Tip #32

Many cloud based platforms have an API or application programming interface available so that they can be seamlessly integrated with other systems.  WebDAM is no exception. Learn about the WebDAM API on our developer’s page.

Our application programming interface (API) provides an easy way for developers to securely connect your WebDAM to other business applications and processes.  Wish you could be in your CMS and pull photos straight from your WebDAM?  Want to route sales enablement documents right to your CRM?  Dying to automate WebDAM uploads to your website?  If you’ve answered “Yes!” to any of these questions then today is your lucky day because now DAM integration has no limits.

Many organizations including Box, The American College of Physicians, salesforce.com, United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), among others have already benefited from the REST API by having WebDAM integrated with third-party applications to create automated environments. These players saw that saving time, energy, and money were determining factors for DAM integration and even requested access before this public release.   And now, anyone can get access to the WebDAM API. We’re excited to see how far developers take it and what types of integrations users will want.  With the REST API, customers can create even more convenient and efficient business workflows. Digital asset management has never been better!

To read the official press release, go here:
http://www.webdamsolutions.com/digital-asset-management/webdam-api-press-release

To check out the REST API documentation and other API resources, go here:
http://developers.webdamsolutions.com/api/

Traditional business software is complex.  Really, really complex.  Not only do organizations get locked in to difficult implementations, requiring huge investment, hard-to-reach ROI, but they also force the expensive software to do things it wasn’t designed to do. Take SAP, for instance. SAP provides a suite of business software for enterprise resource management (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) among other things. To implement an enterprise solution like SAP, you need servers, IT (and lots of them), consultants, integration experts, business analysts, and system administrators.  Then, there are a whole host of software applications which run on top of the system to do things such as make it easier to use. 

Solutions like this represent one end of the software spectrum. Organizations have realized it’s an inane IT approach and have pressured the software industry to find a healthier way that provides A) a better user experience B) faster adaptability to business needs and C) improves their bottom line.  As a result, way over on the other end of the spectrum, we now have SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) solutions.  SaaS solutions are hosted in the cloud and are completely managed by the software vendor rather than within the organization.  Most Importantly, SaaS solutions tend to be much more concentrated on specific business problems as well.  For instance, rather than trying to solve every possible business need, like traditional software suites, SaaS solutions tend to focus on a core area of competency.  They go after a specific problem and become the masters at solving it. Whereas on-premise solutions like SAP include ERP, CRM, Product Lifecycle Management, Supply Chain Management and Supplier Relationship Management, solutions like Salesforce.com, focus on delivering a robust and turn-key CRM solution in the cloud – focusing all its energy on a specific niche.

Focus offers a few key advantages:

Ease-of-use:

It is no secret that the more a system does, the harder it is to use.  Sure, there are plenty of exceptions to this rule, but the reality is when software vendors are focused on bloating applications with features, usable design suffers.  Additionally, as you begin to widen the scope of your application, features tend to be less useful to all users, causing user confusion and frustration.  No matter how carefully designed a user interface is, more features means more training and a longer learning curve which can be a difficult hurdle in user adoption for business software.

Customer Focus:

Specialized solutions tend to focus on a certain type of user.  And this focus, allows the vendor to tailor the software to meet that customer’s specific needs and workflows.  For instance, project management solutions are utilized across industries by teams of all sizes and scale and there are plenty of project management products available today, both as part of enterprise business suites and as turn-key cloud solutions.  There are also highly specialized project management solutions, tailored for the needs of specific industries such as construction, design and IT.  These specialized solutions have a much narrower focus and are therefore able to meet the unique needs of these industries.  We often see these narrowly focused solutions readily available as cloud solutions rather than as part of suite of business applications.

Robust Functionality:

We have all heard the question “Do you know a little about a lot? Or, do you know a lot about a little?”  This holds true here.  Systems that are focused on a narrow audience tend to build out a more robust feature set for the needs of that audience.  For instance, content management systems handle all types of content in a rather generic way, whereas document management, digital asset management, and video management solutions (all of which fall under the umbrella of content management) will tackle each of their respective file types in a more thorough manner.  Video management systems might support frame by frame video annotations, whereas digital asset management systems focused on marketing and creative needs and workflows.

With that said, too narrow of a focus means fewer features and less requirements being met.  So how do cloud vendors compete with the extensive capabilities of complex business suites, while still delivering targeted, focused and easy-to-use solutions?  Integration, Integration, Integration!

Cloud solutions have the added benefit of a relatively simple means of integration.  Web APIs enable us to quickly connect cloud solutions to one another – thereby allowing each vendor to focus on their specialty, while still being able to access data for different business processes.  With a web API, we can integrate solutions to:

Extend functionality:

This might entail building out specialized workflows or features that do not already exist in the system.

Connect complementary solutions:

Through API integration, plugins and apps can be developed to connect systems that might not otherwise be able to communicate.

Customize an application:

Many business needs are so specific that customizations are required in order to fully leverage a system.  Rather than building from scratch, developers can leverage a web API to completely customize a solution.

Today, it is almost impossible for cloud vendors to compete without a web API and integration strategy.  We have seen how effective integration and open developer’s networks have been in the success of products like Salesforce.com (Salesforce’s AppExchange includes hundreds of cloud computing apps available for integration with Salesforce) and with the Google Apps Marketplace (an app exchange offering out-of-the-box integrations of hundreds of tools with the Google Apps suite of products).  Integrated cloud solutions give users the ability to pick and choose specialized solutions to meet their every need without the overhead of managing data from multiple locations.  It is a win-win for both users and vendors.

In summary, when smart best-in-breed technologies work together, businesses work even smarter —faster, more secure, lightweight and with everyone’s favorite buzz word AGILITY.  It seems these buzz words actually mean something to the SaaS, PaaS, and other smart _aaS organizations.

Tip #31

Use lightboxes to select digital assets for projects and collaborate with others.  You can share the lightbox with other users or email a lightbox link or download invite.

Tip #30

Use the Request Manager to manage the many requests for images and brand assets that you receive.  Approve or deny access in one click.

Ladies and gentlemen…

Drumroll please….

[Envelope Opens]

And the winner of our DAM Customer Contest is our very valued customer, Roy Kaltschmidt who also works at Lawrence Berkley Labs, a national organization that brings science solutions to the world.  Congratulations on being the winner of a brand new iPad 2! As a senior photographer and WebDAM admin Roy noted WebDAM as “a well thought out, user friendly database” and “easy to use for even the most novice person.”  Thanks for the kind words Roy, and now you have one of the latest sought after devices where you can stay updated with all our posts in DAM-it! The Blog and whatever else you’d like to use it for.

Cheers!

Stay tuned for more DAM customer contests.

With so many fish in the sea and increased availability of internet-based services, we all ask ourselves “What are the Top Web APIs out there?” After speaking to internal and external web service experts, we have published the answer. Even if you’re not technically inclined, you’re sure to have used some of these popular APIs before. Note that we’d of course rank our beautiful WebDAM API on the list, but since we’re the humble type, we took WebDAM out of the this awards ceremony.

1. Google API http://code.google.com/more/

In the past decade, Google has moved far beyond mere search to maps, social networking, email, and more. Google APIs allow these various tools and services to be interfaced via many applications, bringing the multitude of Google products to just about every nook and cranny of the Internet. Following REST, XML and XSLT standards, Google APIs are designed to be easy-to-use and stable. Google’s endless roadmap of innovation, web services, and web application development make this choice a no brainer.

2. Facebook API https://developers.facebook.com/

The world’s biggest social networking site, Facebook needs no introduction. With the Facebook API, programmers can integrate a more personalized social experience on their own websites, including the ability to “Like” and share pages. Through the Facebook API, Facebook data can connect with countless business apps for endless possibilities.

3. Twitter API https://dev.twitter.com/docs

Known as “the best way to discover what’s new in your world”, Twitter is a real-time information network that continues to allow millions of people to connect and share information for free. The Twitter API is a huge resource —critical to the growth of social media in our world today.  With the Twitter API, programmers have the ability to integrate with everyday personal and business applications, creating automation and quick accessibility for sending and reading tweets. Twitter provides several options, including a Twitter for Websites (TfW) suite of integration tools, along with a Search API, REST API, and Streaming API.  With these web APIs, Twitter is now extended everywhere including blogs, mobile devices, social media sites, and more.

4. Amazon API https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/gp/advertising/api/detail/main.html

Originally a mere bookseller, Amazon is now the marketplace leader selling anything from cat food to web applications —and both Amazon S3 and Amazon EC2 web services offer just as much flexibility. With S3, you can store your files in Amazon’s data center and manage access using the Amazon API, which has both a REST and SOAP interface. Using the Amazon S3 API is a convenient way to expand data storage and leverage other professional web applications. Amazon EC2  is a server farm rental service, where the amazon API can be leveraged for fail-over tools and other web services. The Amazon web API is no doubt, one of the most popular web APIs in the market.

5. Salesforce API http://www.salesforce.com/us/developer/docs/api/index.htm

Salesforce is a leading CRM solution that gives businesses the information and tools necessary to gain and nurture customers. With the salesforce API via the Force.com platform, CRM functionality has become almost limitless. Organizations can customize their salesforce experience to accommodate even the most unique and complex business processes for a streamlined workflow. The salesforce API also allows prebuilt applications to fit any organization. In fact, they provide a number of ways for developers to implement custom features, including a SOAP Web Services API, REST API, Bulk API, Metadata API, Apex, and Visualforce.

6. YouTube API http://code.google.com/apis/youtube/overview.html

The biggest video-sharing website, YouTube’s motto of “Broadcast Yourself” is self-explanatory — average people, not the media, have turned YouTube into an internet juggernaut. This goes even further with the YouTube API, which enables people to integrate the video content and functionality however they want. YouTube provides both a YouTube Data API and a YouTube Player API, allowing programmers great flexibility and control over YouTube’s functionality and content.

7. WordPress API http://codex.wordpress.org/WordPress_API’s

One of the most popular content management systems around, WordPress powers both blogs and websites all over the world. The versatile WordPress API allows many applications to connect with its system via installable WordPress plugins, extending site functionality to incorporate social networks, play multimedia, and much more. Using the open source WordPress API, companies are able apply new functionality and features to Wordpress while instantaneously leveraging a new sales channel. Companies can also use a WordPress API key to manage security of their WordPress API plugin.

8. Box API http://developers.box.net/w/page/12923958/FrontPage

Box.net is a content management system with diverse capabilities to fulfill file management needs in the cloud. From personal users to enterprise solutions, /bin (the Box.net network) provides a box platform, pushing innovative ideas forward for apps built on the Box API. Enterprise technology gets dated quickly in just about any sector, and Box.net focuses on delivering a flexible experience utilizing cloud-based apps integrated with Box. The Box API is becoming more and more recognized as a valuable interface, especially in Silicon Valley.

9. Flickr API http://www.flickr.com/services/developer/

One of the web’s most popular photo sharing systems amongst friends, Flickr offers storage, organization, and display of digital photos. The Flickr API allows for development of different ways to share and organize photos, including integration with other social apps. Flickr also encourages programmers to converse, share, and curate using the Flickr API.

10. Dropbox API http://www.dropbox.com/developers

Dropbox is a collaborative tool that allows for file/document management and sharing across both personal and professional needs. Recently launched, the Dropbox API grants access to Dropbox data from other business applications for easy revisions, file sharing, search, even restoration of previous file versions. Designed for mobile apps and web services on multiple platforms, the Dropbox API is accompanied by various SDKs and tutorials for quick deployment.

Our list of best APIs ranges across many types of features and functionality, but they all have one thing in common: the ability for developers and administrators to evolve business applications into something more. As technologies continue to converge, integration and partnership are becoming increasingly more prominent across the entire landscape. As a result, more and more companies are driving forward together instead of competing with each other. Who benefits from all this? The most important person of all: the user, which is why it’s time to get on the web API bandwagon.

Tip #29

Metadata isn’t just for search!  Leverage your metadata to track copyright and usage information.

So, imagine being able to access your documents, update customer records, automatically refresh websites with content, and control sales materials all from a centralized location—anytime and anywhere in the world. Many have already learned, it is more of a reality than a DAM fantasy. A good DAM platform seamlessly integrates into top business apps, allowing you to pull images, files, and all your digital assets from your DAM and push it to other systems. But, before you try to integrate your DAM with every appliance in your kitchen, take a look at the Top 5 Business Apps for DAM Integration.

Web CMS Integration

A web content management system (W-CMS), historically known as website content manager (WCM) is a top business app that organizations use to manage their websites and online content, such as blogs, forums, and even wikis. Examples of web content management systems include Joomla, Umbraco, and Wordpress. DAM integration with CMS business apps, allows controlled digital assets to reside in one place — no more “Where is that image?” confusion or “How do I insert it?” frustration. You can also automate processes for managing online assets, such as creating and disseminating assets translated for different localized websites.

Enterprise CMS Integration

An enterprise content management system (CMS)  is a collaborative solution that allows multiple users to work together on projects, examples include SharePoint, Autonomy, or Alfresco. DAM integration with your CMS allows you to seamlessly pull DAM content. You no longer have to login to a separate platform and then download, save, insert and upload content into your CMS. With DAM integration, you will be able to spend more time on business activities, instead of the logistics of finding the best images and files to use.

CRM Integration

A customer relations manager (CRM) is one of the best business apps for your sales and customer service team, by allowing them to track important customer details and campaigns like with Salesforce, Zoho, Sugar, and other CRMs. With businesses growing, a sophisticated solution is necessary to keep data organized and controlled. At the same time, employees want to use tools and processes that feel “lightweight” with stress-free usability. Integrating CRM with DAM helps your team access specific product examples, controlled images, videos, sales presentations, customer photos, and more. With DAM integration, sales and customer teams can quickly access vital documents such as quotes, RFPs, Word Docs, slideshows, proposals, and more.

CDS Integration

Many retailers use catalog data solutions (CDS) for their online products. Some businesses tweak DAM systems to function in similar ways, but complete DAM – CDS integration creates a smoother, more streamlined fit. Catalogs have different types of workflows. The images themselves can easily be stored in your DAM which is, of course, where they belong.  DAM Integration with CDS then allows easy asset-pulling for catalogs. This provides a more efficient alternative for your organization to manage all digital assets in one location and use your CDS with ease.

Social Media Integration

The combination of social media with DAM can explode your online possibilities. Take great photos at company events and seamlessly post them to Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or any other social media site. Share these photos and promote your organization, events, or products.  With DAM integration, it’s easy to designate a specific folder for all social media-related uploads; you can even create a setting that automatically shares upon upload.

Every organization is unique, from its organization to its workflow, and a flexible DAM can streamline workflows when connected to other top business apps. The visibility and importance attached to this growing trend is apparent among organizations that want to achieve additional ROI from their top business apps. Known as the business holy grail, having a lightweight centralized location for all your digital assets, business processes, and critical data is becoming more of a reality — especially with cloud-based solutions. For any organization, it’s pure genius!

Tip #28

Require your users to read and agree to your custom Terms of Use before they can register a user account.  Simply enter your terms from the General Preferences Users & Groups tab.