Welcome to The Data Download, our monthly roundup of news, insights, and upcoming events from Dot Group. As we start 2025, the themes that defined 2024 – efficient data management, sustainability, and technological innovation – continue to shape our industry’s evolution.
Building on last year’s momentum, we’re excited to share some game-changing developments that will make enterprise-grade data transfer more accessible than ever, along with updates on sustainability initiatives that are transforming broadcast operations.
Game-Changing News:
IBM Aspera’s New Pricing Structure
IBM Aspera, the gold standard in secure, high-speed file transfer, has dramatically reduced its entry-level pricing with the introduction of the Essentials Edition. Starting at just £239 per terabyte, this fully hosted solution in IBM Cloud makes enterprise-grade transfer speeds accessible to organisations of all sizes.
The package includes unlimited tethered nodes, dedicated workspace, and coverage for your first 10 TB of egress pass-through provider costs. This transformative shift opens new possibilities for content creators, broadcasters, and post-production houses who need to move large files quickly and securely across global distances.
Industry Outlook:
Sustainability Takes Centre Stage
Our Commercial Director, Lee Otterway, recently shared his insights in TVBEurope about the transformative role of sustainability in M&E for 2025. Following a year of increased awareness and commitment to environmental initiatives, Lee predicts 2025 will be “the year of action.” He notes that broadcasters are moving beyond intentions to implement practical solutions, particularly in areas like remote production and resource utilisation.
With budgets tightening across the industry, the focus is on solutions that can reduce both carbon footprint and costs through data-driven decision-making.
Event Spotlight:
ITV White City’s Kit Expo
We kicked off 2025 with an exciting discussion on sustainability at ITV White City’s exclusive Kit Expo. Lee Otterway and IBM’s Suyash Srivastava showcased how GreenOps and FinOps solutions can drive efficiency and optimise costs while promoting greener operations. The event, organised by NXTGENbps and BPS – Broadcast & Production Services, provided valuable insights into the future of sustainable broadcasting.
A highlight of the expo was our presentation of “Sustainability Reimagined,” which demonstrates how AI-powered solutions can transform both environmental impact and financial performance. The presentation showcased three key IBM technologies:
- IBM Apptio for AI-powered financial optimisation with a sustainability focus,
- IBM Turbonomic for intelligent resource management and performance optimisation, and
- IBM Envizi for advanced ESG reporting and sustainability management.
Together, these solutions demonstrate how data-driven insights can revolutionise sustainability efforts while maintaining operational excellence.
Upcoming:
Exclusive Sustainability Dinner
Join us for an intimate evening exploring the intersection of environmental responsibility and cost optimisation in media operations. Hosted at the prestigious St. James’s Hotel & Club in Mayfair, this exclusive dinner will feature discussions on:
- Combining GreenOps and FinOps strategies for broadcast workflows
- Reducing carbon emissions while maintaining content quality
- Leveraging cloud and AI for sustainable broadcasting
The evening includes a three-course meal designed by renowned Chef William Drabble. Limited spaces are available – contact Lee Otterway to secure your place.
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Venue: St. James’s Hotel & Club, 7-8 Park Pl, London SW1A 1LS
To learn more about any of these updates or to discuss your data management needs, do get in touch.