Project Overview
In response to the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Object Matrix needed to transform its successful on-premise storage solution into a scalable cloud service. MatrixStore Cloud emerged as a revolutionary platform that enabled media companies to maintain business continuity while adapting to remote work requirements.
Business Context & Challenge
Object Matrix had established itself with MatrixStore, an object storage appliance deployed primarily (98%) as an on-premise solution. With the onset of the pandemic, businesses faced significant uncertainty, leading to the indefinite postponement of technology projects. The company needed to:
- Enable remote access to content for creative and production teams
- Lower the barrier to entry for new customers during economic uncertainty
- Create a scalable, multi-tenant solution without requiring extensive retraining of existing teams
Technical Solution
The solution leveraged existing MatrixStore technologies while introducing new capabilities:
Core Components
- Enhanced multi-tenant "Spaces" architecture
- Independent storage Vaults with secure network isolation
- Multiple internet breakout points with failover
- Integrated S3 Connect gateway
- Vision web-based file browser and sharing solution
- Third-party integration with Signiant Media Shuttle
Infrastructure Design
The platform was built with careful consideration of:
- Network switching and routing
- Security and firewall configuration
- Virtualization infrastructure
- Geographic redundancy across data centers
- Scalable storage management
Implementation Strategy
The project followed a rapid yet methodical approach:
- Initial concept development and executive alignment (November 2020)
- Detailed design and architecture planning (March 2021)
- First customer onboarding (May 2021)
- Process optimization and automation (September 2021)
- Continuous platform evolution and customer growth
Key Achievements
- Successfully onboarded 45 customer spaces between September 2021 and August 2024
- Reduced customer onboarding time from 2 days to several hours
- Enabled new revenue streams during economic uncertainty
- Created a pathway for smaller organizations to access enterprise-grade storage solutions
- Established a proven platform that contributed to successful acquisition by DataCore (January 2023)
Business Impact
Revenue Generation
- Introduced new recurring revenue stream with minimum commitments of 100TB per customer
- Expanded market reach to previously inaccessible customer segments
- Created upsell opportunities for hybrid and on-premise solutions
Risk Mitigation
- Diversified product portfolio during market uncertainty
- Maintained business growth during global pandemic
- Reduced dependency on traditional on-premise sales cycle
Operational Excellence
- Streamlined customer onboarding processes
- Improved internal team collaboration across departments
- Enhanced service delivery through automation and process optimization
Technical Innovation
The project demonstrated several key technical achievements:
Scalability
- Designed for horizontal scaling across multiple data centers
- Implemented efficient multi-tenant architecture
- Created automated deployment and management systems
Integration
- Seamless integration with existing MatrixStore technologies
- Successful third-party integrations for enhanced functionality
- Unified management interface for simplified operations
Security
- Independent secure network isolation per customer
- Multiple internet breakout points with failover
- Comprehensive backup and disaster recovery capabilities
Project Legacy
MatrixStore Cloud, now rebranded as OM Cloud under DataCore's Perifery brand, continues to be a cornerstone of the company's offering. The platform demonstrates how technical innovation, driven by business necessity, can create new opportunities and sustainable growth paths.
Lessons Learned
- Constraint breeds creativity - working within tight budgets led to innovative solutions
- Cross-departmental collaboration is crucial for rapid product development
- Building scalable processes from the start enables future growth
- Maintaining simplicity in complex systems ensures sustainable operations
Personal Growth
This project provided opportunities to:
- Translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions
- Develop comprehensive documentation practices
- Bridge technical and business requirements
- Progress from operations to solutions architecture role
Note: This case study has been prepared to showcase the technical implementation and business impact while maintaining appropriate confidentiality of sensitive information.