Following on from our previous blog on cloud strategy, we explore how to ensure your transition to cloud-based or hybrid playout truly pays off.
The future of broadcasting is increasingly being shaped by the cloud. From streamlining operations to enabling scalable deployments, cloud-native technology has transformed how broadcasters and content providers think about playout. But while the benefits are widely promoted from scalability and flexibility to remote access, the reality is that not all cloud investments yield the promised returns.
In fact, research shows that 84% of organisations struggle to manage cloud spend. So how can broadcasters avoid the pitfalls and get the most out of their investment?
Understand What You Need – and What You Don’t
Not every operation needs to go all-in on the cloud. For some, especially those with heavy legacy infrastructure already in place, maintaining a hybrid approach might be more cost-effective. But for others, such as fast-growing services, pop-up channels, or disaster recovery operations, the cloud offers unmatched advantages in agility and cost-efficiency.
Start by identifying the outputs you need: Are you running 24/7 linear channels? Seasonal or event-based content? Global multi-language feeds? The more clearly defined your requirements, the better you can shape your cloud deployment.
Avoid the Lift-and-Shift Trap
One of the most common mistakes made in transitioning to the cloud is the "lift and shift" approach, which simply virtualises existing playout software and moves it to a cloud environment. While it may seem like a quick fix, this strategy often leads to ballooning cloud costs, reduced efficiency, and operational unreliability.
Legacy systems weren’t designed for the cloud’s distributed nature, and without re-architecting for elasticity or automation, they can become more of a liability than an advantage.
Embrace Cloud-Native Solutions
To maximise your investment, it’s essential to adopt cloud-native solutions, which are built from the ground up to run in cloud environments. These solutions use containerised, microservices-based architectures to fully exploit the cloud’s elasticity, flexibility and global reach.
Unlike cloud-ready or virtualised setups, true cloud-native platforms scale dynamically, reduce operational overhead, and support advanced redundancy and monitoring. They also allow for continuous updates and seamless integration into IP-based workflows to future-proof your operations.
Maximise Pay-As-You-Go Efficiency
The cloud’s biggest financial benefit is its ability to operate on a pay-as-you-go model. But that only delivers savings if you’re set up to actually scale down when you’re not broadcasting. Cloud-native platforms allow for this elasticity by spinning up resources when needed and shutting them down when not.
For example, Veset’s platform supports short-term deployments for temporary channels, enabling broadcasters to launch pop-up services without long-term infrastructure commitments. This same flexibility is key for disaster recovery and remote workflows.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
To make the numbers add up in the cloud, consider these best practices:
The Bottom Line
Cloud adoption is not a silver bullet, but when done right, it delivers powerful benefits. The key is in aligning your operational goals with your cloud strategy and choosing the right tools for the job. Cloud-native solutions, built for flexibility and efficiency, are proving to be the most resilient and cost-effective route forward.
Broadcasters looking to scale without limits – and without surprise costs – need to think beyond the migration itself and look at how cloud infrastructure can work for them long-term.
Ready to take the next step in your cloud journey? Read our blog on choosing the right cloud strategy to make sure your foundation is solid.
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.
