Windows, Mac, Linux: Digital Asset Management Across Operating Systems
The challenge for every IT manager when procuring software is that every OS has its ecosystem of programs, programming languages, and techniques for setting up policies and configurations. Furthermore, different operating systems do not integrate well.
When choosing new company-wide software, it is essential to look for one that works with the operating systems of your teams. In the past, employers could easily ensure the consistency of operating systems and software compatibility with the company-issued desktop and laptop computers. Yet, when remote and hybrid working environments become more common, with workers shuttling between work and home using a mix of company and personal devices, it is more challenging for IT managers to ensure a unified and consistent OS across teams.
Especially since the purpose of a Digital Asset Management (DAM) solution is to empower collaboration and break content silos, having software that functions well on one OS and fails to work on another is counterproductive.
Why are Operating Systems important?
An operating system is a kind of software that manages your computer's resources, such as memory and storage. It also manages the applications you use on your computer. This means that an operating system controls how your computer boots up, performs maintenance on itself, and interacts with other devices. The best-known operating systems are Windows, Mac OS X (from Apple), and Linux (from open source developers).
Operating systems are essential because they provide the underlying structure for all your computer’s operations. The main goals are to ensure that it is convenient, efficient and is capable of evolution.
The functions of an OS are to:
- furnish a user interface
- manage resources like memory and processes
- handle input and output operations
- ensure security by protecting the data and resources of a computer system
- assist in coordinating between software and users
Without an operating system, you wouldn’t be able to do anything on your computer, and it would just be a big screen that does simply nothing.
Then comes the question: DAM software works the same on any operating system, right? Well, it all depends on the type of software you select. On-premise DAM software mac might look the same and function the same as windows software, but behind the scenes, they work differently across operating systems. In comparison, web-based and cloud-based software allow for cross-OS usage.
Digital Asset Management For Mac, Windows or Linux
But what if you specifically want DAM software for mac? Perhaps you are a design or marketing freelancer, a photographer or a small business owner using the Mac OS; you may think you do not require a universal DAM at the get-go.
Or maybe you are a team of software engineers who want to implement a digital asset management Linux solution? Or just someone whose entire company uses the Windows operating system and is looking for DAM software windows.
Well, think again. Most companies and even freelancers don’t work in silos.
DAMs help companies organize their digital and media files efficiently, so they don't spend too much time searching and retrieving the latest on-brand assets. At the same time, it functions to assist them in collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders.
Do you have to send your digital and media assets to external parties? Ever wanted to send a completed media file for print to vendors? How can you ensure they can access the Digital Asset Management software mac users utilize to transfer files if they use Windows?
Even if your entire company uses one primary operating system, it is impossible to assume that everyone else outside of the organization can access the same DAM mac software to retrieve media assets.
Save time and reduce all these troubleshooting resources by implementing a DAM that works across operating systems!
Web-based and Cloud-based Digital Asset Management
Rather than worrying about how your Digital Asset Management Mac software is not compatible with other Windows and Linux operating systems, perhaps web-based and cloud-based DAMs are your alternatives.
In fact, many Digital Asset Management software in the market are one of the two. They allow teams to collaborate and access digital and media assets on the web or the cloud.
Web-based DAMs are designed to run on a web browser. They share many similarities with cloud-based DAMs and have the potential to evolve into a cloud application. However, they don’t have customizations and can only function as long as you have an internet connection.
In comparison, cloud DAMS are able to function completely or at least partially offline, making them great in environments with spotty internet connectivity. Cloud-based Digital Asset Management allows you to store and access all your files from anywhere and it’s ideal for people who work with multiple devices and different operating systems because it has a unified cloud-based interface that is accessible from anywhere.
Headless DAMs are also increasingly popular as they function without a user interface. Companies get to deploy a Digital Asset Management system via APIs in a cloud network, working alongside existing collaboration tools and business systems - CMS, PIMs, CRMs. This means that it is also operating-system agnostic.
Key Takeaways
If you are in the market looking for the Best Digital Asset Management Software for Windows, Mac, or Linux, you’ll be glad to know that most DAM providers can support all of them!
Want a performant and powerful DAM to support your company’s digital transformation? Have a look at Scaleflex’s Filerobot Digital Asset Management and discover how you can organize, process and deliver optimized digital media assets anywhere on any device, rocket fast!
Schedule a demo with our DAM experts to learn more today!