Digital asset management (DAM) systems are invaluable for your business. From easy file retrieval to avoiding reproduction of assets, your company can benefit hugely from implementing a system. But it can be hard to decide which type of system is the right fit for you. We’ve put together a handy guide to the different types of DAM to help you make the right choice.
Firstly, the best DAM system for you is dependent on the type of business you run and what you will be using it for. If, for instance, you own a large creative agency, you are going to need more storage space than a small, local business with fewer files. The types of assets you have is also influential, as some may need tighter security measures than others.
Having the correct type of system for you is important to ensure you’re getting the most out of your DAM. There’s little point forking out for a top of the range, unlimited storage system if you’re never going to have more than 100 files. Similarly, a huge company will be wasting money on a small, on-site system if they have an increasingly large number of assets. Keep reading as we delve into the three main types of DAM…
Otherwise known as a cloud-based or web-based DAM system, SaaS is a maintenance-free, budget-friendly option. All assets are held in an online system, with no on-premise hardware necessary. One of many benefits of a SaaS system is the unlimited growth potential, as the platform can adapt as your business grows. Cloud-based DAM systems are also more secure than ever, with vendors bettering their security updates all the time.
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This type of DAM system usually requires a one-time payment and involves installing the hardware directly onto your systems. On-site DAM gives you complete control over the security and management of the system, and in turn requires a lot of IT support. If you opt for this type of DAM, it’s important to consider how your team will install updates and how often the system will be checked. You will also be responsible for backing up your files and making assets available to everyone.
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Open-source systems can either be hosted by a third-party or on-site. The source code of the software is available to everyone involved and is typically developed publicly and collaboratively. This type of DAM system offers the least amount of security and requires the most commitment from your internal IT team. Open-source systems are usually very flexible and highly customisable, so can be tailored to suit the specific needs of your company.
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Still struggling to make the decision? Here at iBase, we offer DAM systems to suit almost every business. Specialising in cloud-based solutions, we have the knowledge and experience to provide user-friendly, safe systems, giving your business the tools it needs to grow.
Get in touch with our friendly team today to find out more.
