Back to Workflows
Creative Agency Streamlining IT with Microsoft 365 and NAS
Company Situation
The company is a creative agency specializing in media production and digital communications for local businesses. Their services include social media management, website development, video content creation, and project-based video and design editing. The agency’s team operates across multiple locations, including remote users in different countries, supporting a hybrid environment of Windows and Mac devices. Their IT support is managed by a third-party MSP focused on aligning technology solutions to company needs.
Existing Workflow
Currently, the agency relies on an on-premises server setup with multiple Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices to store and manage their creative assets. They have started migrating business data to cloud platforms like Microsoft 365 and SharePoint but continue to use local NAS systems for large creative files. The agency’s Mac users have historically had less standardized storage solutions. Remote users accessing files from international locations add further complexity. The MSP has explored distributed NAS systems and cloud storage providers such as Wasabi and LucidLink as potential alternatives.
Issues with the Existing Workflow
Fragmented storage across multiple NAS devices and on-prem servers complicates file access and management.
Mixed operating system environments (Windows and Mac) result in inconsistent user experiences.
Remote users in different countries face challenges accessing large creative files efficiently.
SharePoint is too costly and not optimized for large creative assets, making it unsuitable for their needs.
Lack of integrated workflows like file preview, tagging, asset management, and review/approval processes.
Difficulty consolidating multiple tools, leading to inefficiencies and higher overhead.
How Shade Would Change Their Workflow
Shade offers a cloud-native, workflow-oriented platform that not only provides cost-effective, scalable storage but also layers advanced asset management capabilities on top. By implementing Shade, the agency would be able to:
- Replace multiple NAS devices with a single, mountable cloud storage solution accessible across all locations and devices.
- Provide seamless access to large creative files for both Windows and Mac users, including remote collaborators globally.
- Utilize integrated metadata tagging, searchability, and file preview features, enhancing organization and reducing time spent locating assets.
- Introduce review and approval workflows with timestamped comments and annotations, streamlining project collaboration without needing additional tools.
- Share files securely with internal and external stakeholders via shareable links, improving communication and company engagement.
Benefits
- Simplified and centralized cloud storage accessible from anywhere and any device.
- Cost-effective storage solution tailored for large creative asset workloads.
- Improved collaboration through integrated review and approval workflows.
- Enhanced asset discoverability and management with metadata and search tools.
- Reduced complexity and cost by consolidating storage and workflow tools into one platform.
- Better support for hybrid environments and remote users, increasing productivity.
Technologies Used
Want to see how Shade can improve your workflow?
Book a Demo