or they are simply too nervous to utilise the cloud to its full potential because of sensitive content, it is still demonstrating downfalls.
An emerging method that is capable of only harnessing the benefits of the cloud, and removing the need for inefficiencies and unnecessary costs has arrived. What is this magical creature you say? Hybrid Workflows - and they are here to save the day.
So what truly is a hybrid workflow? Martin Bailey, Partner Account Director, UK & Ireland, Dynatrace commented that hybrid workflows are:
When a transaction/user action results in a flow which traverses multiple environments.
Let's face it, we all understand now that the cloud environment is one that can be trusted. However, many companies made the mistake of throwing all their content into the proverbial cloud basket, and are now reaping the consequences of some of its inefficiencies. By fusing cloud together with on-premise we can overcome these inefficiencies. Hybrid workflows appear to be becoming more and more appropriate and desirable, right? Jon Morgan, CEO, Object Matrix added that:
on premise and cloud elements that work in harmony produce the best possible efficiencies in storing, handling, sharing and distributing media assets.
However, companies shouldn't just dive in blindly. Erik hlin, CEO and Co Founder, Vidispine commented that:
What is important to remember is that the choice of using a hybrid cloud is also a strategic business decision, not only a technical decision.
It is vital that planning is put in place before implementing the migration to a hybrid workflow. It is important to consider the time and effort to migrate, with the skills, people, processes and effort required often being underestimated. Considering business abilities, and how hybrid workflows can truly benefit efficiencies is crucial.
But that doesn't mean to say that hybrid workflows don't have the potential to streamline efficiencies, and truly capture the benefits of both on premise and cloud workflows. Why not make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or a cheese and onion crisp scenario for your workflows? Tim Burton, Managing Director, Magenta commented that:
It is about getting companies to understand the mindset of setting these things up as layering systems.
By working with technology companies that have a mature and experienced knowledge of both cloud and on-premise offerings, media companies can utilise hybrid workflows, and possess the ability to revolutionise workflows. Scott Dryburgh, Account Director, CenturyLink commented that:
Companies are finding a balance between resources, time, people and processes. They are realising the initial ambition of moving to a hybrid workflow.
So how are companies working to help media companies both understand the uses of, and apply hybrid workflows?
Object Matrix has developed a hybrid storage architecture within MatrixStore, its object storage platform, that enables customers to utilise their existing investment into on premise software packages that link into cloud storage.
Magenta offers an objective positions, and thought leadership to companies that are considering implementing hybrid workflows. It considers the specific solutions applicable to the company by appraising its business drivers, and required benefits. It's main position is on consulting, and helping develop a level of understanding.
So how are companies working to help media companies both understand the uses of, and apply hybrid workflows?
Meanwhile, Dynatrace can baseline and monitor the performance of applications before and after transformations or migrations to the cloud, ensuring that the user experience is maintained.
CenturyLink works with the customer to identify all aspects of a customer's systems and applications, with a view to recommending the best execution venue, as well as offering multi-faceted solution that delivers multi-cloud management strategy.
Vidispine provides an enterprise-grade media asset management platform-as-a-service for development and scaling of any media solution. The API-based Vidispine Server, together with Vidinet media services and the Vidispine Server Agent, enables the development of hybrid-cloud solutions with assets and business logic spanning cloud and on-premise systems, using the advantages of respective locations.
Object Matrix, Dynatrace, Magenta, Vidispine and Century Link are working together to discuss this exact topic at an Innovation Day on the 27th March in London, at AWS offices in London. All five companies are AWS partners. If you would like to join them, contact us.
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About Object Matrix
Object Matrix is a UK based software company that pioneered Digital Content Governance (DCG), object storage and the modernisation of digital vi
