INTRODUCTION: Digital Media Becomes A Corporate Asset Worth Managing Well
Is every company now a media company? The debate continues, but one thing is clear: a well-functioning media management operation is now an essential part of any successful marketing strategy.
Thirty years ago, the need for organized, scalable digital asset management was primarily a concern for traditional media companies. However, in today’s digital landscape, businesses across all industries face similar challenges. The rise of multi-channel digital marketing and advertising, combined with advancements in content software, has led brands to adopt Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems. These systems are no longer just used to archive internal creative assets like imagery, photography, and video; they’ve evolved into active platforms for sharing creative assets with distributors, retailers, partners, and even customers.
In the early days, DAM systems were considered a “System of Record,” a central hub for storing approved, ready-to-use assets and archiving content for historical purposes. DAMs were often integrated with Product Information Management (PIM) systems, which stored technical product details like SKU numbers, labels, and product imagery. The primary goal was ensuring consistent access to the right assets when needed, ensuring their proper usage across the company.
Over the past decade, however, both DAM and PIM systems have evolved. They’ve transitioned from simple storage repositories to dynamic “systems of engagement.” As real-time content management and consumption became more important, these systems required deeper integration, not just for managing assets but for ensuring they were legal, compliant, and accessible to internal teams and consumers. This shift has led to the rise of cloud-based digital rights management solutions, making asset access more dynamic and complex.
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Table of Contents of “CMI Market Guide: The Rise of Digital Brand Compliance”: