Backblaze Introduces Live Read to Level Up Media Production and Other Cloud Workflows
Backblaze has launched Backblaze B2 Live Read, a new cloud storage service that allows media production teams to access and edit content while it's still uploading, significantly accelerating workflows.
Live Read eliminates the need for on-premises storage, catering to live event producers. Leading media solution providers like Telestream, Glookast, and Mimir are integrating this service.
Key benefits include real-time highlight creation, reduced on-site staff, and rapid content distribution. The service supports high-resolution workflows and is easily accessible via S3 APIs.
Live Read is currently in private preview, with general availability planned later this year.
- Launch of Backblaze B2 Live Read accelerates media workflows by enabling editing and access during uploads.
- Eliminates need for costly on-premises storage, reducing operational expenses.
- Integration with leading media solution providers like Telestream, Glookast, and Mimir.
- Supports high-resolution workflows (4K to 8K), enhancing content quality and efficiency.
- Easily accessible through S3 compatible API, simplifying integration.
- Potential to boost engagement and revenue by speeding up content delivery.
- Reduces on-site staff requirements, cutting down production costs.
- Supports quick access to large data logs and surveillance footage backups, improving IT workloads.
- Initial availability to private preview, delaying full market impact.
- Potential complexity in integrating Live Read with existing workflows and systems.
- Dependence on the internet for uploading could pose challenges in areas with poor connectivity.
Insights
Backblaze's new Live Read feature is a notable addition to the cloud storage landscape, especially for media production teams. This feature allows users to start editing and accessing content while it's still being uploaded, which is a significant improvement in terms of workflow efficiency. Traditionally, media teams faced substantial delays waiting for files to fully upload before beginning their work. By introducing this capability, Backblaze is removing a major bottleneck in content production.
In terms of technology, the Live Read feature leverages the S3 compatible API, making it easily integrable with existing media software. This compatibility ensures that users can incorporate this new functionality without the need for additional middleware or proprietary software, thereby reducing complexity and costs.
The potential for this feature extends beyond media production to any industry requiring rapid access to large files. For instance, IT departments dealing with extensive data logs or surveillance footage can benefit from this technology, simplifying their processes and reducing the need for multiple small files.
From a financial perspective, the introduction of Live Read positions Backblaze as a stronger competitor in the cloud storage market. This innovation addresses a specific pain point for media production teams, potentially leading to increased adoption of Backblaze's services. As the company is targeting a niche but significant segment, there could be a positive impact on revenue streams.
Partnerships with established players like Telestream and Glookast further validate the value proposition of Live Read. These alliances suggest a promising market acceptance and integration of the service, which can translate into increased customer engagement and retention.
However, while the product is currently in private preview, its success will ultimately depend on the market's response once it becomes generally available. Investors should keep an eye on the user adoption rate and any feedback from early adopters, as these will be important indicators of the product's potential to drive long-term growth.
New offering empowers sports media teams, live news and event producers to edit and share highlights while raw files are still uploading, speeding engagement and revenue
SAN MATEO, Calif., June 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Backblaze, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLZE), the leading specialized storage cloud, today announced the launch of Backblaze B2 Live Read. The offering gives customers, particularly media production teams working on live events, the ability to access, edit, and transform content while it is still being uploaded into B2 Cloud Storage, resulting in significantly faster and more efficient workflows.
This patent-pending innovation is a brand new type of service in cloud workflows, replacing cost prohibitive and complicated options that often required on-premises storage. Leading media and entertainment (M&E) production solution providers including Telestream, Glookast, and Mimir have already committed to integrating the service.
"For our customers, turnaround time is essential, and Live Read promises to speed up workflows and operations for producers across the industry," said Richard Andes, VP, Product Management at Telestream. "We're incredibly excited to offer this innovative feature to boost performance and accelerate our customer's business engagements."
Gone are the days when media teams could wait hours or days for uploads to complete to access and start editing video. Fans and followers want new content instantly, and giving it to them fast grows engagement and revenue. Live Read is positioned to revolutionize a range of live media use cases, including:
- Creating near real-time highlight clips for broadcasters’ news segments, sports teams’ in app replays, and much more
- Empowering best-of-breed talent for any production by reducing on-set staff requirements
- Promoting content for on-demand sales within minutes of presentations at live events
- Distributing teasers for buzz on social media before talent has even left the venue
This B2 Cloud Storage service is designed to be easily accessible directly via S3 compatible API and/or seamlessly within the user interface of media software partners. Along with the launch partners mentioned above, CineDeck, Alteon, Hedge, Hiscale, and MoovIT also intend to integrate Live Read–consistent with Backblaze’s commitment to help organizations do more in an open cloud environment.
“Backblaze’s Live Read is a game changer for helping organizations deliver media to their audiences dramatically faster,” said Steinar Søreide, CTO at Mimir. “Adding this offering to our platform unlocks a whole new level of impact for our user community.”
Live Read uniquely supports accessing parts of each growing object or growing file as it uploads so there’s no need to wait for the full file upload to complete. This is a major workflow accelerator especially when organizations are shooting for 4K to 8K resolutions and beyond. And when the full upload is complete, it’s accessible like any other file or object in their Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage bucket, with no middleware or proprietary software needed.
“When working in media collaboration and production environments, speed is essential,” said Felipe Santos, Head of Technology at Glookast. “Backblaze’s Live Read opens new levels of performance and capabilities for our users.”
Beyond media, the API supports breakthrough new development and IT workloads. For example, organizations maintaining large data logs or surveillance footage backups have often had to parse them into hundreds or thousands of small files each day in order to have quick access when needed–but with Live Read, they can now move to far more manageable single files per day or hour while preserving ability to access parts within seconds of them having been written.
"Backblaze has developed one of most durable, affordable, and performant storage clouds,” said Gleb Budman, Backblaze CEO and Chairperson of the Board. “Live Read is another example of the powerful innovation we're delivering to support our customers and partners to do more with their data."
Live Read is available in private preview now with general availability planned later this year. Organizations can learn more and sign up for the Live Read private preview on the Backblaze Blog.
About Backblaze
Backblaze makes it astonishingly easy to store, use, and protect data. The Backblaze Storage Cloud provides a foundation for businesses, developers, IT professionals, and individuals to build applications, host content, manage media, back up and archive data, and more. With over three billion gigabytes of data storage under management, the company currently works with more than 500,000 customers in over 175 countries. Founded in 2007, the company is based in San Mateo, CA. For more information, please go to www.backblaze.com.
Press Contact:
Jeanette Foster
Communications Manager, Backblaze
jfoster@backblaze.com
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