DAM Deployment Options

Enterprise Digital Asset Management Systems

The largest and most comprehensive type of Digital Asset Management system provides complete, enterprise-wide support with a broad range of functionality and configurability. Typically these DAM systems are configured uniquely to support specific customer workflows, provide branded user interfaces and integrate seamlessly with other enterprise systems such as fulfillment systems, authentication systems, transaction servers or internet portals.

The DAM system is installed on a customer's hardware and has dedicated administrators ensuring its smooth operation. What separates these DAM solutions from departmental systems is the ability to support multiple databases or distributed repositories as well as distribute specific application services on dedicated servers in multiple locations.

Workgroup Digital Asset Management Systems

The second type of DAM system is best suited for both smaller organizations and departments, and organizations with specific requirements (such as a distribution portal or digital media archive). These DAM systems tend to cost less and are easier to configure. In general, they can only support one database and therefore lack the ability to scale, distribute application resources or support multiple repositories associated with larger enterprise systems. DAM systems that are positioned for departmental use, but lack a database, secure file system and/or rely on desktop-based file sharing should not be used for mission-critical data.

Hosted Digital Asset Management Systems

The third type of Digital Asset Management system is a hosted, web-based system provided via an application service provider (ASP). DAM systems are hosted on the provider's hardware and administered by the provider.

The initial start-up cost for an ASP based DAM system tends to be lower, but represents an ongoing financial commitment to the customer and typically requires a 12-month minimum contract. When considering a hosted system, another important criteria to consider is whether the data and metadata can easily be migrated to other systems and/or whether the hosted environment can be easily and cost effectively converted to an installed software platform.