MyMediabox Customer Referral Program

Happy and loyal MyMediabox Users are our greatest assets! Share your experience with your network of friends and colleagues, and if your referral receives a demo by March 31, 2014, we'll thank you by entering you in a drawing to win a new iPad Air!

Click here to enter! 

Email marketing@mymediabox.com or visit mymediabox.com/promo for more details.

Anatomy of a SaaS Vendor: Knowing the Technical Side

Businesses considering cloud computing frequently ask, “Is our data safe in the cloud?”  More than half of organizations – 62% of those surveyed – believe that storing data on servers outside of a business involves significant security risk.  The truth is that with the right provider, data is actually more secure in the cloud.

Determining which is the right vendor, however, involves finding answers to some tough questions about how well that vendor understands your business needs.  It's far better to make your decision with the full knowledge of where your data is going, where your brand management choices are being processed, and how your assets are being protected.

Greater understanding leads to more thoughtfully architected hardware/software, specifically built and optimized for consumer product licensing, how the data is managed and stored, and how safe that provider's infrastructure is.

When you're choosing your applications, evaluate your potential vendor carefully with questions like these:

• Does the company own its own hardware to provide the service?  
• Does this company outsource its software development to other companies, particularly those outside its own country?  Are the developers located in countries where hacking is rampant?  
• Are the upgrades to your systems conducted on the SaaS (Software as a Service) platform?
• Does this company undergo any regular security audits by certified third parties? What level of IT oversight is included with the SaaS?
• How is your team's data kept secure?  What methods are in place to protect those assets?  
• Does the potential vendor employ an ISO (information security officer)?
• Will this company keep your assets safe during occurrences like a stolen computer or natural disaster?

If the answers to all of these questions are satisfactory, your vital information can actually be safer in the virtual hands of a licensed digital asset management software than it would be if the data was held on site.

This early-on research allows you to determine whether the vendor you're considering is planning to take on their share of responsibility for the safety of your assets.

Getting reasonable answers to these and other questions early in the process will help shield your team from suddenly being negatively affected by another business's potential or actual financial and operational weaknesses in the future.

MyMediabox is a leading provider of SaaS hosted applications for digital asset management and style guide delivery (Mediabox-DAM), product approvals and other creative workflows (Mediabox-PA) and deal memo management (Mediabox-DM).  For more information visit us at www.mymediabox.com

Anatomy of a SaaS Vendor: Mapping Future Software Functionality and Technology

The story of the life cycle of software and technology today is a familiar one, to the point of being a cliché.  New technologies are constantly emerging that enable companies to improve performance and productivity, and the shelf life of older technologies (hardware and software) keeps getting shorter and shorter (24-36 months on average). This short lifespan is a key reason SaaS has become such a huge business driver, since it’s more cost-effective for most businesses to “rent” the solutions and hardware from a SaaS vendor and only consume what they need – without having to get on the “technology treadmill” themselves and bear the burden of rapidly depreciating technology.

This same logic used for software and hardware can be applied to the actual product road map.  All cloud-based business computing, and in particular, digital asset management and product approval applications should be dynamic systems.  The licensing business is ever-evolving, expanding and becoming more complex, so it stands to reason that the applications you choose should be robust enough to continually grow a few steps ahead of the industry and your particular needs.  

The only way that the perpetual improvement happens is if the vendor you select can demonstrate not only deep licensing industry knowledge (what makes the market run and where it’s going), but also an ability to stay two steps ahead of the technological curve. This translates into forward-thinking products and road maps, and simply probing for these qualities will help you sort out industry leaders from imitative followers.  

This is why, once you have confirmed that a potential SaaS (Software as a Service) vendor is financially and operationally sound, it's also imperative to look at that company's “big picture” development plans before making your final selection.

You'll want to critically evaluate the company's road map for future development.  Most software companies have their major software releases planned 6-12 months in advance at upgrades as well as new modules or applications that add value to their core applications.  

It’s also becoming more and more common with SaaS that software releases are done frequently, sometimes as often as quarterly or monthly, as new features are completed.  The vendor should be able to give you a high-level overview of how its applications will be evolving in the next twelve months, a drill down of what to expect in each month, and an explanation of how any new features add value to the ones they already have.  

The SaaS company that best suits your business should be one whose development plan makes it easy for you to find answers to all of these questions:

• How does this vendor plan to stay current with cutting-edge technology?

• Is the release schedule for updates frequent and consistent, indicating that new functionality is keeping up with market demand?

• Are clients involved and listened to in road map planning?

• Will upgrades be included in the fees you’ll be paying, or is that an additional cost to you?

Surprise costs, intended upgrades, and the process that the vendor will use to keep you up-to-date and prepared to lead the ever-changing market all provide vital information for choosing your SaaS cloud computing vendor.



MyMediabox is a leading provider of SaaS hosted applications for digital asset management and style guide delivery (Mediabox-DAM), product approvals and other creative workflows (Mediabox-PA) and deal memo management (Mediabox-DM).  For more information visit us at www.mymediabox.com.

MyMediabox is a leading provider of SaaS hosted applications for digital asset management and style guide delivery (Mediabox-DAM), product approvals and other creative workflows (Mediabox-PA) and deal memo management (Mediabox-DM).  For more information visit us at www.mymediabox.com

- See more at: http://mymediabox-online.blogspot.com/#sthash.W0OzIvlD.dpuf

Anatomy of a SaaS Vendor: Identifying the Key Components and Choosing the Right Partner

Many companies have stepped into the new technological world of cloud-based applications, and this powerful tool is no longer relegated to the IT department.  More than 50% of all users are turning to this type of computing for brand management and other business priorities, and their numbers are growing rapidly – in fact, Business Wire reported in June 2013 that 75% of surveyed businesses use a cloud platform of some kind, and the usage increased dramatically in 2013, up from 67% in 2012.

When you're considering cloud-based software for your own company's product approvals and digital asset management needs, it's an exciting, paradigm-shifting process: you're changing the way your business does business for the better. Selecting the right product and vendor, though, can mean the difference between a successful transition and greater productivity -- or a daily exercise in frustration.

Over the next 10 weeks, we'll be digging deeper into the question of evaluating the most popular type of cloud computing programs, SaaS (Software as a Service), based on their reliability and fit to your business.  We'll explore a variety of best practices for identifying and leveraging the best-in-class vendors and applications, that, well-executed, can positively improve business performance.  Applying these tactics can help to avoid the significant financial, operational, technical, and legal risks which you might confront if you pick the wrong vendor.

A great deal of the initial information-gathering that makes your transition smoother is just a matter of asking tough questions of potential vendors early on.  Some of those are questions like these:

• Does the vendor have the financial strength to weather downturns or other unforeseen risks, or are they one lost customer away from being unable to pay their bills?
• Where are their offices located and can you visit them?
• Are their developers in-house or outsourced, domestic or in a high-risk country?
• How does this vendor address information security?  Do they have an Information Security Officer or other evidence to show you that security is a priority?
• Is the vendor a leader in the space?  Will they disclose their client list or other data to prove their market position?
• If things don't work out for any reason, what happens to your valuable data and assets?

How to find answers to those questions?  Let us help.  This blog series, “Anatomy of a SaaS Vendor,” is intended to offer experience, analysis, and advice on the thorough evaluation of cloud computing licensors in multiple categories.  Having found your own answers to each question, you and your team can come to the best possible decision for your business.

MyMediabox is a leading provider of SaaS hosted applications for digital asset management and style guide delivery (Mediabox-DAM), product approvals and other creative workflows (Mediabox-PA) and deal memo management (Mediabox-DM).  For more information visit us at www.mymediabox.com

Now that we have the Cloud...

"The Lighter Side of the Cloud- Transformation" By David at www.cloudtweaks.com

... aliens can have earth.

But, Why Cloud Computing?

Cost Savings- Cloud computing reduces IT labor costs by 50% and energy costs (for small businesses) by 90%.1

Increased Productivity- in 2010 73% of companies had staff shortages due to bad weather. Only 39% of those affected had the ability to work remotely.1

Data Control- 58% of businesses in the cloud report better control of their data.1

Resources- 80% of new commercial enterprise apps will be deployed on cloud platforms.2

Customer Satisfaction- 72% of businesses using private cloud servers report an improved end-user experience.1

Interested in learning how you can make the transition to the cloud to manage your digital assets or product approvals (creative) workflow? Click here to schedule a demo.

Not ready for a demo? Visit our website for more information on MyMediabox cloud services.



1. "Top 10 Cloud Computing Statistics." Netmetrix. 9 November 2011. www.netmetrix.wordpress.com/2011/11/09/top-10-cloud-computing-statistics/

2. "5 Cloud Computing Statistics Infograph." SSD Cloud Computing News and Industry Blog. 6 April 2012. www.cloudproviderusa.com/5-cloud-computing-statistics-infograph/

Cloud Computing Explained

CNN video explains cloud computing.

Interested in finding out how you can utilize the cloud for digital asset management or creative workflows? Click here to schedule a demo.

Small Cell Technology: An Answer to Overloaded Networks

In a recent article "Itsy-bitsy teeny cell towers are coming" on CNNMoney, writer David Goldman voices a well known problem-- cell phone connectivity. For the most part accessing our mobile networks to make calls, upload photos to facebook or tweet about the coolest thing we've done/heard/seen all day is not a problem.

What about when we're at a sports game? Concert? Or worse if there is a natural disaster and no one can reach anyone, because EVERYONE is trying to reach someone at the same time. The cell phone towers that line our streets and dot the highway were not built to handle the massive amounts of data that are being shared today.

According to Cisco's Mobile Visual Networking Index in four years "more than half of the Internet's traffic will come from mobile devices, and 71% of that will be big video files." Looking at our industry, specifically Digital Asset Management, MyMediabox cannot disagree with the numbers. Our clients utilize our services on a daily basis to store and share large digital assets. Those in the entertainment industry use Mediabox-DAM to deliver full screeners and, by the end of this year, will be doing so via mobile apps.

To keep up with the exponential growth of mobile data sharing, cell phone companies are looking into small cell technology. Putting up more of the same cell towers is out the question- the time and money- not too mention the unappealing aesthetics of the structures quickly ruled out that option. Small cell technology on the other hand offers greater flexibility.

Small cells can be explained as tiny antennas that fit in the palm of your hand. They operate on low-powered radio access nodes, with a range of 10-200 meters. While this is much less than traditional towers (that offer a range of a few kilometers), they can be placed almost anywhere (the sides of buildings, benches, etc.) due to their size, creating a more reliable and uninterrupted connection.

If you work for a large corporation, facility or venue that tends to attract mass amounts of people you might want to consider looking into small cells to support your network. Alcatel-Lucent and Powerwave currently have their own versions on the market.

MyMediabox will as always continue to provide software-as-a-service... we just want to make sure you stay connected. 

Interested in using MyMediabox to store and share your digital assets? Click here to schedule a demo.

IT On Cloud Nine

CloudTweaks.com gives insight into the lighter side of cloud computing!

Interested in seeing how software-as-a-service can streamline your creative workflow, digital asset management or deal memo management? 

Click here for a MyMediabox Demo.

Tips for Securing Free Wifi

While reading technology articles on Digg this week, I came across an article posted on LifeHacker.com that I thought MyMediabox clients and readers would find helpful. The title? "Top 10 Ways to Get Free Wi-Fi Anywhere You Go."

Aside from the obvious benefits of free WiFi- checking your Facebook or watching that funny new video on YouTube- you could login to your Mediabox site (remote access!) check the status of projects, submit comments, etc. Read below for some of the tips LifeHacker.com gives for gleaning free wifi:

• Borrow from a Business (ie. Hotels, Starbucks, McDonalds)
• Use a Hotspot Database (Download the "WeFi" application to find the hotspot closest to you)
• Search for Hidden Networks (ie. electronic stores, buses, laundromats usually have wifi)
• Loyalty Programs (Sign up, but remember to turn your spam filter on!)
• Coupon Codes (Offered through RetailMeNot, Gadling, etc.)
• Mac Spoofing (Spoof a new MAC address when you only have free wifi for a limited amount of time)
• The Cable Company (Most cable companies provide customers access to their Wi-fi Hotspots)
• Tether (Tether your smartphone to your computer to share wifi access. Best app for tethering iphones and androids? PDANet.)

Secured free WiFi and ready for your Mediabox demo? Click here. 

Press Release: Conecture Technologies, LLC surpasses 100 active website milestone in May 2012

June 7, 2012- Atlanta, Ga-- By May of 2012, Conecture Technologies, LLC reached their milestone of 100 active MyMediabox websites under management. Now just one month later that number has grown to 107, giving Conecture Technologies a 300% increase in new business compared to the first five months of 2011. MyMediabox systems (Mediabox-PA, Mediabox-DAM and Mediabox-DM) are currently implemented by 76 leading Licensors and Agents and used by over 7,000 companies and 35,000 users globally.

New MyMediabox sites in 2012 include: Zinkia Entertainment, ASPCA, JD Sports Fashion, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Ubisoft, Sanrio, The National Wildlife Federation, Activision, Magic Light Pictures, American Greetings Properties, Exim Licensing, Dori Media Group, Stardoll and John Wayne Enterprises.

Continue reading here.

Want to see what has drawn MyMediabox clients to our hosted solutions? Click here to schedule a demo.

Hosted vs. Installed Software

Understanding the differences between Hosted and Installed Software is important in deciding which is best for you. Read below for a comparison of the two applications and what they offer.

PRICE

• Hosted applications charge a continuous fee for the duration of the service.
• Installed software has a one-time purchase fee.

SECURITY

• Hosted applications provide their own security and data backup (often a higher level than you could implement yourself).
• Installed software does not come with built-in security or data backup, therefore, you are responsible for implementing and managing your own system(s).

ACCESS

• Hosted applications offer remote access. This means as long as you have an internet connection you will be able to access the software.
• Installed software is not typically remote. However, a dedicated IT professional could set up and maintain remote access.

UPDATES

• Hosted applications bundle updates, tech support and trouble-shooting into their monthly fee structure.
• Installed software does not include updates, tech support or trouble-shooting. Any after-sale support would be an extra cost.

CUSTOMIZATION 

• Hosted applications will offer a certain amount of customizations, but they are limited by the system.
• Installed software does not offer limitless customization either, but you could hire a developer to update the software to your needs.

Interested in seeing a Hosted Solution at work? Click here to schedule a demo of our MyMediabox applications.

What is SaaS?

As companies grow and expand, much of the daily work-flow has been digitized to an online platform. Many new terms have emerged in all areas of business, including: “Remote Software Solutions”, “Cloud Computing” and “SaaS”.

So, what is “SaaS”? Webopedia and Wikipedia have provided descriptions to better explain and define Software as a Service (SaaS) such as Mediabox-PA and Mediabox-DAM:

SaaS - Software as a Service, Storage as a Service

"Short for Software as a Service, SaaS is a software delivery method that provides access to software and its functions remotely as a Web-based service. Software as a Service allows organizations to access business functionality at a cost typically less than paying for licensed applications since SaaS pricing is based on a monthly fee. Also, because the software is hosted remotely, users don't need to invest in additional hardware. Software as a Service removes the need for organizations to handle the installation, set-up and often daily upkeep and maintenance. Software as a Service may also be referred to as simply hosted applications."

Click Here to Learn More from Webopedia

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"Software as a service (SaaS, typically pronounced [sæs]), sometimes referred to as "on-demand software," is a software delivery model in which software and its associated data are hosted centrally (typically in the (Internet) cloud) and are typically accessed by users using a thin client, normally using a web browser over the Internet.

While practically every Internet service (such as Web search engine or web-based Email) is driven by some underlying software, the term Software as a Service (SaaS) is often used in the context of business applications, and in some cases even more narrowly as software in a category which has on-premises software; i.e., equivalent applications that are installed in businesses' computer networks or personal computers."

Click Here to Learn More from Wikipedia