Modern problems require modern solutions. This is not merely a statement from some highly acclaimed drama series, but a reality for all modern businesses. The fact that almost every business now has an online component also points to the additional duty of creating a fail-safe in case of any disaster. And the cloud comes to mind instantly. In terms of the broadcasting industry too, the providers and producers are increasingly moving to cloud-managed broadcast services rather than physical infrastructure, and these advantages will prove the need for this shift: –
It is Highly Scalable and Flexible
Compared with physical servers in some remote locations, the cloud-based broadcasting and storage services work, as the name suggests, in the omnipresent cloud. It gives the gift of access to the concerned parties anytime, anywhere. Moreover, no matter whether the broadcaster wishes to store assets for multiple channels or a single channel, and the viewership is in thousands or millions, the cloud-based services will take care of it seamlessly. The cloud capabilities are highly flexible and will expand or contract as per the need of the business. This is especially useful in case the broadcaster needs extra bandwidth during special events or the viewership numbers ebb and flow in different seasons of the shows. The broadcaster does not need to worry about hiring or installing extra physical servers with each passing day.
Its Reliability Is Second to None
Most importantly, the reliability of any cloud service is top-notch, bar none. It is secure and keeps the channels and important data safe from a variety of disasters, online or offline. In fact, there might be cases where the troubleshooting team does not have access to a physical server, but it is super-easy and quick to access the cloud-based broadcast playout system and deal with its minor quirks.
It Has a Cost-Effective Component
One may not realize it, but the costs add up when one thinks of the array of physical infrastructure, alongside the pool of talented staff to run it properly. Moreover, as the channel expands or its needs elevate, one will need to invest even more in keeping the data and all the content secure. The cloud-based broadcast ecosystem drastically reduces the investment in the first place and keeps it down even when the needs of the channel expand. The flexibility aspect makes it even more value-conscious as the broadcaster reaps the benefits of ‘pay as you use’ model.
It Works Seamlessly in Real-Time
There are not many systems that will boast of real-time uploading of all crucial data so that even in case of any emergency or disaster, it is all downloadable with minimal downtime. The cloud shines in this department and provides the backup with no or minimal data loss, way quicker than any physical infrastructure. Since cloud also works with no customer interference, one needs to just set it up and forget it, freeing up important time to focus on other productive aspects of being a broadcaster.
Conclusion
The cloud-managed broadcast services bring a plethora of advantages to the doorstep of broadcasters, when compared to the usage of traditional physical infrastructure.
