Signiant Announces Version 9.0 of Content Distribution Management (CDM) Software

Signiant has released Version 9.0 of its Content Distribution Management (CDM) system for media and IT-based organizations. CDM Version 9.0 includes new modules and enhancements that expedite the transfer of large files between individuals and organizations, simplify resource management and job prioritization, and add flexible security for large enterprise users.

Signiant’s product family for content supply chain management provides a managed platform for any organization to securely and seamlessly exchange digital media assets internally, and with business partners outside the enterprise. A key new feature in CDM Version 9.0 is the Media Gateway module, which creates a link between CDM, primarily used for automated, rule-based file transfers, and Signiant’s Media Exchange solution for interactive content exchanges that users initiate from a web browser interface.

With the Media Gateway module, Media Exchange users can take advantage of the robust automation features within the core CDM system to perform specific actions affecting their interactive content exchanges. For instance, the user might need to have a file virus-scanned and watermarked before sending it to the recipient’s network. In this case, the user simply drops the file into a folder and the gateway transfers the file to the CDM system, which performs the desired tasks and then sends the file on to the recipient. Conversely, an automated process can drop files into Media Exchange for delivery to an end user’s desktop.

Also within CDM Version 9.0, a new Resource Management module adds powerful capabilities for queuing delivery of assets and managing the network bandwidth and server resources needed for content exchanges. Operations can now prioritize the delivery of assets based upon attributes such as revenue, margins, service level requirements, and news deadlines with either automated or manual delivery to B2B partners or to buyers, and they can apply internal business rules and workflows. For example, a global news network might have an automated process that moves 10 pieces of video content between its Los Angeles and Sydney news bureaus. Users can give priority to content depending on when it is scheduled to air; e.g., a piece scheduled for tomorrow’s news can get priority over one scheduled for next week. If a deadline changes or a major news story breaks, the delivery schedule can be easily modified. Also, the company can establish policies for managing the high-bandwidth connection between Los Angeles and Sydney that allocates percentages to different groups within the organization; e.g., 40 percent to news operations, 20 percent to the marketing group, etc. This ensures that bandwidth resources are used as cost-effectively as possible, and different groups always have the bandwidth they require without “stepping on” the bandwidth assigned to other groups.

Additionally, CDM Version 9.0 enhances Signiant’s enterprise-class security by integrating with client companies’ own authentication servers, enabling them to extend their own directory services to Media Exchange users. Designed to work within the enterprise security schemes of large corporations, the integration enables Media Exchange to be used by up to tens of thousands of employees. With a connector into the company’s directory services, Media Exchange can authenticate users at log-in using the same usernames and passwords they have been assigned for other network services such as e-mail — enhancing network performance and streamlining security at the enterprise level.

“A big theme of CDM Version 9.0 is time and cost savings. Each new enhancement provides high-value functionality for digital content exchanges that might otherwise require costly and time-consuming professional services and custom development. With CDM Version 9.0, secure management of the enterprise content chain has never been easier, more cost-effective, or more flexible,” said Tony Lapolito, vice president of product management and marketing for Signiant. “The Media Gateway enables users to bridge the two Signiant worlds of automated file transfers and interactive content exchanges by adding powerful automated services to their tasks. The Resource Management module simplifies administration and makes content exchanges more efficient than ever in accordance with changing business policies. In addition, the new integration with authentication servers gives large companies an unprecedented level of enterprise-class security for large numbers of users.”