The Truth About Cloud Storage vs. DAM

In the early days, digital asset management (DAM) vendors were constantly peppered with one question: “How is this different from Dropbox?” While savvy marketers can answer this question standing on their heads, the rest of us still struggle with the differences. Allow me to give you a lil’ DAM 101 — here are three key differences between DAM platforms and basic cloud storage.

Files vs. Brand Assets

These are two VERY different things. Take a logo for example: a logo includes several files with sizes, versions, and different file extensions (like .eps, .jiff, and .jpeg). This rings true for most asset types like product images, sales sheets, and executive bios. Some assets are even more difficult to reduce to a single file — consider fonts, colors, and press mentions. A good DAM platform will allow you to showcase and distribute the unique complexities of your brand assets as a whole, and not just singular files.

Storing Files vs. Brand Logistics

Tools like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive do a great job at storing files, while DAM platforms like Brandfolder are all about brand logistics. Again, these are two very different things. Beyond offering cloud storage, a solid DAM solution will offer tools that empower marketers and creatives to focus on core tasks. The following DAM features will extend your cloud storage story:

• File conversion: A good DAM platform will act as a self-service tool for converting file types; you’ll be able to go from a vector file to .jpeg without downloading and using 3rd party tools.
• File resizing: Once you send a product image off, it’s only a matter of time before you get the reply: “Can you send me this logo is a a few different sizes?” A DAM platform will enable anyone to easily resize a file to suit their needs.
• Custom metadata: Those that have tried to search and discover assets on a shared drive (or worse, SharePoint), know that the struggle is real. DAM platforms allow you to easily search metadata and locate assets quickly.
• Analytics: Once you send off that DropBox link, it’s gone into the abyss. Did they download it? Share it? Discard it? With the right DAM solution, you’ll always be in the know about how your assets are used.

Consumption Layer

Lastly, a good DAM platform will act as a consumption layer on top of your existing file management solution. Everyone agrees that Content Management Systems (CMS) do a great job of storing files. But, when the discussion turns to discovery, distribution, and monitoring, marketers start to cringe.

That’s why it’s crucial for your DAM platform to integrate with the tools you use everyday. Brandfolder’s DAM features can live inside SalesForce, InDesign, Slack, or Office 365, allowing for easy access to assets from applications your employees already love.

Be a DAM Baller Go beyond the basics of cloud storage, and find a solution that can handle all the complexities of your brand. Brandfolder’s easy-to-implement DAM platform will have your creatives doing what they should be doing: creating amazing content. Let us handle the logistics of organization, distribution, and enforcement of your brand, so you can focus on creating your best work.

Interested in learning more about Brandfolder? We’d love to build you a complimentary demonstration. Just click on the button below to get in touch.