Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1516067
he M&E sector is undergoing a huge shift, with many companies looking at cloud resources and virtu- alized infrastructure. This is an excit- ing transition that will o©er numerous benefits to both broadcasters and post studios, but it should be approached strategically for optimal application. In this changing media landscape, e©ec- tively implementing cloud systems will prove crucial to keep both budgets and workflows on track. To achieve organizational success, post workflows must be connected, both on-premise and remotely. This requires a centralized management system linking all editing workstations in the cloud, provid- ing virtual access to the same resources, regardless of location. Not only does this make accessing content easier in post, joined up systems also improve processes throughout the media supply chain. The potential of post in the cloud The cloud o©ers a centralized overview of post production, no matter the loca- tion. So, how can system centralization boost productivity? Resource manage- ment is vital. The cloud provides dynamic resource management and supports mul- tiple editing workstations. By monitoring data, as well as tracking cloud resources, administrators can identify roadblocks and optimize e¬ciency. But handling all these workflow elements manually can be a time-con- suming process. Administrators are very busy, so to maximize the full potential of the cloud, automation should be lever- aged wherever possible. With the right interface setup, you can configure and manage multiple cloud environments at once. Set-and-forget schedules and intelligent automation monitor remote workstations and reduce workload. But human input is also important. Clear and regular communication with editors is essential for the success of any system implementation. Optimizing remote editing workflows Managing dispersed teams can be di¬- cult if internal systems are not aligned. Therefore, consistent resource manage- ment and workflow visibility is crucial. Centralized platforms can gather informa- tion from all active workstations. This can then be used to optimize cloud resources. The cloud allows broadcasters to adapt in editing workflows with time-zone-synced schedules and the option to monitor inac- tivity, avoiding unnecessary fees. Post production teams provide valu- able intel from their system interactions that streamline workflows and identify challenges. But it's no good having the data and neglecting it. By moni- toring system performance and user interactions, administrators can easily handle any issues. Connection strength is important in remote workflows, and administrators need to be able to diag- nose and fix connection problems. By utilizing metrics from user connections, it is possible to give a performance score. This allows non-technical users to mon- itor their connection and make positive environmental changes. Administrators can also dive back in time. By accessing historical connection and performance data, they can identify when a problem began, what the cause was, and then resolve the issue. To keep on top of fluctuating require- ments, post production teams need total system control. By implementing adaptive pooling, remote systems will au- tomatically maintain a minimum level of available workstations and then dynam- ically shutdown any that are not in use. Users can request an editing workstation and the system will check availability, deploy necessary resources and auto- matically connect. With native support for high availability architecture and the distributed nature of virtual infrastruc- ture, teams can benefit from improved performance and stability. Keeping your systems secure To keep remote systems working e©ec- tively, cloud resources need to be used strategically. Not all systems will transi- tion to the cloud, and it makes sense for some to remain on-premise. But a hybrid system cannot result in siloed infra- structure. Centralization supports both on-premise and cloud-based worksta- tions, and allows users to switch seam- lessly between them. Many post studios and broadcasters operate across multiple sites, so there is a need for consistency to e©ectively collaborate on projects. By configuring and managing multiple workstations through a single interface, organizations can ensure that their workflows are not only centralized, but secured. System updates and authentica- tion measures are important for main- taining security, and with virtualization, these can be controlled remotely. User validation that prevents unauthorized access and encryption is key, and needs to be built into the fabric of remote post production. But good housekeeping is important too. Consistent processes, such as naming conventions, standard- ized software and hardware, file formats and metadata tagging, all help to avoid human and system errors. The benefits of leveraging the cloud for post are clear: cloud and hybrid systems bring improved collaboration, consistency and enhanced data security. A centralized system can enhance workflow visibility using new automated tools. However, its ability to improve productivity will rely on user buy-in. To ensure that the system is used correctly on an ongoing basis, thorough training and regular auditing is key. However, cross-industry success will rely on bringing editors, system managers and content operators onboard while incorporating their valuable feedback into the transition. In the cloud, success is a journey, not a destination, and there is always more to learn. LEVERAGING THE CLOUD FOR POST PRODUCTION BY TIM BURTON MANAGING DIRECTOR 7FIVEFIVE HTTPS://7FIVEFIVE.COM UNDERSTANDING THE BENEFITS TO COLLABORATION, CONSISTENCY & DATA SECURITY T WORKFLOW www.postmagazine.com 28 POST JAN/FEB 2024