
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 ...
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...
06/09/2026
June 9 2026, 23:00 (PDT) Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA Worl...
02/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/09/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
02/09/2026
Next-Generation Freeform Control Surfaces Lay the Foundation for AI-Enabled Media Operations
At IBC2026 (Sept. 11 14, RAI Amsterdam, Stand #1.B73), Imagine Com...
02/09/2026
Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin, the world's largest theater stage, has modernized its backstage production infrastructure with a comprehensive Riedel solut...
02/09/2026
Women in Media announces that it will host the two-day Reel/Forward in-person conference devoted to navigating today's production scene. Guests can enjoy pa...
02/09/2026
The expanded partnership brings Teradek's Live Production solutions to New Media AV's European dealer and integrator network, opening new opportunities ...
02/09/2026
QuickLink, a leading provider of award-winning video production and remote guest contribution solutions, announces a major expansion to its award winning Studio...
02/09/2026
BCNEXXT, the developers of the advanced playout platform Vipe, today announced that premium entertainment brand Foxtel has selected Vipe to underpin playout for...
02/09/2026
SubtitleNEXT helps HOT Telecom's subtitling team keep a cool head with reliable QC capabilities
Profuz Digital, global developer of digital media and local...
02/09/2026
Case Study: Mission Digital Strengthens Battery Safety with Safe-ion
As productions become increasingly dependent on battery-powered equipment, the safe storag...
02/09/2026
LA JOLLA, CA-Influenza viruses constantly shapeshift to evade recognition by the immune system. This shapeshifting occurs in critical proteins like hemagglutini...
02/09/2026
LA JOLLA, CA-Clinicians often use a medical test called a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) to diagnose heart problems, which uses electrodes placed on the chest ...
02/09/2026
LA JOLLA, CA-Proteins may look like rigid molecular structures, but inside our c...
01/09/2026
Bridge Technologies will announce at IBC2026 (Booth 1.A71) that its VB440 produc...
01/09/2026
DAZN has announced an agreement to acquire EverPass Media, a commercial sports distribution platform serving bars, restaurants, hotels, and other venues in the ...
01/09/2026
The USTA and Kalshi have announced a multi-year partnership making Kalshi the Official Prediction Market Partner of the US Open, beginning with the 2026 US Open...
01/09/2026
MASV will exhibit at IBC2026 (Booth 5.B40, RAI Amsterdam, September 11-14). CTO Majed Alhajry will appear on a panel session, A Tale of Two Feeds: Automation o...
01/09/2026
FingerWorks Telestrators has announced a partnership with Broadcast Rental to ex...
01/09/2026
FOR-A has announced the expansion of viztrick AiDi into two dedicated products: Go Vertical! AiDi and AiDi Sports Hub. Developed by Nippon TV and delivered glob...
01/09/2026
Sony Pictures Television has launched Live TV on PS5, a free ad-supported streaming experience available to PS5 players in the United States. The service is acc...
01/09/2026
Friedrichstadt-Palast in Berlin has installed a Riedel production infrastructure spanning video, intercom, control, and I/O across the venue, implemented in col...
01/09/2026
Arkona technologies GmbH has announced an OEM partnership with BFE Studio und Medien Systeme GmbH to offer arkona-branded control panels for its SDI-IP routing ...
01/09/2026
Cricket Australia has launched Cricket TV, a direct-to-consumer streaming service built on Eluvio's Content Fabric platform. The service is currently in ear...
01/09/2026
Eluvio has announced it was selected to power Pasifika , a new direct-to-consume...
01/09/2026
Layercake, the company behind the intelligent media workflow platform Streamcake, has appointed Jon Marquard as Director and Chairperson. The appointment marks ...
01/09/2026
Gravity Media has announced a multi-year renewal of its agreement with Stawell Gift Event Management to produce the complete broadcast of the Powercor Stawell G...
01/09/2026
Beam Dynamics will exhibit at IBC2026 for the first time (Stand 14.FT29, Hall 14), introducing License Intelligence, a new module for managing software licenses...
01/09/2026
Interra Systems has announced that ZOO Digital has selected BATON for file-based quality control across its media workflows. ZOO Digital delivers localized ente...
01/09/2026
Bridge Technologies has announced the deployment of its VB330 monitoring probe at Sunrise, supporting the Swiss telecommunications provider's IP-based telev...
01/09/2026
Riedel Communications has announced the continued expansion of its managed coach communications partnership with Scottish Rugby Union, now entering its third se...
01/09/2026
Behind The Mic provides a roundup of recent news regarding on-air talent, includ...
01/09/2026
SMPTE today detailed the centerpiece of its IBC2026 program: the SMPTE Roadshow: Future of Media Infrastructure, a full-day workshop on Monday, 14 September, th...
01/09/2026
Inside the Music and Sound of Michael
Sound Particles have announced an upcoming webinar with John Warhurst, the Academy Award- and BAFTA-winning supervisin...
01/09/2026
Piano offers tutorials, lessons & feedback via app
Roland have just launched a new digital piano that integrates with a mobile app in an effort to encourage...
01/09/2026
Update introduces 7.1.4 support via Dante
Trinnov have just announced a software update that will allow Nova units with eight licensed Optimizer channels to...
01/09/2026
SBS secures exclusive rights to FIFA World Cup 2030
1 September, 2026
Media releases
Major sports rights deal ensures all Australians will be able to view...
01/09/2026
SBS announces the launch of outcomes-based measurement across its network
1 September, 2026
Media releases
New offer sees national broadcaster put outcomes...
01/09/2026
Revealed: The Booster Economy' how $140bn+ in everyday inheritances'...
01/09/2026
SBS census explorer to provide new insights into contemporary Australia
1 September, 2026
Media releases
The 2026 Census Explorer will give marketers new i...
01/09/2026
SBS and oOh!media launch exclusive SBS News content partnership across office, a...
01/09/2026
SBS offers marketers greater reach with extension into outdoor, creator economy ...