Cloud Digital Asset Management: What is it and how does it work?

What is cloud digital asset management (DAM)?

Cloud digital asset management (DAM) (aka: SaaS DAM) is the name for all the processes and activities that enable users to access, store, manage, organize, and collaborate on various digital assets online. 

A cloud DAM platform acts as an organization’s system of record for its digital assets, which include images, text files, videos, or any other type of digital file.

Cloud-based DAM can be accessed through a web browser and is hosted on a network of remote servers. This means that the digital assets stored in the DAM can be accessed from anywhere in the world — and on a wide variety of devices — as long as a user has a direct and secure internet connection. 

What’s more, cloud-DAM is a fast-moving technology in terms of the pace of AI-related innovations, and this means that many cloud DAM users can take advantage of new tools and features as and when they’re ready.

On-premise vs. cloud DAM: What's the difference?

These two models differ significantly from each other in terms of their architecture, how they are maintained, and how scalable they are. 

Below, we can see the key differences between the two approaches across important aspects like security, scalability, and cost:

Cloud DAM or on-premise? Watch our webinar to discover what the difference is, and which may be best for your organization.

Is an on-premise DAM more secure than a cloud DAM?

Unlike the cloud-based DAM model, an on-premise DAM is hosted internally on an organization’s own servers, with aspects like security and data storage managed by its own IT support. 

Traditionally, this type of approach was often adopted by companies working within highly regulated industries that felt managing everything in-house provided more security. 

The reality however, is that DAMs based in the cloud can be just as secure, if not more so, due to the dedicated, more agile support that vendors (like Bynder) can provide. 

For example, compared to an on-premise set-up, a cloud DAM can receive timely updates and patches more regularly, fully adhere to compliance and regulatory requirements, and have proper disaster recovery measures in place should a server or data center fail. 

Is on-premise DAM more expensive than cloud DAM?

Despite first appearances, on-premise DAM can end up being more expensive to set up and run compared to cloud-based DAM.

One reason for this is that, despite having access to their own in-house IT team, many organizations soon find that, if there’s a problem, work has to grind to a complete halt.

This can result in more IT staff being hired, which incurs an extra long-term cost for the organization.

Another way on-premise DAM can prove to be dearer than a cloud DAM, is that any newly bought on-premise DAM technology can become outdated in just a few years. This leaves businesses with the significant burden of paying to replace everything, meaning the long-term investment cost soon mounts up.

The need to replace one physical system with another can also cause a great deal of work in terms of data migration, repeating the onboarding process, and retraining.

Furthermore, on-premise DAM doesn’t offer the same benefits as a cloud DAM when it comes to how easy it is to scale up and down, conduct essential system maintenance, and provide remote access to users.

Features of cloud digital asset management software

Cloud DAM is usually subscription-based
This means that there’s a lower upfront cost compared to using an on-premise DAM. The subscription cost covers things like onboarding, training, updates, technical support, and help to scale up or down.

Users can access the DAM platform from anywhere in the world 
The cloud DAM can be accessed by anyone who has been granted permission, and from anywhere, using a secure internet connection. This ultimately improves levels of collaboration within the organization.

General upkeep of the DAM is taken care of for you
Software updates and general maintenance are handled by the cloud DAM vendor. It means that your teams can stay focused on using the system, as they won’t need to worry about spending time addressing things like technical issues or bug fixes. 

Easier API access and integrations
Cloud DAM typically offers easier access to APIs and smoother integrations with other cloud-based tools (CRM, PIM, CMS, etc.). This connectivity improves efficiency and saves your team time jumping between different platforms and systems.

Set-up is usually quick
Setting up a cloud-based DAM is typically a swift, straightforward process, often concluding within just a few days or weeks, depending on how complex the setup needs to be for your organization.

Quicker user access to new AI-related innovations
A cloud DAM vendor like Bynder actively invests in R&D for AI innovations, with access to brand new/Beta features rolled out to customers as soon as they’re tested and deemed ready.    

What are the benefits of a cloud DAM system?

The benefits of a cloud DAM include, but are not limited to: 

Acting as a system of record for all digital assets across all systems and channels

By acting as the central hub for all digital assets, the cloud DAM becomes the authoritative source for managing, storing, and distributing all of the organization’s assets.

Real-life example: RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) — a UK charity with over 230 lifeboat stations and thousands of employees based across the country — uses Bynder’s DAM as its system of record for all its digital assets. This has proved essential considering that a large proportion of RNLI’s content is based on sensitive, real-life emergencies like sea rescues.

Leveraging AI to simplify content management 

Content operations become more efficient due to the cloud DAM’s ability to automate time-consuming processes like setting up workflows, tagging, and identifying duplicate files. Users can also harness AI-driven searches for quicker, easier file retrieval.

Real life example: Formula 1 racing team Sauber Motorsport AG use Bynder AI Search Experience to speed up content asset discovery and distribution. For example, Sauber’s comms team regularly uses the Face Recognition feature to automatically detect their team members in trackside photos.

Maintaining full control over asset usage and compliance

Users can control asset access and usage rights, meaning that the risk of unapproved assets being used is eliminated, and the organization’s brand reputation is more protected.

Real life example: Lucid Motors uses Bynder DAM’s Brand Guidelines solution as its single system of record for all assets relating to Lucid’s brand identity. It ensures that everyone can access and always use the correct, most up-to-date files.

Delivering higher levels of brand consistency

Content ROI is increased because users can create more ‘on-brand’ content — and without compromising brand consistency.

Real life example: As well as leveraging Bynder’s DAM as the foundation for its content operations, Campari Group relies on it to drive better brand consistency across its portfolio of 50+ brands. 

Two use cases for choosing cloud DAM over on-premise DAM

Here are two further examples of Bynder customers that moved from on-premise to cloud DAM — and how this shift has greatly benefitted them.

Five Guys

Since making the switch from on-premise DAM, Five Guys has been able to:

• Easily and efficiently scale up its content operations, and in parallel with the international expansion of the business.
• Provide digital asset access to all employees, wherever they’re based in the world.
• Stop worrying about spontaneous internal server crashes.

RAI Amsterdam

Since moving from an on-premise DAM to a cloud-based Bynder DAM, RAI Amsterdam has been able to:

• Dramatically improve collaboration and visibility amongst its users
• Reduce total time spent searching for assets and eliminating duplicate files
• Cut photography costs by around 30%.

How to pick the best cloud DAM for your business

Selecting the right DAM solution relies on being able to identify what your organization needs — now and in the future — and then selecting a DAM partner that can evolve with your business because they align well with those needs.

In general, when you’re conducting your assessment of different cloud digital asset management companies, consider factors such as security, composability, user-friendliness, search capabilities, and whether the DAM solution is powered by in-built AI capabilities. 

Take a look at Bynder’s DAM Comparison Guide for some helpful guidance on how to assess DAM vendors.