NAB 2019 Reflections: Object Matrix's Jonathan Morgan on the Power of Object-Based Storage for M&E Storage pioneer launches Sense analytics, monitoring, and stats tool By Jason Dachman, Chief Editor
Friday, April 19, 2019 - 11:39 am
Print This Story
Story Highlights
One of the big buzz items at NAB 2019 was the increasing use of object-based storage by M&E organizations. Although the migration from file-based to object-based storage has been a major trend in other industries for years, broadcasters have yet to jump on the bandwagon in a big way. However, that appears to be gradually changing, and Object Matrix is waiting with open arms.
The organization helped to pioneer media-focused object storage and hybrid cloud solutions, including its flagship product, MatrixStore. At NAB 2019, Object Matrix launched an analytics, monitoring and statistics tool dubbed Sense. As broadcasters' storage infrastructure extends into the cloud and multiple sites, Sense enables collection of real-time statistics of storage-infrastructure use, real-time monitoring of hardware and analytics of both usage and the types of information being stored.
SVG sat down with Object Matrix CEO Jonathan Morgan to discuss the new Sense tool, how he sees the migration to object storage accelerating in M&E, and how object storage enables organization's move to the cloud.
Object Matrix's Jonathan Morgan: Object storage is particularly relevant in the sports arena. These organizations want to be able to monetize their archive.
Can you tell me a bit about the new Sense tool and how it helps media-organizations looking to migrate to object storage?
We're seeing more and more people migrating from LTO into object-based-storage solutions. That could be because you want to migrate everything on-prem, or you may want to have a hybrid cloud workflow for your storage. We provide not only the safe, scalable place to keep all of the data but also the HSM piece that can allow you to migrate to object-based storage so you can manage the data from a single place. We can provide that single-pane-of-glass interface with our object storage.
We also provide analytics around the data, which is what we're [highlighting at NAB 2019]. With [Sense]: you're not just controlling where data is; you also have a view of the analytics around that to monitor long after you have stored it and make sure it is being [stored] on the most cost-appropriate platform. We can offer migration to a proven, scalable object-storage platform with a single pane of glass and all the analytics and monitoring around it that you will need.
What are the primary advantages of shifting from file-based to object-based storage for media organizations?
If it's content you're never going to use, it likely belongs on tape or [Amazon S3] Glacier. But if you're going to use it, we believe our [object-storage platform] offers a lot of extra value.
You want to be able to extract value out of that data in various different ways in order to monetize it. You want to be able to do things like image recognition and enhanced content discovery. In order to do that, you need to get that [content] onto a platform where you can access it quickly and reliably, and that is not tape.
Or, if you're going to push everything down to a Glacier [deep-archive] layer and train the database with all the images of a famous sports player, you can do that, but it will be a very expensive exercise to be able to analyze that data.
Being able to put your active [media] on an appropriate layer of storage, that's where Object Matrix fits in.
Do you believe the M&E industry - and sports organizations specifically - is finally opening up to the concept of using object-based storage on a larger scale?
Yes, absolutely. We've been selling object storage for 16 years. And we've been coming to the desert [for NAB Shows] for several years. But, [in the past], it truly felt like we were in the desert in terms of the messaging. Nobody knew what object storage was or was asking, Why do we need this instead of a file-based system? But now people are really beginning to understand its value. We've signed up three different sports organizations in just the last couple of weeks, which is great.
I think object storage is particularly relevant in the sports arena. These organizations want to be able to monetize their archive. Until now, that archive has always been a large cost that has been difficult to dig the benefit out of. The reality is, you need to make money off of that content to maximize what you've got. It's truly a gold mine; it can't just be a cost [center].
How does migrating to object storage help media organizations create an on-ramp to the cloud and create hybrid cloud/on-premises environments?
One of the main selling points about an object-storage platform is that the object is transportable. You can move an object with the metadata through different platforms, backwards and forwards. And you will still have that object in five years' time without relying on whatever the file-system structure was to store that file all those years ago. You can build metadata around that object and augment the metadata over time, rather than just the metadata when you capture it, and then you keep all that metadata together with the object.
You want to [store] that object in a non-proprietary way as part of a seamless workflow. And that's what we're helping to achieve for the customer. We're allowing that transportability of the data through many different use cases with all or some of the metadata [attached].
How do you see the media landscape changing as a result of object storage?
I think the days of having a digital-asset manager with a proprietary database are becoming a thing of the past because now you have
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
01/06/2026
January 6 2026, 05:30 (PST) Dolby Sets the New Standard for Premium Entertainment at CES 2026
Throughout the week, Dolby brings to life the latest innovatio...
02/05/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
01/05/2026
January 5 2026, 18:30 (PST) NBCUniversal's Peacock to Be First Streamer to ...
01/04/2026
January 4 2026, 18:00 (PST) DOLBY AND DOUYIN EMPOWER THE NEXT GENERATON OF CREATORS WITH DOLBY VISION
Douyin Users Can Now Create And Share Videos With Stun...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
18/03/2026
SMPTE , the home of media professionals, technologists, and engineers, today unveiled its educational presentations for the 2026 NAB Show. This year SMPTE will ...
18/03/2026
Maxon, maker of powerful, approachable software solutions for creators working in 2D and 3D design, motion graphics, visual effects, gaming, and more, today ann...
18/03/2026
Digital Alert Systems
Preview
2026 NAB Show
April 19 - 22
Booth C3452
At the 2026 NAB Show, Digital Alert Systems will showcase Version 6.0 of its DASDEC ...
18/03/2026
Setplex today announced that it will showcase its complete, fully integrated Zapflex platform for the first time at the 2026 NAB Show, introducing powerful new ...
18/03/2026
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT RELATES TO THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION THAT QUALIFIED OR MAY HAVE QUALIFIED AS INSIDE INFORMATION WITHIN THE MEANING OF ARTICLE 7(1) OF THE ...
18/03/2026
COW Jobs: Seeking DP for Low Budget Dramedy - Chicago
Brie Clayton March 17, 2026
0 Comments
Seeking Director of Photography for Low Budget Dramedy Fe...
18/03/2026
COW Jobs: Seeking Gaffer for Low Budget Dramedy - Chicago
Brie Clayton March 17, 2026
0 Comments
Seeking Gaffer for Low Budget Dramedy Feature Film- I...
18/03/2026
COW Jobs: Seeking Location, Sound for Low Budget Dramedy - Chicago
Brie Clayton March 17, 2026
0 Comments
Seeking Location/Sound for Low Budget Dramed...
18/03/2026
COW Jobs: Seeking Child Wrangler for Low Budget Film - Chicago
Brie Clayton March 17, 2026
0 Comments
Seeking Child Wrangler for Low Budget Dramedy Fe...
18/03/2026
Calrec Redefines Broadcast Workflows at NAB 2026 with its Most Powerful Hardware...
18/03/2026
Oscar Nominated Two People Exchanging Saliva Posted with DaVinci Resolve Studio
Brie Clayton March 17, 2026
0 Comments
DaVinci Resolve Studio handle...
18/03/2026
Boston Conservatory Presents Celebrated Musical Satire Urinetown Performances for this Center Stage production will take place at Boston Conservatory Theater ...
18/03/2026
Charlie Puth Joins Switched On Pop at Berklee NYC The Berklee alum spoke with host and Berklee NYC professor Charlie Harding for a live taping, answering audi...
17/03/2026
NASA+'s Rebecca Sirmons and Brittany Brown offer unique look at live streami...
17/03/2026
The transition to IP has fundamentally reshaped professional media infrastructures. Video, audio, and increasingly metadata now circulate as independent, precis...
17/03/2026
Live sports streaming can push every element in your video delivery chain to its limit, exposing every potential weakness in seconds. When the Super Bowl, the O...
17/03/2026
Texas Athletics sought to modernize its media production, enhance fan experience...
17/03/2026
Ikegami USA will demonstrate the latest additions to its wide range of broadcast...
17/03/2026
TNA Wrestling and iHeartMedia announces a new multi-platform collaboration that will integrate iHeartMedia across TNA's premium live events, weekly televisi...
17/03/2026
The goal was to transform Hard Rock Stadium into a global leader in sports and e...
17/03/2026
Spectrum has announced the launch of its new Multiview feature in the Spectrum TV App, giving customers the ability to watch up to four NCAA men's or women&...
17/03/2026
Genius Sports deal also covers data technology, AI, fan engagement, and performance analysis....
17/03/2026
Net Insight is supporting the rollout of a new state-wide centralized operation with Rede Massa, which is an SBT affiliate, the Brazilian regional television ne...
17/03/2026
Featuring audio from practice sessions, qualifying races, and Grand Prix races, the film represents Apple's sports-media ambitions
At Sunday night's Ac...
17/03/2026
Live broadcast has always been one of the most demanding environments in media a...
17/03/2026
DirecTV is introducing several new viewing features, including a multi-screen March Madness Mix channel and an updated Sports Central mobile app hub, ahead of...
17/03/2026
Deltatre has announced a multi-year partnership with ATP Media, the media arm of the ATP Tour, covering broadcast graphics, data, and production across the 2026...
17/03/2026
The Detroit Pistons have announced a third consecutive season partnering with Sc...
17/03/2026
Fresh Finds Africa spotlights emerging artists and movements across the continent and its global diaspora, with listeners tuning in to discover new Afro-forward...
17/03/2026
Last month, more than 60,000 fans piled into Bangkok's Rajamangala National ...
17/03/2026
Vintage-inspired channel strip joins line-up
Black Rooster Audio's latest plug-in provides an all-in-one mixing tool inspired by classic analogue consol...
17/03/2026
Level and EQ voice, reverb and noise independently
The latest plug-in to join Accentize's collection is said to take a new approach to dialogue processi...
17/03/2026
UHF radio mic & IEM bandwidth at risk
Once again, the UHF bandwidth that is currently allocated to RF audio gear is at risk of being reassigned to high-spee...
17/03/2026
Last Friday, the first Plant Fire Department Training Week in Bavaria successf...
17/03/2026
New campaign from NAATI and SBS CulturalConnnect highlights how we all deserve ...
17/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
17/03/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
17/03/2026
3D streaming infrastructure provider Miris today announced the launch of a public beta for its new 3D asset streaming platform. Miris is building the infrastruc...
NAB 2019 Reflections: Object Matrix's Jonathan Morgan on the Power of Object-Based Storage for M&E Storage pioneer launches Sense analytics, monitoring, and stats tool By Jason Dachman, Chief Editor 
