The benefits of cloud working for broadcasters are well documented, and many broadcasters now operate at least some workflows using cloud-based technology leveraging an “as-a-service” model. Rather than owning infrastructure, technology, hardware and software, under the as-a-service model, broadcasters instead access what they need through a browser or portal by renting or subscribing to it. This gives broadcasters immediate access to the infrastructure and services they require on an on-demand basis, all without having to invest in and maintain physical hardware.
The main cloud service models are SaaS (Software-as-a-Service), PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service), and IaaS (Infrastructure-as-a-Service), each of which offers varying benefits and is best suited to different scenarios. Deciding which service model or combination of service models is the best fit for your organisation will largely come down to business requirements and the nature of the workflow running in the cloud.
If you’re considering moving broadcast workflows to the cloud, it’s well worth taking the time to understand the differences between the main cloud service models so that you can ensure you chose the right option to meet your needs.
SaaS is probably the most widely used cloud service model. SaaS solutions are typically ready to use software applications that can be accessed over the internet with minimal effort. They replace the need for on-prem hardware and do not require software to be installed and managed on local devices. As fully managed services, the ongoing maintenance and security of the software is managed by the SaaS provider. SaaS solutions operate under a subscription and/or usage pricing model, which makes them highly cost effective.
Examples of where broadcasters may use SaaS solutions include for remote contribution, editing, media-asset-management, and of course playout.
SaaS solutions remove the complexities that come with having to manage the underlying infrastructure that supports a service. They also add flexibility because there’s no lengthy contract, and services can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Additionally, they’re highly scalable because resources can be easily scaled up and down to meet business needs. SaaS solutions are typically turnkey solutions enabling broadcasters to deploy and start using immediately without internal development and configuration.
While SaaS is great for those businesses that want a cost effective, accessible and maintenance free solution, it offers businesses less control and flexibility than PaaS and IaaS do.
PaaS provides everything a business’s software development team needs to develop and deploy their own applications in the cloud. It includes all underlying infrastructure such as compute power, storage and networking, as well as all of the tools needed to develop applications. Similar to SaaS, the underlying server infrastructure, maintenance, updates, security, etc are all managed by the PaaS provider.
A broadcaster may use PaaS to build a customized application such as an analytics tool to track engagement and performance.
This model is suited to broadcasters and businesses with in-house technical expertise who want to build and deploy applications without having to deal with the complexities and associated cost that comes from managing underlying infrastructure.
With IaaS, users can access cloud-based storage, computing and networking infrastructure on an on-demand basis from providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud. Cloud-based infrastructure replaces the need for physical on-prem servers, and allows computing and networking resources to be easily scaled up and down as required. As such, it is particularly beneficial to broadcasters whose demand for resources fluctuates.
Some examples of when broadcasters may opt to use IaaS include media storage, virtual workstations during the post-production editing process, and networking.
Out of the cloud computing service models discussed here, IaaS gives broadcasters the most control and flexibility because infrastructure can be configured exactly as needed. Broadcasters also benefit from high levels of scalability, as well as cost savings because only the resources actually needed are paid for.
Determining which cloud service model or combination of models is right for your operation will depend on a number of factors including your business needs, technical expertise and budget. Regardless of which model or models you use, when done well, shifting operations to the cloud reduces capex and delivers much needed elasticity, scalability and flexibility. Fortunately, there are many experts specialising in cloud computing who are happy to advise and support broadcasters to move workflows to the cloud.
At Veset, we specialise in the playout stage of the broadcast workflow, and have been operating in the cloud since we began in 2011. Veset’s all-in-one cloud playout platform, Veset Nimbus, is a SaaS solution that takes full advantage of the cloud, allowing broadcasters to create, schedule, distribute and monetise multiple linear channels flexibly with any live or file-based content, for distribution to OTT, satellite, cable, or terrestrial TV.
Veset Nimbus allows the same playout quality and control as on-premise systems but adds the elasticity, scalability, and flexibility that only the cloud can offer. It’s ideal for broadcasters, content owners, and service providers who want to innovate fast and minimise time-to-market.
To talk cloud computing with Veset, or to find out more about its SaaS playout solution, Veset Nimbus, get in touch.
