A comprehensive guide to cloud-based DAM software

Symbols represent how a cloud-based DAM handles versions of assets.

Organizations are increasingly turning to cloud-based DAM software to solve many content operation and workflow challenges they are facing.

If you are managing a large volume of digital assets, you likely struggle with:

Disorganized content storage

Difficulty locating specific assets

Version control issues

Brand consistency problems

Modern cloud-based DAM solutions provide organizations with better ways to manage their digital assets and brand identity, accelerate content production, collaborate efficiently on content programs, and improve content ROI.

Cloud-based DAM defined

Cloud-based DAM (digital asset management) software is an online repository system that allows users to store, organize, manage, access, and collaboratively work with their organization’s digital assets.

Digital assets refer to an organization’s digitally stored files. Digital assets should be easy to access, distribute, and share, creating brand value.

Digital asset examples can include documents, images, videos, logos, graphics, and audio files.

What is the difference between cloud-based DAM and on-premises DAM solutions?

Let’s explore the differences between cloud-based DAM and on-premises DAM solutions:

Cloud-based DAM solution

Here are a few reasons to consider a cloud-based DAM solution:

Hosted on remote servers and managed by a third-party provider

Accessible on-demand from anywhere with an internet connection

Easily scalable to accommodate an organization’s growth

Typically utilizes a subscription-based pricing model with little up-front costs

Software maintenance and updates are managed by the DAM vendor

Usually includes security measures such as encryption, firewalls, and data stored offsite

On-premises DAM solution

While an on-premises DAM solution can be beneficial, check out the following list to see if it’s right for you:

Located on your organization’s servers at the company’s physical premises

Limited access within the company network unless configured for remote access

It may require significant investment in hardware, infrastructure, and IT resources to scale

Usually requires a significant up-front investment in hardware and software licenses, with ongoing expenditures for maintenance and IT support

Security protocols implemented solely by your organization

Image containing text of the seven benefits of using a cloud-based DAM platform, including centralized library, enhanced asset search, and streamlined collaboration over a blue background.

What are the benefits of a cloud-based DAM platform?

A cloud-based DAM platform can benefit organizations like yours that possess a large number of digital assets. The benefits of digital asset management platforms are numerous:

Centralizes your library

Everyone can access your organization’s valuable digital assets on-demand when stored inside a cloud-based DAM platform.

Enhances asset search

Cloud-based DAM software’s powerful search capabilities make locating digital assets faster and easier.

Streamlines collaboration

Teams working from a cloud-based DAM platform can collaborate efficiently on content across the marketing toolkit, speeding up workflows and production.

Simplifies digital asset distribution

When digital assets are centralized in a DAM platform, they can be easily distributed using connectors to websites, email, social media, and more.

Ensures brand consistency

Cloud-based DAM software gives organizations a centralized platform for brand management, enforcing brand consistency across channels.

Allows flexibility to scale

Since a cloud-based DAM platform is online, an organization can expand their storage capacity to align with their organization’s growth.

Secures your content

Cloud-based DAM software provides granular access and user permissions in a secure digital asset library.

Top cloud-based DAM platform features

Top cloud-based DAM platforms offer a host of features that are critical to managing digital assets effectively:

Centralized storage for all your digital assets
Auto-tagging and text recognition capabilities to reduce metadata management
AI-powered search and AI face recognition capabilities for faster file retrieval
Version control aligns teams around the most up-to-date assets
Collaboration tools and digital asset management workflows to streamline team efficiency
Integration capabilities with existing platforms to speed up production
DAM and CDN built-in to offer faster web page load times
Content controls, brand style guides, and digital rights management (DRM) tools to manage brand assets
Automatic backups and updates with the latest features and security patches

Top industries that use a cloud-based DAM platform

Here are the top industries taking advantage of the many benefits that a cloud-based DAM platform offers:

E-commerce and retail brands use cloud-based DAM software and PIM software to launch new products faster, collaborate efficiently between teams, and maintain omnichannel brand consistency

Marketing agencies utilize cloud-based DAM software to streamline creative operations, quickly distribute approved client storyboards, and get client concepts approved faster

Media and entertainment companies efficiently manage vast media libraries with cloud-based DAM software, streamlining content operations and growing audiences at scale

Hospitality brands deliver stronger branded channel experiences, optimize creative operations, and efficiently collaborate across teams with a cloud-based DAM platform

Why Canto is the industry-leading DAM platform

If you’re ready to move your content library to a cloud-based DAM platform, consider Canto, the leader in digital asset management.

Canto’s DAM helps organizations like yours to store, organize, find, and distribute content faster than ever. Canto accelerates content workflows, improves content ROI, boosts collaboration, and helps automate content distribution.

Check out all the valuable features you get with Canto’s cloud-based DAM solution:

Scan and access media across your library instantly with Canto AI Visual Search and facial recognition

Organize your content faster with Smart Tags, Smart Albums, and text recognition

Collaborate efficiently with Workflows, Workspaces, comments, and annotations

Manage your brand and content with DRM tools, approval statuses, expiration dates, and more

Automatically distribute media in the perfect sizes and ratios across storefronts and platforms with Media Delivery Cloud

Self-serve marketing and sales teams with Canto’s unlimited Portals, share links, and download presets