OpenDrives will arrive at NAB Show New York with a mission to redefine how the media and entertainment industry manages, moves and protects its data. We spoke with Sean Lee, CEO of OpenDrives, for a look at what’s ahead, from new product launches to insights shaping the future of data-driven workflows.

For nearly 15 years, OpenDrives has delivered high-performance data storage and services solutions to some of the world’s most demanding workflows. With a strong technical background and passion for innovation, Lee has helped grow OpenDrive into a national leader in hyperscale, interoperable data storage and management.

Finding Balance with Astraeus

At this year’s Show, OpenDrives will spotlight Astraeus, its new cloud-native data storage and management platform designed for today’s high-performance media environments.

As Lee explained, the industry’s next phase isn’t about choosing sides between cloud or on-premises — it’s about finding balance. The shift toward hybrid is being driven by the need for greater data control, predictable costs and lower latency, while still benefiting from the scalability of the cloud.

Built on a Kubernetes-first architecture, Astraeus unifies cloud and on-prem environments through a single platform. It allows users to deploy workflows across infrastructures without re-architecting and provides a unified namespace for managing data from creation to storage delivery. The result is a seamless, efficient experience for distributed production teams managing large-scale projects.

“Astraeus tackles the entire lifecycle from creation to ingestion to storage, orchestration, governance, protection and delivery,” Lee said. “It meets customers where they’re at and enables them to truly achieve a true hybrid workflow.”

Be prepared to be transformed and leave your biases at the door. Everyone’s going to learn a lot about what cloud really is, what on-prem really is, and how hybrid needs to be a way to move forward in the future.

Sean Lee, CEO, OpenDrives

Exploring the Data Storage Debate

OpenDrives will also sponsor the panel discussion “Who Will Win the Data Storage Battle: Cloud Versus On-Premises,” featuring Eivind Sandstrand, president of Aurora Borealis; Walter Viegas, senior director of post production services at Key Code Media; and Jason Matousek, head of market programs and revenue at OpenDrives.

The panel will explore the real-world dynamics of hybrid workflows, including customer challenges and how organizations are navigating data management challenges, as well as what the future of cloud, on-prem and hybrid solutions may look like as customers navigate data management in an era of constant change.

“Be prepared to be transformed and leave your biases at the door,” Lee said. “Everyone’s going to learn a lot about what cloud really is, what on-prem really is, and how hybrid needs to be a way to move forward in the future.”

Where to Find OpenDrives at NAB Show New York:

Join OpenDrives for the session “Who Will Win in The Data Storage Battle: Cloud Versus On-Premises?” on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 11:15 a.m. in Theater C (Booth #174) to hear from the experts shaping the future of media storage and workflow management.

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About OpenDrives, Inc.

Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Los Angeles, OpenDrives, Inc. delivers high-performance, scalable and easy-to-use data storage and services solutions powered by its software-defined platform, Astraeus. Purpose-built to optimize high-bandwidth, low-latency media workflows, OpenDrives enables fast, shared data access, collaboration and management across on-premises, cloud and hybrid environments.

With world-class support, composable feature bundles for predictable performance and flexible deployment options, OpenDrives helps businesses transform data and content into revenue while empowering creatives to accelerate innovation.

Learn more at opendrives.com