MAM system architectures in comparison

When looking „under the hood“ of Media Asset Management systems, there is a heavily complex technical world. We want to briefly delve into this world and explain why the technical architecture and the processes that a MAM system is built on matters. To simplify the topic, we find a good comparison with physical products that are more tangible and familiar to many in terms of performance indicators. Picture yourself buying a car. The first option you are offered at a car dealer is a massive muscle car, say Dodge RAM v10. It is renowned for its exceptional power and towing capacity, thanks to its robust 8.0-liter V10 engine, making it a top choice for heavy-duty tasks and off-road adventures. However, it is extremely expensive, heavily polluting, massive, and not really the futuristic sustainable car that you had in mind. Then you are presented with another option: a lightweight and speedy hybrid car with a price tag a third of the Dodge. It drives like a dream, has an advanced and stable software, is sustainable and has a set of cool features. You are thrilled! This is exactly what you wanted.

Dodge RAM 1
This visual is created with AI by FlowWorks.

What type of MAM systems do these two options represent in terms of system architecture? The Dodge RAM represents the “classical” MAM that operates on CPUs (Central Processing Units). They can perform key MAM functions such as transcoding and processing, but they do this to a high cost and with an inefficient energy consumption, being slower and more limited in terms of capacity than agile alternatives. What CPU-based processing entails is expensive hardware in terms of servers, intense maintenance related to software updates, data backups, and periodic hardware checks as well as operational inefficiency in terms of heavy electricity consumption and blocked Internet lines. As green tech continues to emerge as a mainstream topic, the awareness of digital sustainability is established. The CPU-based, “Dodge RAM”, MAM systems were experiencing their golden days when the amount of media assets was significantly lower, the quality of the material was less demanding, and processing requirements were relatively modest. They have not managed to keep pace with the growing demands of modern media production and management. What is happening today is that the volume of media assets is growing exponentially, the quality of content is consistently improving with higher resolutions and more complex formats, and the demand for faster, GPU-optimized MAM systems to handle these challenges has become increasingly evident. Every single person with a camera or a smartphone can be a content producer with large volumes of media assets. This calls for intelligent and light-weight systems that can manage the content with a sustainable and intelligent modus operandi.

Futuristic agile car 1
This visual is created with AI by FlowWorks.

Let’s then look at the futuristic hybid smart-car. What does it do differently from the Dodge? It can use all its engines and inner components in a balanced and optimized way, making use of any one of its components that can perform a specific task most efficiently. For example, instead of using the CPU for tasks such as transcoding, face detection or AI, it makes use of different available GPUs (Graphical Processing Units) or ML (machine learning) accelerators, that can perform the task quicker and more efficient. At the same time, it is not using any computational power of the CPU, which then is free for MAM core functions (such as file handling, database publishing, archiving etc.) and user front ends. While the CPU-based “Dodge RAM” uses 100% of the CPU power, while still performing its tasks much slower compared to its challenger, the GPU-based system consumes only 1% of the CPU-capacity. For example, when the so called “Dodge RAM” system is transcoding at 100% of its capacity, it has no computational capacity left for any other tasks. This means that the user experiences extreme slowness and malfunction when simultaneously using the MAM system – simply because the system already is at its limits. As a comparison, when its counterpart, what we here exemplify as the “smart-car” system, is transcoding, the user will not notice this while simultaneously using the MAM system since the system has 99% of its capacity left for operating normally. In addition, when you need to scale up a “classical” MAM system that we compare with a Dodge RAM car, to, for example operate a growing amount of media assets, or when there is a need to add more users to operate the system, you are forced to buy expensive CPU-based hardware, that equals “muscles” of the Dodge RAM to be able to scale the system. With this, you gain more muscles but remain slow and operate with the same stagnating way as before – not to mention the enormous costs that this comes with.

A MAM system that can perform on the top of its class needs to be flexible and intelligent. Factors such as scalability, capacity and efficiency are at the centre of this. Modularity enables customization and a cost-efficient way to build a MAM system that serves the specific needs of a customer and can easily be extended with new features as new needs emerge. Digital systems are difficult to evaluate from the outside since the performance indicators are not clearly established and the architecture and processes that make the system are so highly complex that few are able to evaluate and understand them. Our advice to anyone searching for a MAM system or wanting to understand more of the topic is to ask any MAM provider of interest about the system architecture, which factors are affecting its capacity and how flexible and scalable the system is and to what cost it is scalable.

What you should go for instead of expensive muscle-power is agility and intelligence.

We at Flow Works see that MAM systems will be an essential tool for anyone operating a large volume of pictures, videos or audio files in the near future. Thus, we are working on solutions that will make agile and intelligent MAM systems available to anyone who is ready to elevate their work around media assets to new heights. If this topic is as fascinating to you as it is to us, we should continue the disucssion together.

#MediaAssetManagement #FlowinMAM #FlowWorks #MAMSystems #DigitalSustainability #CPUvsGPU #HybridTechnology #SmartCarVsMuscleCar #DigitalMedia #DigitalTransformation #AgileSystems #Scalability #Efficiency #IntelligentTechnology #DigitalWorkflows #ContentManagement #TechInnovation #MAMSystemArchitecture #DigitalMediaProduction #FutureTech #DigitalAssets

November 8, 2023 Future solutions, Innovation, Media Asset Management, R&D, Trends No comments yet

Why Media Asset Management is interesting for remote workers

As remote and hybrid work becomes more common, it’s important for teams to have access to the right tools and systems to help them collaborate effectively. One of the key challenges that remote teams face is managing and sharing media assets, such as photos, videos, and audio files, safely and effectively. This is where a media asset management (MAM) system operating on a network attached system (NAS) device can be incredibly helpful.

In this article, we’ll explore what MAM and NAS systems are and how they can benefit remote working teams. We’ll also look at some of the key features to look for in a MAM system and NAS device, as well as some examples of popular systems that are currently available.

What is a MAM System?

A media asset management (MAM) system is a software application that allows users to organize, manage, and share digital media assets, such as photos, videos, and audio files. MAM systems are designed to help users manage the entire lifecycle of their media assets, from ingestion to archiving and everything in between.

MAM systems can be used in a variety of industries, including marketing, advertising, broadcasting, and film production. In these industries, media assets are often a critical part of the creative process, and it’s essential to have an effective system in place to manage them.

One of the key benefits of a MAM system is that it allows users to quickly and easily search for and retrieve specific media assets. This is particularly important for remote teams, who may not have immediate access to physical files or be able to meet in person to discuss specific assets.

Another advantage of a MAM system is that it can help to ensure that media assets are stored and managed in a consistent manner. This can be particularly important for larger teams or those working on complex projects, as it helps to ensure that everyone is using the same files and that there are no duplicates or inconsistencies.

What is a NAS Device?

A network attached system (NAS) device is a type of storage device that is designed to be connected to a network and accessed by multiple users. NAS devices can be used for a variety of purposes, including storing and sharing files, backing up data, and running applications.

One of the key advantages of a NAS device is that it allows users to store and access files from a central location. This can be particularly beneficial for remote teams, as it ensures that everyone has access to the same files and eliminates the need for multiple copies of files to be stored on different devices.

Another advantage of a NAS device is that it can provide a high level of data security and protection. Most NAS devices come with built-in features such as RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) and backup capabilities, which help to ensure that data is protected against loss or damage.

Benefits of Using a MAM System on a NAS Device for Remote Teams

Now that we’ve looked at what MAM and NAS systems are, let’s explore some of the benefits of using these systems together for remote teams.

  1. Improved Collaboration

One of the key benefits of using a MAM system on a NAS device for remote teams is improved collaboration. With a central location for storing and accessing media assets, team members can quickly and easily find the files they need, regardless of their location. This can help to reduce the amount of time spent searching for files, which in turn can lead to increased productivity and efficiency.

  1. Enhanced Security

Another benefit of using a MAM system on a NAS device for remote teams is enhanced security. With a NAS device, data is stored on a central server that is protected by a variety of security features, such as RAID and backup capabilities. This helps to ensure that data is protected against loss or damage, even in the event of a hardware failure or other unexpected event.

  1. Streamlined Workflow

Using a MAM system on a NAS device can also help to streamline the workflow for remote teams. With a MAM system in place, media assets can be organized and managed in a consistent manner, which can help to eliminate the need for redundant or unnecessary work. This can be particularly helpful for larger teams or those working on complex projects, as it ensures that everyone is using the same files and that there are no duplicates or inconsistencies.

  1. Increased Accessibility

Another advantage of using a MAM system on a NAS device for remote teams is increased accessibility. With a NAS device, files can be accessed from any device that is connected to the network, regardless of the user’s location. This can be particularly helpful for remote teams, who may need to access files from multiple locations or on different devices.

  1. Scalability

Finally, using a MAM system on a NAS device can also provide scalability for remote teams. As the team grows or the amount of media assets increases, the system can be easily expanded to accommodate these changes. This can be particularly important for startups or smaller teams that may not have the resources to invest in a more advanced system from the outset.

Features to Look for in a MAM System

If you’re considering implementing a MAM system on a NAS device for your remote team, there are several key features to look for. These include:

  1. User-friendly interface – The interface should be easy to navigate and use, even for users who are not familiar with the system.
  2. Customizable metadata – The system should allow users to add customizable metadata to media assets, such as keywords, tags, and descriptions.
  3. Advanced search capabilities – The system should allow users to search for files based on a variety of criteria, such as file type, date, and keywords.
  4. Collaboration features – The system should have collaboration features, such as the ability to share files with other users and track changes.
October 23, 2023 Benefits of a MAM system, Media Asset Management, Trends No comments yet

How a small company can benefit from using a MAM system

A Media Asset Management (MAM) system 📹📂🔐 can bring many benefits to a small company. MAM systems are designed to help organizations store, manage and distribute their digital media assets, such as images, videos, and audio files. They provide a central location for all digital assets, making it easy to find and use the needed files.

One of the main benefits of a MAM system for a small company is the ability to easily organize and find your digital media assets. 🗂️🔍 With a MAM system, you can organize your files by categories, tags, and keywords, making it easy to find the files you need when you need them. This can save a lot of time and frustration.

Another benefit of a MAM system for a small company is the ability to easily share and distribute your digital media assets. 🚀 With a MAM system, you can easily share files with team members, clients, and other stakeholders, without the need to send large files via email. This can save a lot of time and bandwidth, and make it easy to collaborate on projects. Additionally, MAM systems can be integrated with other systems and tools such as content management systems, video management systems, and website platforms, providing a seamless workflow for small companies.

A MAM system also provides a more secure environment for your digital media assets. 🔒 Professional MAM systems include advanced security features such as encryption, access controls, and user management, which can help protect your digital assets from unauthorized access.

Additionally, a MAM system can help small companies to save costs. 💰 By having a central location for all of your digital assets, you can save on storage costs as you don’t need multiple copies of the same files. MAM systems also have the ability to automate tasks such as transcoding and distribution, which saves time and human resources.

Asset monetization is another compelling aspect of a Media Asset Management (MAM) system that can greatly benefit small companies. Beyond the organizational and operational advantages, MAM systems offer opportunities for generating revenue from your digital media assets. 📈💰 With a well-structured MAM system in place, you can easily identify valuable content that has the potential to be licensed, sold, or repurposed for various revenue streams. 📸📺📦 Asset monetization can be a game-changer for small companies looking to maximize the value of their digital media holdings and diversify their income sources, further enhancing the return on investment in their MAM system. 💼🎉

In summary, a Media Asset Management (MAM) system offers a multitude of benefits to small companies. It empowers them to efficiently organize, locate, and safeguard their digital media assets, promoting operational agility and security. Moreover, MAM systems open the door to monetization opportunities, enabling small businesses to capitalize on their valuable content and generate additional revenue streams. Additionally, MAM systems deliver cost-saving advantages by optimizing storage and automating labor-intensive tasks. 💼📊🌐

FlowWorks serves customers of all sizes, from any industry. Whether you are new to MAM services or not, we help you to reach a new level in your operations with our modular MAM system that can be expanded step-by-step as your MAM needs evolve. Contact us to discuss further.

This article is also published on LinkedIn.

#MAMsystems #DigitalAssetManagement #SmallBusinesses #MediaManagement #AssetMonetization #DigitalMedia #ContentMonetization #Efficiency #CostSavings

October 5, 2023 Basics of MAM, Benefits of a MAM system, Media Asset Management No comments yet

AI in the world of Media

In the world of Media Asset Management (MAM), Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force, promising to revolutionize how media assets are managed, organized, and utilized. However, before diving into the topic of AI in MAM, it’s crucial to mention common misconceptions and gain a clear understanding of what AI in MAM involves, as well as the benefits it can offer to customers working in broadcasting and media production.

Defining AI in MAM

AI in MAM refers to the application of artificial intelligence techniques, such as machine learning and computer vision, to automate and enhance various aspects of media asset management. It’s about making use of algorithms and data analysis to make the management of huge media libraries more efficient and effective.

Misconception 1: AI in MAM is Synonymous with Automation

One common misconception is that AI in MAM is solely about automation. While automation is a significant component, it’s not the whole story. AI in MAM goes beyond routine tasks like file organization and metadata tagging. It includes sophisticated capabilities like content recognition, sentiment analysis, and predictive analytics.

Misconception 2: AI in MAM is Only for Large Enterprises

Another misconception is that AI in MAM is relevant for large actors in the media industry. In reality, AI-powered MAM solutions are becoming more accessible and affordable for media companies of all sizes. Smaller organizations can benefit from AI-driven efficiencies and cost savings as well.

Misconception 3: AI in MAM is a Universal Solution for Every Problem

It’s important to understand that AI in MAM is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its effectiveness depends on factors like the quality and quantity of data, the specific use case, and the integration with existing workflows. While it can address many challenges, it may not be suitable for every situation.

Benefits of AI in MAM for Media Professionals

Now that we’ve clarified what AI in MAM is not, let’s explore what it can offer to customers working in broadcasting and media production.

Enhanced Content Discovery:

While advanced searches based on metadata already are an eastablished key feature of professional MAM systems, AI brings a new dimension to Content Discovery. While metadata-driven searches rely on structured data like titles and keywords, offering exact-match searches they are limited in searches based on context. AI-driven searches, on the other hand, enable content-based searches, similarity and relevance identification, and natural language processing (NLP). This provides a more comprehensive, context-aware, and nuanced approach to searches, based on visual, audio, text, and contextual aspects.

Efficient Metadata Management:

AI algorithms can generate and refine metadata, reducing the time and effort required for manual tagging. This not only improves content searchability but also streamlines content distribution and monetization.

Content Recommendations:

AI-driven recommendation engines can suggest related content to users, giving creativity input to users and encouraging content reuse.  

Quality Control:

AI can play a crucial role in the quality control of audio and video assets by automatically detecting anomalies or irregularities in the content. This includes identifying issues such as audio distortions, video artifacts, inconsistent color grading, or missing segments. This capability is of special importance in live broadcasting. Additionally, in post-production processes, AI-driven quality control reduces the risk of errors or imperfections, saving both time and resources.

Monetization Opportunities:

AI can analyze audience preferences and content trends, helping media companies tailor their content offerings, so they can keep viewers interested, and maximize revenue generation.

This article was originally published on LinkedIn

#MediaAssetManagement #AIinMedia #MAMtechnology #ContentDiscovery #MetadataManagement #MediaIndustryInsights #ContentManagement #MediaTrends #AIapplications

October 5, 2023 AI, Future solutions, Innovation, Media Asset Management, R&D, Trends No comments yet

🚀 Unlocking ROI Potential: How Investing in a MAM System Drives Business Success

Investing in a Media Asset Management system is a strategic decision that yields substantial ROI for organizations. By enhancing productivity, streamlining workflows, optimizing storage, unlocking revenue opportunities and enabling data-driven decision making, a well-implemented MAM system delivers tangible benefits that directly impact the bottom line. 🚀 💼💡

Here is a compact list with 5 areas of the tangible Return-On-Investment (ROI) that organizations can achieve by investing in a professional MAM system:

1. Enhanced Productivity and Time Savings:

A MAM system eliminates the inefficiencies associated with manual media asset management. By automating tasks such as file organization, metadata tagging, and content retrieval, employees can quickly locate and access the required assets, reducing time spent on administrative tasks. This increased productivity translates into significant time savings, allowing teams to focus on creative endeavors and actual business. ⏰✨

2. Streamlined Workflows and Collaboration:

Collaboration among team members, departments, and other external stakeholders is key for seamless content creation and distribution. A MAM system acts as a centralized hub, enabling easy sharing, version control, and real-time collaboration. By eliminating bottlenecks and reducing miscommunication, teams can work more efficiently. 🤝🌐

3. Optimized Storage and Reduced Costs:

Cloud storage costs can quickly escalate if not managed effectively. A MAM system helps optimize storage utilization by eliminating redundant files, leveraging automated transcoding to reduce file sizes and formats, and implementing intelligent archiving for infrequently used assets. By minimizing the used storage space and eliminating unnecessary duplicates, organizations can significantly reduce storage costs. 💰💾

4. Improved Asset Monetization and Revenue Generation:

Media assets are valuable assets that can be monetized in various ways, such as licensing, distribution, or repurposing. A robust MAM system empowers organizations to efficiently catalog and manage their assets, making it easier to leverage them for additional revenue streams. With streamlined access to a well-organized library of assets, organizations can maximize the value of their media content. 💎💸

5. Data-Driven Insights:

A MAM system provides valuable analytics and reporting capabilities, offering insights into asset usage, performance, and audience engagement. These insights enable data-driven decision making, helping organizations refine their content strategies, identify trends, and allocate resources more effectively. By leveraging data, organizations can make informed decisions, optimize their content production, and stay ahead in a competitive landscape. 📊🔍

FlowWorks offers a professional MAM system, derived from the broadcasting industry. With us, you can start small without a large initial investment and grow the system as your MAM needs evolve and grow.

Contact us to talk further!

This article was originally published on LinkedIn

#MediaAssetManagement #ProfessionalMAMSystem #ROI #BusinessSuccess #Productivity #StorageOptimization #MediaAssetMonetization

October 5, 2023 Benefits of a MAM system No comments yet

Say goodbye to content chaos and hello to efficiency and consistency across all channels.

🌐 In today’s digital world, a robust content management system is a must for organizations to stay competitive. Enter the Media Asset Management (MAM) system – a game-changer that enhances content management, boosts creation and distribution capabilities, and ensures secure and compliant media assets. 💼💪

📚 With a MAM system, organizations can streamline content management processes by centralizing media assets in a single repository. No more time wasted searching through folders! The powerful search and metadata tagging functionalities make finding assets a breeze. 📂✨

🎨 But that’s not all! A MAM system takes content creation and distribution to the next level. Collaborating on projects becomes easy with integrated tools and workflows. Team members can access, edit, and review media assets simultaneously, no matter where they are. Productivity soars, and creativity flows freely! When it’s time to share your masterpiece, a MAM system offers multiple publishing options, ensuring your content reaches the right audience on various digital platforms – in optimized file sizes and formats. 🚀🌍

🔒 Security and compliance are paramount in today’s data-driven landscape. Fortunately, a MAM system has your back! Safeguarding sensitive content is a top priority, and access controls ensure that only authorized individuals can view or edit assets. Stay worry-free with protection against unauthorized access, theft, or loss. Moreover, compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements is uncomplicated with a MAM system. Track usage rights, licensing agreements, and expiration dates effortlessly. Avoid legal headaches and copyright infringements like a pro. ✔️🔐

🔄 Workflows made easy! A Media Asset Management (MAM) system empowers organizations with seamless workflows that streamline content creation, review, and approval processes. With automated workflows, you can define and customize the steps involved in content production, ensuring efficient collaboration and eliminating bottlenecks. From ideation to publication, a MAM system keeps everyone on the same page, enabling smooth handoffs and faster time-to-market. Boost productivity, save time, and bring your content to life with streamlined workflows powered by a MAM system. 🎯💼

📦 Last but not least, optimize storage space and cut costs! A Media Asset Management (MAM) system helps organizations make the most of their storage resources by optimizing file sizes and formats. Large media files can be automatically compressed or transcoded into more efficient formats without compromising quality. By reducing the size of media assets, organizations can significantly save on expensive cloud storage costs. With a MAM system, you can store more content in less space, maximize storage efficiency, and allocate resources wisely. Say goodbye to bloated storage and hello to cost-effective content management. 💰💾

FlowWorks is your strategic partner in building a future-proof MAM infrastructure. Contact us to hear how what we can do for you.

This article was originally published on LinkedIn

#DigitalTransformation #ContentManagement #MediaAssetManagement #MAMSystem #Efficiency #Productivity #Security #Compliance #Success #Digitalstrategy #Mediastrategy #Digitalefficiency

October 5, 2023 Benefits of a MAM system, Media Asset Management No comments yet

MAM goes NAS – what this means for photograpghers and videographers

In the world of videography and photography, managing media assets (ie. digital photos and videos incl. audio) can be a daunting task. With large amounts of data being generated and stored across multiple devices and platforms, it can be challenging to keep track of everything. Fortunately, media asset management (MAM) systems have emerged as a solution to this problem. In this article, we’ll discuss what a MAM system operating on a network-attached storage (NAS) device can offer to videographers and photographers.

First, let’s define what a MAM system is. A media asset management system is a software solution designed to help organizations manage and store digital media assets. These assets can include images, audio files, video clips, and more. A MAM system typically includes features such as asset ingestion, metadata tagging, search and retrieval, and asset distribution.

Now, let’s focus on the benefits of a MAM system operating on a NAS device.

  1. Centralized storage – A MAM system operating on a NAS device provides a centralized storage solution for all media assets. This means that all data is stored in one place, making it easy to locate and access. With a NAS device, data can be accessed from any device on the same network, which is particularly useful for teams who need to collaborate on projects. Having a central location for all media assets also means that backups can be easily performed, which is critical for safeguarding valuable data.
  2. Quick access to data – One of the major advantages of a MAM system is the ability to quickly search and retrieve media assets. When a MAM system is operating on a NAS device, this process is even faster since the data is stored locally. This means that videographers and photographers can quickly access the media assets they need, regardless of where they are working from. This can be particularly useful for teams who need to work remotely or need to quickly access media assets on the go.
  3. Efficient collaboration – Collaboration is key in the world of videography and photography. A MAM system operating on a NAS device can facilitate collaboration by allowing multiple users to access the same media assets at the same time. With a MAM software on a NAS device, teams can work on the same project simultaneously, without having to worry about version control or data conflicts. This can greatly increase productivity and efficiency, allowing teams to complete projects faster.
  4. Enhanced security – Media assets are valuable, and protecting them is critical. A MAM system operating on a NAS device can offer enhanced security features such as user authentication and access controls. This means that only authorized users can access the data, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches. Additionally, a NAS device can provide RAID protection, which ensures that data is not lost in the event of a hard drive failure.
  5. Scalability – As the amount of media assets grows, so too does the need for storage. A MAM system operating on a NAS device is highly scalable, meaning that storage capacity can be easily increased as needed. This means that videographers and photographers can continue to store their media assets without worrying about running out of space. Scalability is also useful for teams who need to expand their storage as they take on more projects or clients.
  6. Cost-effective – Storing media assets can be expensive, especially when using cloud-based solutions. A MAM system operating on a NAS device can be a cost-effective alternative. Not only are the upfront costs lower, but the ongoing costs of storing data are also reduced. With a NAS device, data is stored locally, meaning that there are no ongoing costs associated with cloud-based storage solutions.
  7. Customization – Every videographer and photographer has unique needs when it comes to managing their media assets. A MAM system operating on a NAS device can be customized to meet those needs. This can include adding custom metadata fields, creating custom workflows, and integrating with other software tools. Customization can greatly improve efficiency and productivity by streamlining the media asset management process.
  8. Streamlined workflows – A MAM system operating on a NAS device can greatly streamline workflows for videographers and photographers. With features such as automated metadata tagging, media ingestion, and search and retrieval, tasks that would normally take hours can be completed in minutes. This not only saves time, but it also reduces the risk of errors and omissions.
  9. Improved organization – Media assets can quickly become disorganized, making it difficult to find what you need. A MAM system operating on a NAS device can help improve organization by allowing users to easily categorize and tag media assets. This can include adding metadata such as keywords, descriptions, and project names. By keeping media assets organized, videographers and photographers can quickly find what they need, improving efficiency and productivity.
  10. Better asset distribution – Sharing media assets can be a challenge, particularly when working with large files. A MAM system operating on a NAS device can greatly simplify the process of asset distribution. With features such as secure file sharing and FTP access, media assets can be easily shared with clients, team members, and other stakeholders. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of errors and miscommunication.
  11. Increased productivity – Perhaps the most significant benefit of a MAM system operating on a NAS device is increased productivity. With features such as centralized storage, quick access to data, efficient collaboration, and streamlined workflows, videographers and photographers can complete projects faster and more efficiently. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of errors and missed deadlines. By increasing productivity, videographers and photographers can take on more work and generate more revenue.

The Flow Media Asset Management software will soon be available to be used directly on QNAP NAS devices as the first (and only) solution on the market! This will offer a wide range of amazing benefits to videographers and photographers among others. With features such as centralized storage, quick access to data, efficient collaboration, enhanced security, scalability, cost-effectiveness, customization, streamlined workflows, improved organization, better asset distribution, and increased productivity, a MAM system can greatly simplify the process of managing media assets. As the amount of digital media assets continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly important for videographers and photographers to have an effective solution in place for managing their data. Flow MAM together with QNAP NAS will provide just that – an efficient, cost-effective, and scalable solution for managing media assets.

February 16, 2023 Media Asset Management No comments yet

How do MAM systems differ from DAM systems?

In today’s digital world, organizations have a massive amount of digital content such as images, videos, audio, and documents that need to be stored, managed, and organized. With the increasing need for content management, two different systems have emerged, Digital Asset Management (DAM) and Media Asset Management (MAM). Both of these systems serve as a repository for digital content, but there are several key differences between them that make them suited for different purposes.

What is a Digital Asset Management system (DAM)?

A Digital Asset Management system is a software application designed to manage, store, and organize digital files. It provides a centralized repository for digital assets, making it easy to locate and access them. A DAM system typically provides users with a simple and intuitive interface to manage digital assets, including search capabilities, metadata management, and version control.

What is a Media Asset Management system (MAM)?

A Media Asset Management system is a software application designed to manage and organize media content, such as videos, images, audio, and documents. MAM systems offer similar functionalities as DAM systems, but they also have additional features specifically designed for media content. These features include editing, transcoding, and distribution capabilities.

Differences between DAM and MAM

  1. Purpose

The primary difference between DAM and MAM systems is their purpose. A DAM system is designed to manage digital assets, such as images, documents, and other files, while a MAM system is designed to manage media assets, such as video, audio, and images.

  1. Capabilities

Another difference between DAM and MAM systems is their capabilities. A DAM system provides basic functionalities such as storing, organizing, and retrieving digital assets, while a MAM system provides more advanced capabilities such as editing, transcoding, and distribution of media content.

  1. User groups

DAM and MAM systems are also designed for different user groups. DAM systems are typically used by organizations to manage digital assets that are used for various purposes, such as marketing, sales, and customer service. On the other hand, MAM systems are designed for media organizations, such as TV stations, production companies, and post-production houses, that need to manage and distribute large amounts of media content. However, MAM systems such as the Flow have adapted to better serve the needs of Prosumers (“Professional consumers”) or other target groups such as remote workers, photographers or Influencers. As an example of this is the new software from Flow Works that makes it possible to operate a MAM system directly on a NAS (Network Attached Storage device) from QNAP. This opens up new horizons for the market of MAM systems.

  1. Metadata management

Metadata management is another key difference between DAM and MAM systems. DAM systems typically focus on managing basic metadata, such as file name, date created, and file size, while MAM systems offer more advanced metadata management capabilities, such as support for custom metadata fields, metadata templates, and integration with third-party metadata management systems.

Benefits of a Media Asset Management system (MAM)

  1. Improved content management

MAM systems provide a centralized repository for media assets, making it easy to locate and access them. This helps organizations to improve their content management by reducing the time and effort required to find and access media content.

  1. Better collaboration

MAM systems provide a collaborative environment for media content creation and distribution. Teams can work together on media projects, share assets, and communicate with each other in real-time. This leads to improved collaboration, better communication, and faster content creation.

  1. Enhanced editing and transcoding capabilities

MAM systems provide editing and transcoding capabilities, making it easy to manage and distribute media content in different formats. This helps organizations to streamline their content creation and distribution process, saving time and reducing costs.

  1. Improved content distribution

MAM systems provide advanced distribution capabilities, making it easy to distribute media content to different platforms and devices. This helps organizations to reach a wider audience and improve their

content distribution strategies. The ability to distribute content in different formats and to different platforms means that organizations can reach a wider audience and increase their visibility.

  1. Better security and compliance

MAM systems provide a secure environment for media content management, ensuring that sensitive information is protected from unauthorized access. Additionally, MAM systems provide the ability to track and manage content usage rights, ensuring that organizations remain compliant with relevant regulations and copyright laws.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both DAM and MAM systems serve as a repository for digital content, they are designed for different purposes and provide different capabilities. MAM systems provide enhanced functionalities specifically designed for media content, such as editing, transcoding, and distribution capabilities. These advanced capabilities, along with improved content management, better collaboration, and enhanced security and compliance, make MAM systems an ideal solution for organizations that need to manage and distribute large amounts of media content.

In today’s digital world, having an effective content management system is crucial for organizations to remain competitive. By choosing a Media Asset Management system, organizations can improve their content management, enhance their content creation and distribution capabilities, and ensure that their media assets are secure and compliant.

February 7, 2023 Basics of MAM, Media Asset Management No comments yet

What can metadata do for you?

Metadata is an essential component of Media Asset Management (MAM) systems since it enables a more professional management of media assets. The term metadata refers to information about media assets, including information about their creation, usage, and distribution. This information is used to manage the lifecycle of media assets and to make them more discoverable and usable.

Using metadata in MAM systems can also help to improve the overall quality of media assets. For example, metadata can be used to ensure that media assets are properly tagged with keywords, making it easier to find related assets. Additionally, metadata can be used to automatically generate reports and statistics, providing valuable insights into the usage and performance of media assets.

Metadata exists in its most simple forms when you check the Properties or Details of any file or even a picture stored on your phone. When working with a MAM software, the more metadata a file contains, the more advanced and detailed/accurate the search of material uploaded to the system can be. In a MAM system you can see the search results as visual thumbnails or in preview formats, which for example a DAM software does not provide. One interesting feature of metadata that is not commonly known is that a user can encrypt metadata.

The amount of metadata has to however be kept to a limited amount of information since metadata naturally takes space. The amount of information related to a file varies depending on file format since each format contains different types and amount of metadata. Most online services or file transfer services use so called proxies which do not transfer any metadata and therefore elimiate the possibility for a more advanced use of the content.

What information does metadata provide?

Metadata are not only stored for descriptive reasons. With all available information you can search metadata with a broad range of parameters, such as time and date of creation and upload, versions, processing stages, picture and video styles or types, languages, technical equipments, digital rights managements, names of the production crew, production location (GPS locations), play duration, qualities, file size, codecs, name and content of clip (plus everything else that users manually stored as text in the MAM system). With this information or any combination of search details you can either manually or automatically find what you are looking for. This is one of the main functions and benefits of a MAM system.

The many benefits of using metadata in MAM systems include:

  1. Better organization: Metadata provides a way to categorize and organize media assets, making it easier to find and manage them.
  2. Improved searchability: Metadata can be used to search for media assets, making it easier to find the assets you need.
  3. Better collaboration: Metadata can be used to track the usage and distribution of media assets, making it easier to collaborate with others.
  4. Increased efficiency: Metadata can automate many processes, such as adding assets to a library, updating asset information, and generating reports.

When you are interested in a more advanced use of metadata, the Flow MAM software gives you the opportunity to manage and manipulate metadata in media files. In our software you can read, write, and edit metadata information in all media file types. Our features related to metadata can for example extract metadata information, such as image exif data, IPTC data, audio and video codec information. Users can add, modify, or delete metadata information in media files, such as changing image captions, modifying audio and video codec information, and updating document metadata. Users can also process multiple media files at once, making it easier to manage and manipulate large collections of media assets.

Metadata in photography

A camera adds a basic set of metadata by default; time and date of creation, the camera model, the firmware version of the camera, its serial number camera-/device specific metadata, photographer name (if added to the settings). In addition, there is content specific metadata that describes key technical parameters of the creation process such as ISO value (light sensitivity value). To each picture taken, there is alot of technical metadata that gives codec, file and quality aspects: resolution of pictures and videos, amount and datarates of the streams, codecs used, derivatives that were already made in the camera while shooting, DPI numbers of pictures and so on.

All such detailed metadata can become handy when you need to perform a detailed search of your content. As an example, if you are looking for pictures with a stylish bokeh effect, you could search for open aperture sizes of camera lenses, like f/1.4 or f/1.8 for example. So, even if the editor did not enter and save those details, you can search the auto-generated metadata of the files to find specific pictures and video styles, or low light/over bright shot scenes by their ISO number and the according shutter speeds, directly stored from the camera itself, to search for night or daylight scenes, whether a flash was used or blocked. This is an amazing feature to use when you have alot of content and need to quickly get access to specific material.

When content is being edited, a set of metadata can be added to the content to track the process. The editing stage of a media content during processing, post-processing, archiving and delivery can also be within the metadata, which gives clear overview of the latest versions or already shared files. Most editing softwares also automatically write metadata to processed files (ex. DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Photoshop, Avid ProTools etc.), and typically also versioning systems are generating metadata to a file, that can be used within MAM systems.

Additionally, DRM (digital rights management) can be included in the metadata which gives an overview of the rights management of content. For example, copyrights exist for using the file to be showed in cinema, radio stations etc.

Different types of metadata

  1. Technical metadata: This type of metadata includes information about the technical aspects of a media asset, such as its format, resolution, and file size.
  2. Descriptive metadata: This type of metadata includes information about the content of a media asset, such as its title, description, and keywords.
  3. Structural metadata: This type of metadata includes information about the structure of a media asset, such as its chapters, segments, and shots.
  4. Administrative metadata: This type of metadata includes information about the management of a media asset, such as its owner, date of creation, and copyright information.
  5. Temporal metadata: This type of metadata includes information about the time-based aspects of a media asset, such as its duration, frame rate, and timecode.
  6. Spatial metadata: This type of metadata includes information about the geographic location of a media asset, such as its GPS coordinates and location name.

In addition to these types of metadata, there are also industry-specific metadata standards that can be used in MAM systems. For example, the Motion Picture Industry Branch (MPAA) has developed a standard for descriptive metadata, called the MPAA Rating System, which is used to rate the content of movies.

In conclusion, metadata is an essential component of Media Asset Management systems, providing many benefits and enabling organizations to better manage and utilize their media assets. With the right metadata standards and practices in place, MAM systems can help to improve the efficiency, organization, and quality of media assets, making it easier for organizations to find and use the media assets they need.

January 30, 2023 Media Asset Management, Metadata No comments yet

Media Asset Management for beginners

Are you new to Media Asset Management and wondering what it is all about? Media Asset Management (MAM in brief) is for most people an unknown term. We want to give a brief introduction into the world of Media Asset Management and explain a few great benefits of it for someone who is new to the topic and wants to get started with the basics.

Is your hard-drive(s) full and you already tried transferring digital material to the cloud, which still did not solve the issue since the storage quickly gets expensive? Are you storing your content on several USB sticks and/or hard-drives and struggling to stay on top of where specific files are stored and spending a lot of time on searching, moving and trying to manage versions of the content? Not to mention the problems related to sharing content or cooperating with others during production. Worried about back-ups? These are often some of the first problem that occur when the need of a MAM system starts to be topical.

What is a media asset actually?

Media Assets are simply put all digital picture, video or audio files – also simply called content in many contexts. We all produce such media assets when for example taking pictures with our mobile phone, a camera or a drone. When the quantity and/or size of media assets grows, or there is a need to work with media assets in business context, there is quickly a need for a software that can help keep order of all the media assets, optimize the use of them in various contexts, such as sharing them to others, saving them on a cloud or collaborating with others during production. We will glance through a few of the most relevant added values of Media Asset Management and why it matters to everyone, both private persons and companies, who produces media assets.

#1 A MAM SOFTWARE CONNECTS AN UNLIMITED NUMBER OF STORAGES AND PROVIDES ACCESS TO THEM THROUGH ONE SINGLE INTERFACE

Digital storage is a topic of its own, with multiple solutions available. We will not dig deeper into the actual storage solutions here. It is however a topic for anyone who works with a larger number of media assets. A typical situation is that the material cumulates over time, resulting in a jungle of hard-drives and USB sticks that are all their own entities and require resources to stay on top of. A NAS device (Network Attached Storage device) can offer several benefits related to for example back-ups or easy access to the material. However, to get the most out of any storage system or combination of multiple storage units, a Media Asset Management software provides a very easy and simple way to connect all storages and to access them through one single interface – for as many users as needed. This can be said to be the most basic added value that a professional MAM software can offer to anyone. The interface we talk about here is simply a browser-based user interface. Our software can be installed on any device that runs on Linux (x86_64 Intel or AMD) Architecture. The Flow can also be installed directly on selected NAS device from the producer QNAP.

#2 A MAM SOFTWARE WILL SAVE YOU ENERGY COSTS AND ELECTRICITY

Digital activity naturally consumes electricity, digital storage space and Internet lines. It therefore matters to use efficient hardware that minimizes the use of electricity as much as it matters to optimize the digital processes so that they in turn minimize the use of both hardware and cloud storage as well as the capacity of Internet lines. A professional Media Asset Management software, such as Flow, will optimize the use of all these three parts so that the user efficiently can manage its content from a cost and energy point of view. More about this topic in our previous article Green Tech concerns every organisation

#3 EASILY FIND CONTENT WITH METADATA AND PREVIEW IT VISUALLY

Metadata and the advanced search functionality related to it is one of the key features of a professional MAM software. This is also one main thing that sets a MAM software apart from for example a Digital Asset Management (DAM) software. With a MAM software you can “find your stuff” and visually preview it in the search field.

Metadata is basically various types of information about content that can be the name of a file, the length of a video clip, GPS locations used in production, language and the date when it was produced. In our coming articles we will dig deeper into the topic of metadata since it is such an interesting topic of its own. More advanced metadata becomes relevant when working with larger volumes of content or in a business context. The Flow software allows detailed metadata for each content that not only is useful related to search, but that can also be used to link together related material or to find materials from the Archive (storage place for material that is no longer actively used). In addition, metadata is important during the production phase when there are multiple versions to manage.

#4 OPTIMIZING FILE SIZE AUTOMATICALLY TO SAVE STORAGE SPACE AND ENABLE SMOOTH SHARING

Without getting into the highly technical world of Media Asset Management we want to introduce the automated transcoding function that the Flow software contains. This function is something the user does not have to interact with, it operates in the background without requiring any user activity, but it is another of its key functions that distinguishes a Media Asset Management system from several alternative solutions such as Digital Asset Management systems or online video services (focusing on sharing/distributing content) or file transfer tools. The transcoder will automatically optimize the format and size of any content stored in the system. The benefit of this is that you can send optimized file sizes without blocking Internet lines, share videos without them getting stuck while viewing and use a minimal storage space.

#5 WHAT SERVICES WILL A MAM SOFTWARE REPLACE?

While so many users are unfamiliar with Media Asset Management and how it could make their life easier, they instead turn to different online services that do small parts of what a complete MAM system does, and that mostly also with poorer performance than a MAM system. This quickly gets expensive compared to working with a MAM system that eliminates the need for many smaller services. Such services are:

  • online video services focusing on only streaming or distributing video content
  • collaboration tools that only store a derivative (proxy) of the file, which makes the file unusable for future post productions. This type of a service also does not enable deep archiving, making it impossible to access the original files when needed.
  • file transfer tools do not offer any media management services with basic features such as previewing, transcoding or with metadata mostly not being available. Files are therefore transferred with unoptimized format and size, without important file information that is needed for basic MAM functions.

#6 A MAM SOFTWARE OFFERS UNLIMITED SCALING POSSIBILITIES AND FUNCTIONS AS A CONNECTING POINT TO OTHER SOFTWARES

When you get started with Media Asset Management and want to dive deeper into all its possibilities, the next level includes automated functionalities that are set up through workflows as well as integration of numerous other systems and platforms (such as Edits, QC, existing Transcoders) or specialized online services (such as file exchange or CDNs). The modular DNA of the Flow software allows the user to scale the system without limitations and to do this step-by-step as new additions are needed. Contact us to hear more!

January 13, 2023 Media Asset Management No comments yet