In general, cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) advantages include helping distributing video content to companion sites, integrating with the major advertising servers and identifying other ways to acquire viewers through interactivity (click to advance) as you convert visitors into customers.
San Francisco-based cloud-based media management company Fordela Corp. says in a recent whitepaper that other best practices for full-service SaaS video and management platforms should include the following:
- Content “ingestion” of any digital file including HD and 3D formats
- Automated proxy-file generation (allow source file viewing in multiple formats)
- Automated frame packing (3D content)
- File transcoding to any file format
- Watermarking support (offers security from unauthorized distribution)
- Metadata fields for search and filtering
- Group-based access control
- Extensive roles and permission-based management
- DRM/Encrypted content distribution
- Custom player support
- Global distribution to any connected device (streaming, progressive download or direct download, subscription and Video On Demand)
- Detailed analytics and reporting to determine viewing behavior and decision making
- Scalable implementations that are customizable and scalable to handle high volume content
The group also cautions not to forget goals like seamless integration and control with interoperability and security. To get there, some recommend a custom build approach that guarantees interoperability and full integration into existing systems. But there are downsides to this approach, including time to launch and issues with open versus proprietary technologies.
The Importance of Interoperability
Fordela recommends an open, object-based programming architecture to, “…ensure compatibility with the client’s existing system.” This also helps organizations avoid sunk-cost syndrome (meaning a company is not leveraging or using existing assets, particularly those not fully capitalized). Reducing customization time through an out-of-box solution helps avoid time sinks and endless iteration testing. Time-savings can also be found in using industry standard technologies with an open interface, rather than proprietary systems needing customization. This also helps when adjusting to changing business needs downstream. Other features to look for include support for any Internet connected device, and most importantly, transparency to end-users.
Some top interoperable features to look for in a system include the ability to enable your video to go “viral.” The requirement here is to ensure video can be embedded on any site and maintain full tracking and reporting functionality plus support for easy video sharing. Next, real-time content collaboration and feedback with support for live video annotations and markup. Finally, support for content management system (CMS) integration is critical. This includes exporting and viewing both data and analytics to mainstream CMS systems like Microsoft SharePoint, SalesForce, Oracle database and others.
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