![\"Mastering](\"https:\/\/intellias.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Mastering-Telecom-Infrastructure-preview.png\")
<\/div>\n\t\t\tFrom tapes to terabytes: Transforming the traditional media supply chain<\/h2>\n
What is the media supply chain? It encompasses the people, organizations, audio and video assets, data, infrastructure, and processes involved in preparing content for distribution to media consumers. Optimizing the media and entertainment supply chain enables organizations to be more agile and efficient, fostering greater intelligence in business decisions and ultimately driving growth and profitability for media organizations.<\/p>\n
![\"media](\"https:\/\/d17ocfn2f5o4rl.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/infographic-01-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Source<\/a>: An illustration of the media value chain and digital content supply chain<\/p>\n Media and Telecommunications Consulting<\/p>\n In the traditional media supply chain management, content creation involved physical media like tapes and film reels tethered to fixed processes and infrastructure reminiscent of conventional manufacturing supply chains. The industry then transitioned to a file-based workflow, introducing bespoke software and intricate systems.<\/p>\n Subsequently, the advent of the satcom (satellite communications) supply chain introduced a more dynamic approach with a focus on content broadcasting, digital rights management (DRM), and regional programming. However, the most transformative phase of media and entertainment unfolded with the emergence of the digital supply chain.<\/p>\n The digital media supply chain involved:<\/p>\n The digital content supply chain revolutionized content preparation and fostered adaptability and scalability, ushering in a new era of flexibility and responsiveness in the media industry.<\/p>\n Source: Today\u2019s digital content supply chain encompasses major media segments, such as media supply chain components, a decoupled cloud service bus, and cloud services, International Broadcasting Convention, 2023<\/p>\n Evolution led to the digital supply chain abandoning limitations of conglomerative on-premises systems. Embracing cloud technology<\/a>, media organizations shifted towards more flexible, scalable, and responsive infrastructure. A modern media supply chain management platform can adapt to the dynamic demands of today\u2019s digital media marketplace, marking a pivotal shift in the evolution of the content supply chain.<\/p>\n Source<\/a>: Embracing cloud technology, media organizations have shifted towards more flexible, scalable, and responsive infrastructure, departing from the constraints of traditional processes, NAB Show, 2022<\/em><\/p>\n Media and Entertainment Software Development Services<\/p>\n Media supply chain management solutions include several narrow ones applicable to specific M&E challenges, such as content archiving and storage management. Media archive management involves systematically organizing, storing, and retrieving diverse media assets. It includes metadata tagging, storage, and efficient asset retrieval. The goal is secure content storage, easy accessibility, and efficient content repurposing and monetization.<\/p>\n Content storage management solutions have their own set of challenges, such as:<\/p>\n The sheer volume and diversity of media assets create difficulties in archive management. The exponential growth of digital content results in organizations amassing extensive collections of files in various formats and resolutions and with various metadata structures. This diversity complicates the organization, standardization, and efficient retrieval of assets.<\/p>\n Content, particularly high-resolution videos and images, demands considerable storage space. Overseeing storage infrastructure and implementing scalable solutions to accommodate expanding archives can be challenging and costly. Furthermore, organizations must address backup and disaster recovery<\/a> strategies to safeguard media assets from potential loss or damage.<\/p>\n Metadata plays a pivotal role in content archive management by providing crucial information about each asset, such as title, description, keywords, date, creator, and usage rights. Consistently and accurately tagging media files with metadata is time-consuming yet essential for effective searchability and retrieval. Ensuring that metadata adheres to established standards is vital for efficient management.<\/p>\n Media archives involve multiple stakeholders, including content creators, editors, marketers, clients, and external partners. Managing access permissions and controlling user roles to ensure appropriate access to specific assets can be challenging. Organizations need robust access control mechanisms to protect sensitive content while facilitating collaboration and streamlined sharing.<\/p>\n Content archives often contain valuable historical or cultural assets requiring long-term preservation. Risks such as technological obsolescence, file format changes, and physical degradation of storage media (such as CDs and tapes) over time can compromise the integrity and accessibility of content. Implementing preservation strategies, including format migration, regular backups, and metadata preservation, is crucial for ensuring the longevity and usability of content archives.<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve identified archive management challenges and implemented corresponding strategies, the subsequent objective is to optimize management of content archives to enhance content value and reduce the total cost of ownership. While the journey may not be entirely linear, adhering to these best practices ensures a robust foundation for effective media archive hygiene:<\/p>\n Define a well-organized structure for your content archive, incorporating taxonomies, metadata standards, and naming conventions. Align this structure with organizational workflows to facilitate efficient asset search and retrieval.<\/p>\n Consistently tag media assets with relevant metadata using standardized schemas and keywords to enhance searchability. You can leverage automation for extracting and consolidating metadata from various sources into a centralized repository. Also, consider employing automated metadata extraction tools and AI-based tagging solutions for metadata tagging<\/p>\n Implement a powerful search and retrieval system, enabling users to locate assets based on criteria such as keywords, file types, dates, and usage rights. Advanced features like facial recognition or object detection enable efficient asset discovery.<\/p>\n Opt for scalable and cost-effective cloud storage solutions for media assets. Establish regular backup procedures to mitigate data loss or corruption and explore redundant storage options and disaster recovery mechanisms to ensure continuous business operations.<\/p>\n Explore automation and AI technologies<\/a> to streamline media archive management. Automation tools can assist in metadata extraction, file organization, and bulk tagging, reducing manual effort. AI-powered solutions<\/a> contribute to content analysis, automatic categorization, and intelligent search capabilities.<\/p>\n Incorporate collaboration features for seamless sharing and teamwork on media assets. Include functionality such as commenting, annotations, version tracking, and approval workflows. Collaborative platforms enhance team efficiency, facilitate feedback, and maintain a centralized repository for asset-related discussions.<\/p>\n Track and analyze usage metrics to gain insights into how media assets are used within the organization. This understanding aids in optimizing archive management strategies, provides insights into user preferences, and reveals content trends.<\/p>\n Implement a granular access control system to manage user permissions and restrict access to sensitive content. Define user roles and permissions based on job functions, and regularly review and update access permissions to align with organizational changes.<\/p>\n Use version control mechanisms to track changes to media assets, and integrate collaboration tools that facilitate efficient teamwork, feedback, and approval. Additionally, consider incorporating project management systems to streamline workflows.<\/p>\n Develop a preservation strategy to ensure the long-term integrity and accessibility of media archives. To prevent technological obsolescence, regularly assess file formats and consider migrating files to new formats to ensure future usability and compatibility with evolving hardware. You should also evaluate storage options \u2014 whether on-premises, in the cloud, or in a hybrid environment.<\/p>\n Digital rights management (DRM) involves safeguarding digital content and limiting access to unauthorized users to mitigate plagiarism and piracy. Often, businesses or individuals aim to monetize their digital files and content. However, if unauthorized users gain access, they can exploit it for monetary gain.<\/p>\n Digital rights management in the media and entertainment in over-the-top (OTT) aids content owners in enforcing content access regulations by preventing customers from duplicating and converting content to other media formats. The content owner establishes these access policies, which specify how the content may be accessed and used.<\/p>\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n Source: Global Digital Rights Management in Media and Entertainment Market Report 2023: Rising Demand for OTT Content Drives Growth, Research and Markets, 2023 <\/em><\/p>\n The global digital rights management market is projected to almost double by 2027 compared to 2023 \u2014 climbing from $2.93 billion to $5.64 billion according to Research and Markets<\/a>.<\/p>\n Source<\/a>: The global digital rights management market is expect to almost double between January 1 2027 and December 31 2027 (within that calendar year), compared to 2023, Research and Markets, 2023<\/em><\/p>\n DRM plays a crucial role in encrypting and securing streaming video content. Encryption and decryption keys are managed and delivered through specialized techniques, empowering content owners to establish specific business rules. DRM ensures that only authorized viewers can consume content, preserving its value and intended distribution.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n DRM software employs encryption algorithms to scramble digital content, rendering it unreadable without the appropriate decryption key.<\/p>\n The decryption key is typically stored on a server controlled by the content owner or distributor. Users who purchase or license content are granted access to the key, enabling them to decrypt and access the content.<\/p>\n The DRM system utilizes licenses to regulate users\u2019 access to and use of content. A license delineates terms of use, such as the number of devices the content can be played on, the duration of access, and whether copying or sharing is permitted.<\/p>\n DRM software enforces license terms. It manages access to the necessary decryption key and restricts the number of devices accessing the content. Additionally, DRM may incorporate anti-piracy measures like watermarking or digital fingerprinting to identify and track illegal copies.<\/p>\n DRM systems may integrate interoperability standards to ensure seamless access to content across various devices and platforms.<\/p>\n DRM offers various benefits beyond safeguarding copyrighted content from unauthorized access:<\/p>\n If your goal is generating revenue from content, substantial investment in production, particularly for videos and livestreams, is inevitable. DRM prevents revenue loss by deterring unauthorized access and ensures you maximize your ROI<\/a>, safeguarding your content from being exploited by others for financial gain.<\/p>\n There are instances where deliberate control over content access is necessary, such as limiting viewership to a select audience or restricting the number of devices and playbacks per user. DRM facilitates this control by enforcing rules restricting access.<\/p>\n Content provision or distribution businesses often engage in third-party partnerships to achieve better reach, reduce costs, or improve access to streaming technology. DRM eliminates data security concerns by independently safeguarding content, allowing you to focus on cultivating trustworthy relationships with partners without worrying about unauthorized access.<\/p>\n While encryption technologies like AES effectively protect content from unauthorized access, they may fall short of more primitive techniques like screenshots and manual video recording. DRM tools add an extra layer of security by thwarting such methods, complementing traditional encryption measures.<\/p>\n The deployment of DRM software can vary based on your business requirements and specific use cases. Here are use cases for DRM implementation:<\/p>\n DRM prevents unauthorized use of creative content such as films, music, and apps protected under copyright laws. Businesses can also employ DRM to safeguard assets like logos and advertising campaign materials, preserving their brand image.<\/p>\n Enterprises leverage DRM to safeguard sensitive data, product documents, and business that are confidential until their public release. Preventing software piracy<\/p>\n Technology firms utilize DRM to protect licensed software from piracy, ensuring that only paying users have access.<\/p>\n DRM systems can seamlessly integrate with other software types, including digital asset management (DAM) platforms for secure asset access and content management systems (CMSs) tailored to specific workflows.<\/p>\n To frame further discussion, let\u2019s consider what happens after content production and post-production, marketing and analytics, digital asset management, and archiving \u2014 content distribution. The content distribution phase (or media distribution) is a crucial component of the overall media supply chain, which encompasses media content creation, management, and delivery.<\/p>\n Content distribution ensures that produced media efficiently reaches its intended audience, meeting consumer demands and expectations. Primary distribution channels are direct-to-consumer (DTC) logistics, B2B or over-the-top (OTT) subchannels, and broadcasting (via a regularly scheduled television channel).<\/p>\n Source: The bigger picture – the role of content distribution in the media ecosystem.<\/em><\/p>\n Modern media distribution solutions encompass a variety of technologies and platforms that facilitate the efficient and widespread delivery of digital content to audiences. Prominent modern media distribution solutions include:<\/p>\n OTT platforms<\/a> deliver audio, video, and other media content directly to consumers over the internet. Examples include Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.<\/p>\n CDNs enhance the performance and reliability of content delivery by distributing content across multiple servers strategically located around the world. A CDN reduces latency and ensures faster access to media content. Popular CDN providers include Akamai, Cloudflare, and Amazon CloudFront.<\/p>\n These platforms enable real-time streaming of live events, including sports, concerts, and news. Examples include YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and Twitch.<\/p>\n These platforms distribute audio content and include music streaming services, as well as podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.<\/p>\n Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, serve as channels for sharing and distributing various types of media content, including videos, images, and live streams.<\/p>\n Many media companies and content creators develop mobile applications to deliver content directly to users\u2019 smartphones and tablets. These apps often provide on-the-go access to a wide range of media content.<\/p>\n Distribution through smart TVs and connected devices allows users to access media content directly on their television screens. Apps like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube are commonly available on smart TVs and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV.<\/p>\n Emerging technologies like the blockchain<\/a> are being explored for secure and decentralized media distribution, offering transparency and improved digital rights management.<\/p>\n AR and VR technologies are increasingly used for immersive media experiences, creating new distribution channels for virtual events, interactive storytelling, and 360-degree videos.<\/p>\n Some platforms adopt hybrid models, combining traditional broadcast methods with online streaming to reach a broader audience, which is particularly common in live sports broadcasting.<\/p>\n Platforms that empower users to create and share their content, such as YouTube, Vimeo, and TikTok, contribute to a diverse and dynamic media landscape.<\/p>\n Low-code platforms have emerged as transformative tools within the media supply chain, offering efficiency and agility in content creation, management, and distribution. Low-code solutions provide a visual interface and pre-built components that enable users with varying levels of technical expertise to rapidly develop applications and workflows. Low-code platforms streamline processes in the media supply chain context by allowing content creators, distributors, and administrators to design and deploy applications with minimal hand-coding.<\/p>\n Using low-code platforms accelerates the development cycle, fostering collaboration and responsiveness to evolving industry demands. From automating metadata management to optimizing content delivery workflows, low-code platforms empower media professionals to adapt swiftly to changing content requirements, enhancing overall operational flexibility and reducing time to market. The flexibility and ease of use inherent in low-code platforms make them an asset in the dynamic and fast-paced media supply chain management landscape.<\/p>\n As the media and entertainment landscape continues to evolve, integrating these insights and practices into supply chain strategies will be instrumental in navigating the complexities of the digital era. An emphasis on adaptability, collaboration, and innovation is key for success in the ever-changing media supply chain management world.<\/p>\n Partnering with Intellias<\/a> opens the door to innovative solutions for your media and entertainment endeavors. Our custom OTT media and entertainment software development services<\/a> are tailored to enhance audience engagement, providing data-driven experiences that captivate and retain viewers. Step into the era of intelligent digital AdTech services<\/a> with our comprehensive end-to-end programmatic ad solutions, ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of your advertising campaigns.<\/p>\n From OTT platforms and applications to cutting-edge data analytics, live-streaming solutions, and AI\/ML media solutions, we offer a spectrum of services that cater to the dynamic needs of the media and entertainment industry. The advantages of our approach, including faster time to market, cost-effective offshore locations, transparent and efficient delivery, and innovation and adaptability, set us apart.<\/p>\n The journey through the dynamic media supply chain management landscape has been enlightening and transformative. From the evolution of traditional supply chains, marked by physical media and file-based workflows, to the revolutionary era of the digital supply chain, the media and entertainment industry has witnessed a significant shift towards flexibility, scalability, and responsiveness.<\/p>\n Intellias offers transformative media supply chain solutions prioritizing adaptability, collaboration, and innovation so you can navigate the complexities of the digital era with confidence. Contact us now to embark on a journey of success in the evolving world of media supply chain management.<\/p>\nTraditional supply chain<\/h3>\n
Satcom supply chain<\/h3>\n
Digital supply chain<\/h3>\n
\n
![\"media](\"https:\/\/d17ocfn2f5o4rl.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/infographic-02-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"supply](\"https:\/\/d17ocfn2f5o4rl.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/infographic-03-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nEfficient media archive management in the digital age<\/h2>\n
![\"digital](\"https:\/\/d17ocfn2f5o4rl.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Graphics_01.jpg\")
<\/p>\nChallenges of media archive management<\/h3>\n
Volume and variety<\/h4>\n
Storage and infrastructure<\/h4>\n
Metadata and tagging<\/h4>\n
Access and permissions<\/h4>\n
Preservation and longevity concerns<\/h4>\n
Media archive management best practices<\/h3>\n
![\"](\"https:\/\/d17ocfn2f5o4rl.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Graphics_04.jpg\")
<\/p>\nEstablish a transparent data model<\/h4>\n
Implement robust metadata tagging<\/h4>\n
Utilize advanced search and retrieval capabilities<\/h4>\n
Embrace cloud storage and backup solutions<\/h4>\n
Implement automation and AI solutions<\/h4>\n
Enable collaboration and sharing<\/h4>\n
Monitor and analyze usage metrics<\/h4>\n
Establish access controls and permissions<\/h4>\n
Implement version control and collaboration tools<\/h4>\n
Plan for preservation and futureproofing<\/h4>\n
Digital rights management (DRM): Mechanism, benefits, and implementation examples<\/h2>\n
![\"global](\"https:\/\/d17ocfn2f5o4rl.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/infographic-04-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nHow does DRM work?<\/h3>\n
![\"digital](\"https:\/\/d17ocfn2f5o4rl.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/infographic-05-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nEncryption<\/h4>\n
Key management<\/h4>\n
License management<\/h4>\n
Enforcement<\/h4>\n
Interoperability<\/h4>\n
Benefits of digital rights management (DRM)<\/h3>\n
Maximizing return on investment (ROI)<\/h4>\n
Prevention of unintended use<\/h4>\n
Enhanced trust in partnerships<\/h4>\n
Additional layer of security<\/h4>\n
Digital rights management (DRM) implementation examples<\/h3>\n
![\"media](\"https:\/\/d17ocfn2f5o4rl.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Graphics_03.jpg\")
<\/p>\nProtecting creative works<\/h4>\n
Securing enterprise data<\/h4>\n
Integration with other software<\/h4>\n
Content distribution solutions: Efficient reach and scalability<\/h2>\n
![\"what](\"https:\/\/d17ocfn2f5o4rl.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/infographic-06-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n11 primary modern content distribution solutions:<\/h3>\n
Over-the-top (OTT) platforms<\/h4>\n
Content delivery networks (CDNs)<\/h4>\n
Live streaming services<\/h4>\n
Digital radio and podcast platforms<\/h4>\n
Social media distribution<\/h4>\n
Mobile apps<\/h4>\n
Smart TVs and set-top devices<\/h4>\n
Blockchain-based distribution<\/h4>\n
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR)<\/h4>\n
Hybrid content distribution models<\/h4>\n
User-generated content (UGC) platforms<\/h4>\n
Holistic supply chain solutions: Leveraging low-code platforms<\/h2>\n
10 benefits of low-code platforms in the media supply chain<\/h3>\n
\n
Shaping the future of media with Intellias<\/h2>\n
![\"media](\"https:\/\/d17ocfn2f5o4rl.cloudfront.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Graphics_02.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCrafting tomorrow\u2019s media landscape<\/h2>\n
\n