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Running media processing workflows in the cloud is a new disruptive trend. The explosion in the number of available distribution paths, each of which has its own technical requirements means that ever more processing is needed to supply all of these outlets with material customized to those requirements. The growing phenomenon of "pop-up" channels, especially in the streaming space, where channels are created for a specific event and then torn down after the event requires more scale and flexibility. In this environment, it is challenging to be agile using on-prem processing without incurring unnecessary risk and capital costs from building out to meet peak demand. Hence, using cloud-based media workflows offers the ability to strike a proper balance amongst agility, risk, and cost.
Business and finance managers often strive to achieve high levels of efficiency and productivity from their people and resources, and cloud-based services that align cost to revenue help them do just that. They're asking questions like, "how committed are we to our on-prem equipment?"; "Is this an extension of our existing workflows, or are these new?" and "How long will this new channel or service be operational?" Likewise, product managers and developers who create channels and services are asking the same questions about longevity, and they are concerned about controlling risk for a new launch as much as possible. They also need to build quickly, validate the solution, and be able to scale up or down as needed. Lastly, operations managers require simplicity and efficiency to be able to control costs.
COST CONSIDERATIONS
CapEx and OpEx are two different consumption models. Many financial managers prefer to pay operations expenses over a period of time instead of making large capital...