Until recently, the choice between a digital asset management (DAM) system and Dropbox was relatively simple. They both fulfilled different functions within a business. A Dropbox was seen as a file management system, whereas DAM was best for media businesses and digital agencies.
However, this is no longer the case. In this post, we’ll explore how DAMs have changed and how they compare to Dropbox with all those changes in mind.
DAM systems have been developed to handle much more than just media files. They can now be used for almost any business. A Dropbox is essentially a large filing cabinet, housing a bunch of folders all with a number of files inside.
One of the biggest difficulties with Dropbox is remembering where you’ve put each file. Typically, files and images aren’t saved with specific names and so it can be time-consuming and complicated trying to locate individual files.
While both DAM and Dropbox systems offer a central repository for storing files, a Dropbox can often limit the size and type of file you can upload. If your business typically only deals with standard files, such as word documents, PDFs and JPEGs, of a relatively small size, then Dropbox might work just fine.
The main difference between Dropbox and DAM, when it comes to formatting, is that a Dropbox system only allows you to download files in the same format as they were stored on the server. With a DAM system, on the other hand, you can convert files to any size, quality or format you need. This is highly beneficial for companies that work across multiple platforms, as they can easily switch between types of files.
One of the key advantages of a DAM system is the ability to retrieve, share and store files with ease. Using Dropbox, users can post and share files via social media and emails. But they will often have to log into Dropbox in order to download and share files.
A DAM system works in a similar way, but allows users to share files more easily. A good DAM platform allows users to post files directly to a desired location, with the right third-party integrations.
Using a DAM system also enables you to share files without relying on the recipient to have the same system or website, which is the case with Dropbox. You can easily create a secure third-party URL to share with clients, colleagues and social media pages. You can also restrict access to certain files, controlling who can see what, even down to specific metadata tags.
Choosing between a Dropbox or DAM system is entirely dependent on the needs and requirements of your business. If you work with a limited number of small, similarly formatted files, a Dropbox platform might suffice.
But if like many others, you need a system that can organise, store and share files of ranging sizes and types, a DAM is best for you. With a well set up and user-friendly DAM system, you can give your business a boost and improve productivity.
iBase DAM systems make time wasted in searching for files and duplicating images a thing of the past. Our professional digital asset management software provides you with everything you need to make sharing and retrieving files quick and easy.
Get in touch with our friendly team of experts today to find out more.
