What benefits can radio-as-a-service bring?

With access to infrastructure, platform and software as a service already available, the main motivating factor behind this paradigm shift in the market is the rise in importance of two main features – flexibility and security.

Information technology’s disruption of professional business application has given a sense of confidence to broadcasters, particularly radio, to embrace this change even more.

Radio workflows can now easily be engineered using cloud technologies. Thanks to the shared structures benefited by the cloud, it is now much more accessible and cost-effective compared to traditional methods.

This essentially allows companies to turn capital expenditures into flexible operating expenses. It also claims the upper hand even when looked at purely from an investment standpoint.

The cloud technology, not only provides customers with the services that they have paid for, but also adds value by providing a multitude of ancillary services, such as performance indicators, regular feature updates, higher scalability, access security and most importantly, regular and reliable online support.

Security threats were one of the major factors pulling back broadcasters from embracing this change, but with the implementation of stringent security protocols that are at par with some of the largest tech companies in the world (Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon), these professional services are now more suitable for broadcasters.

Nevertheless, it is imperative to pay attention to some strategic decision making factors when choosing to migrate real-time features to the cloud.

For example, it is advisable to pick hosting in the geographical area of the broadcaster in order to make sure that any unexpected internet related latencies in the audio streams are avoided.

System security depends heavily on the hosting of the applications and therefore, it is crucial to collaborate with brands that have a proven track record of high data security and reliability. The best brands come with experienced developers and ensure secure implementation of the application by default.

Another suggestion for improving security is to keep a close check on the redundant access to applications and its data, with the developers.

Today, it is safe to say that cloud development will have a major role in the broadcast world for years to come. This technology breathes life into the vision of having virtual radio studios that are not only cost-efficient, but also highly dynamic and secure.

Offered on a subscription basis and accessible from anywhere, cloud technologies make it easy and affordable for even the smallest broadcasters or production companies to connect and manage audio outside sources and bring content to the control room.

Therefore, it is only natural for the industry to turn towards this technology and embrace all the positive changes that comes with it.

Pascal Malgouyard is Head of Marketing at Digigram