By Phil Wandrei
Product Marketing Manager, Spectra Logic
When it comes to media migration, handling the project internally can seem like a smart, cost-saving option. After all, your IT team knows your systems well, and the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach appears straightforward. But as with many DIY projects, things can quickly spiral into a time-consuming, costly endeavor. Let’s explore why professional services are a better choice for media migrations and why relying on internal teams may not be as efficient or affordable as it seems.
The Risks of DIY
Much like home improvement projects, DIY IT efforts can appear deceptively simple. You envision a smooth process, but unexpected challenges can turn that vision into a long, stressful ordeal. Imagine fixing an electrical outlet only to realize you need specialized tools and several trips to the hardware store. Media migrations, like home repairs, often seem manageable until you encounter unexpected complexities—resulting in delays and frustration.
Hiring a professional for media migrations, like calling in an electrician, provides expertise and ensures the project is done right the first time, preventing unnecessary issues from arising later.
Why Expertise Matters
A successful media migration requires deep knowledge of both legacy and modern media systems. Professionals in this field, such as those with Rio Media Migration Services, specialize in these transitions. Their experience minimizes the risks of data loss, corruption and workflow disruption—risks that internal IT teams may not be equipped to handle efficiently.
In contrast, an IT team attempting the task may face a steep learning curve. Media migrations from systems like DIVA, Kumulate, or FlashNet to modern object-based archives can be intricate to identify all databases and accurately scope the project, especially without specialized tools or experience. A professional services team ensures every aspect of the migration is completed securely and accurately.
Time Efficiency and Opportunity Costs
Time is one of the most overlooked costs in DIY projects. A professional media migration service can complete the job much faster than an internal team, which may need weeks or months to research, plan and execute the project. Professionals use proven processes and tools to streamline the transition.
A recent example is SportsNet New York (SNY).
“With the help of their [Spectra] Professional Services (PS) and Support teams, we easily and efficiently transitioned from our legacy archive system to Spectra’s BlackPearl using modern software methods. This has allowed us to expand our capabilities & performance to serve our users reliably and effectively.” – Randy Bishop, Systems Manager, SportsNet New York. Read the complete SNY case study.
There’s also the matter of opportunity costs. While your IT team is busy migrating assets, they’re not focusing on other critical business tasks. The time spent on migration may far exceed the cost of hiring professionals who can do the job more efficiently. What you save upfront by going DIY could cost more in the long run in terms of lost productivity.
Hidden Costs of DIY
While the DIY approach may initially seem the cheaper option, there are often hidden costs. Errors during migration can lead to data loss or system issues that require costly repairs or rework. Additionally, downtime caused by an inefficient or problematic migration can disrupt operations, leading to further financial losses. With professional services, you’re paying for peace of mind. The migration is handled by experts who provide guarantees, ensuring they’ll be corrected without additional costs if issues arise.
The Value of Professional Tools and Support
Professional migration services come equipped with advanced tools and specialized software that an internal IT team might not have access to. These tools ensure a faster, more precise migration with minimal disruptions to ongoing operations. Additionally, professionals follow structured processes, including post-migration reviews, ensuring everything runs smoothly, with any potential issues addressed promptly.
Why Going Pro is the Smarter Choice
While DIY media migration may seem appealing from a budget perspective, the risks, time commitment and potential hidden costs often outweigh the benefits. Hiring a professional service like Rio Media Migration Services ensures a smooth, efficient and secure transition, freeing your IT team to focus on what they do best. Ultimately, investing in professionals for media migrations isn’t just about saving time—it’s about getting the job done right, with fewer headaches and long-term value.
Contact Spectra Logic to learn more about Rio Media Migration Services.
