Despite these findings, only 27% of respondents are currently using communications networks to transfer content while the majority of media companies still rely on traditional content delivery methods, with couriers the most common mode of rich media file transportation (90%).
Media companies have always relied on the fast transfer of large volumes of rich content between sites, often to tight deadlines. For instance, a television production house might need to transfer a programme to a second site for review and editing, before returning it to the original location and then on to a third site for broadcast. IP-based NGNs provide the high capacity and low latency required to cost-effectively transfer high density content in real time, cutting out the need for couriers and storage of hard copies of content.
Survey results found that as many as 87% of media company respondents do not intend to or have not yet considered migrating to this type of network, despite the obvious benefits. Almost a quarter (23%) reported that they were unaware of the benefits NGNs could offer them or didn't feel the technology was relevant to their business.
Phil Male, Chief Operating Officer at Thus, said: "Our research demonstrates that, although some media companies are moving away from traditional delivery methods, most are still missing out on the speed, reliability and cost benefits that an NGN can deliver. As awareness of NGNs increases, we expect a wave of NGN adoption in the media sector over the next few years. NGNs provide media companies with the ability to send business-critical content to any location, in real time, at the touch of the button, as well as to store files electronically. This enables greater collaboration between businesses, improves customer satisfaction, and allows companies to locate anywhere in the country, away from the traditional London media hub."
Male continued: "Media companies deploying an NGN will see benefits far beyond content transfer. NGNs carry voice, data and video across a single network, reducing network capital expenditure and running costs. NGNs will also future-proof the network to support newer applications such as voice over IP, multi-casting, and multi-media applications, while offering support for remote and mobile working."