The world of post-production storage is constantly evolving—and as we approach 2022, its evolution continues in full force. There is, as always, the need for storage. But what does that mean in 2022? For instance, where should that storage reside? In a data center? In your data center? Is it accessible via the cloud? If so, how do you define the cloud?

As if those questions weren’t enough—what workflows are you currently using? Does your team work remotely? Or will they be coming back to the office full-time? Is a hybrid work environment now the norm? All of these details make the present and future state of post-production highly complex.

And that’s just the beginning. Strategic questions aside, post-production professionals must also look at the tactical aspects of workflows, storage, backup and recovery, and so much more.

As we all know, file sizes are ever-expanding, resulting in the need for more storage. With the never-ending influx of data and associated file types, post-production organizations of all types continuously struggle. It’s as if the need for disk space is a race that can’t be won.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there is still more. Adding to the storage nightmare is the burden of disorganized digital assets. Disorganization is what makes everyone’s lives difficult when trying to find mission-critical files in real-time. And let’s not forget the sinister side of tech. There is the potential loss of data due to malware, file corruption, and accidental deletes due to insufficient backup and archive, ultimately leading to hindered business continuity.

Last but certainly not least, post-production organizations must be far more diligent in how they manage storage on all levels. This of course, means better backup and protection, but also a more innovative approach to management. Business Intelligence (BI) and analytics are now a must-have in all environments. The ability to know where files reside, who is working on them, how many files are duplicates, what can move to tier-2, and more—all of these insights ultimately lead to enhanced management and better cost savings.

So, what’s a post-production organization to do with all of this information? It all comes down to the right shared storage infrastructure—essential for every collaborative media workflow. However, one can only achieve a positive experience using the right solution. That means finding a solution that not only meets your needs today but also into the future.

More so, with businesses looking to achieve more (most times with less), smart shared storage that drives efficiency into media management is a huge value-add that ensures you get the most out of your investment. Moreover, doing all of this under one single device—versus having multiple separate servers and hardware connecting into your infrastructure—helps simplify design and significantly decreases the potential for system failure.

Most importantly, remember that not all storage devices are created equal: some are more intelligent than others, with workflows integrated to provide automation and orchestration with other third-party software applications. During your search, look for a solution with data management utility built-in to easily integrate with, archive, replicate and move data from primary to secondary disk tape or a private or public cloud. Also, look for a solution that offers other built-in capabilities like data analytics, media browsing capabilities, and even media file conversion and media player tools.

There is a world of possibilities—ones that can be either negative or positive. If you want the positive, book a demo with us today. Your world in 2022 can be far brighter than imagined—one click, and you are there.