The broadcast industry has long relied on carefully built infrastructure, tight workflows, and tried and tested hardware to deliver content to viewers. For decades, this model worked well, but as viewer preferences have evolved and streaming services grown in popularity, broadcasters have been forced to rethink how they operate. To meet the needs of viewers today, broadcasters need efficient, flexible and scalable infrastructure able to deliver high-value and high-quality content to multiple platforms, cost effectively.
Consequently, broadcasters need playout systems to do more than simply keep a linear channel on air 24/7. They need systems that can manage multiple live channels with ease and efficiency, distributing content to cable, satellite, terrestrial digital and OTT, and quickly and easily scaling up or down based on demand. It’s hardly surprising then that most broadcasters are exploring cloud-based tools, and for broadcasters navigating this transformation, choosing the right cloud strategy is crucial for unlocking its full potential.
Virtualised, Cloud Ready or Cloud Native?
Although cloud computing has been around for a number of years, there’s still a level of confusion surrounding what constitutes cloud working, with terms like virtualisation, cloud ready, cloud native and true cloud all helping to muddy the waters.
Let’s unpick these terms, starting first with virtualisation. This is a process that enables a physical computer to share its hardware resources with multiple simulated computers that can be in any location. While virtualisation does deliver certain benefits such as improved accessibility because users can remotely access resources, along with cost savings and efficiency because the process makes better use of hardware, it does not deliver the same benefits as cloud technology. With a virtualised environment, broadcasters still need to manage and maintain the underlying physical infrastructure supporting the virtualised environment. Additionally virtualised solutions do not provide the same levels of flexibility, efficiency and scalability that cloud solutions deliver.
Next, we have the term ‘cloud ready’, which is generally used when existing software applications or hardware is adapted to run in the cloud. These types of cloud ready solutions may still carry some of the limitations of their hardware or software origins, so again do not deliver the same benefits as true cloud solutions. It’s therefore worth exercising caution when considering vendor technology marketed as cloud solutions, because it may be an existing solution adapted for use in the cloud rather than a true cloud solution.
Lastly, we have cloud native, or true cloud as it is also known. Unlike virtualised or cloud ready, cloud native is the term used for technology that is built from its foundations up to run in cloud environments. Cloud native solutions can take full advantage of the cloud’s elasticity, scalability and flexibility, as well as its distributed architectures for resiliency, in a way that cloud ready cannot. True cloud native systems are built for flexibility, efficiency and scalability.
When using cloud-based infrastructure, broadcasters no longer need to manage and maintain physical infrastructure, so benefit from reduced capex. Resources can be easily scaled and instances spun up/down as needed, which makes for flexible and agile working. And additionally, cloud services also operate on a pay-as-you-go basis, so users only pay for what is needed, making the model highly cost effective.
Spotlight on Cloud (Native) Playout
Much like cloud-based working in general, cloud playout delivers the same advantages, namely scalability, flexibility, and efficiency, while also simplifying workflows and reducing costs in ways that traditional on-premise setups can't match.
Instead of buying and maintaining expensive playout hardware, broadcasters can now run their operations in the cloud, avoiding the upfront capital expenditure and other costs associated with physical infrastructure. With cloud playout, ongoing maintenance, upgrades and technical support are typically built into the service, eliminating hidden costs. It’s also easy to scale up and launch new channels when demand grows and scale down and close them off when needed. This makes cloud playout perfect for testing new channels without the time and cost of investing in additional physical infrastructure.
The cloud’s pay-as-you-go model adds another layer of cost efficiency. Users are only charged for what they use, rather than paying for playout equipment to sit idle. Automation is another win with cloud playout, because by automating tasks such as scheduling and QC, resource is freed up that can be focused elsewhere.
Cloud playout is also designed with ease of use in mind. With intuitive, user-friendly interfaces and built in technical support, you don’t need to be a broadcast engineer to launch or manage channels. Additionally, by its very nature, cloud solutions are designed to be interoperable so cloud playout can be easily integrated with other cloud tools and third-party solutions for a streamlined workflow using best-of-breed solutions.
The bulk of these benefits simply aren’t available with a virtualised playout system or even with a software playout solution adapted to be cloud ready.
Maximising the Cloud’s Benefits
It’s easy to see that the right cloud strategy is one that involves cloud native solutions. The broadcasters that are making the most of cloud are those embracing the model in its entirety, however, for most, this is an eventual goal rather than a current reality. The shift to the cloud doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Many broadcasters are running hybrid workflows, replacing pieces as needed with cloud tools. What matters is direction: if your endgame isn’t cloud native, you’re settling for less than the cloud can offer.
Suggesting that broadcasters should rush headlong into the cloud would oversimplify the reality. To truly unlock its advantages, timing is key. If existing hardware and infrastructure are still performing well, there may be little reason to make a sudden shift. For most, the smartest path forward will be a phased move, gradually blending cloud services into existing workflows as needs evolve and opportunities arise.
Go Cloud Native with Veset Nimbus
Veset Nimbus is a cloud playout solution that gives broadcasters the tools to manage, schedule, and deliver linear channels with ease. Built as a SaaS platform, it combines the depth of an enterprise-grade system with a straightforward interface that makes it easy to get up and running, whether you’re working with live feeds, file-based content, or both.
Being cloud native, it offers the flexibility to scale, the reliability of built-in redundancy, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing needs. Broadcasters can set up and manage channels in minutes, without needing deep technical knowledge, making it a practical choice for anyone looking to simplify operations and move faster without compromising on quality.
Sound good? Get in touch with Veset today to find out more.
