Colorado Mesa University is seeking a Digital Asset Management (DAM) solution for the University to create a
central repository for creative and content materials and manage large quantities of digital assets in a single
centralized content hub. CMU currently uses local network drives for saving files; Adobe Bridge is used for
previewing and finding images, but search functionality is limited. Without robust searching and tagging, staff
spend excessive time – sometimes hours each week – just locating digital assets. The network drive has become an
unmanaged repository for all creative media with no processes or infrastructure in place for review, approval and
optimization of assets prior to library entrance. The University’s photo library currently contains approximately
750,000 files using 8TB of storage, a large portion which may be duplicates or poor quality and not necessary for
migration to the DAM.
Still images are the primary focus of DAM. Video is of interest as well and will be assessed for value relative to cost
for hosting video assets and performance if working on video assets while hosted in the DAM and not locally.
Currently video assets are saved primarily on external hard drives with no good estimate of total storage size. As the needs of the University continue to grow, MarComm needs a robust solution that creates efficiencies within
the operation and increases productivity and output, gaining visibility of digital assets where they are needed for all
users. A solution shall be presented that frees up staff time to complete more projects and decrease response
times. The solution should have fast performance and not hinder creative design waiting for search results and
image previews to load; provide a seamless way to share assets with our advertising agency and other entities that
require files; and have functionality by which external photographers can share their assets with CMU for review
and approval.
The University is interested in related and integrated product solutions that can further increase productivity within
the department in consideration with the DAM.