Azure Media Services Retirement Guide & Alternatives

What is Azure Media Services?

Azure Media Services is a Microsoft Azure cloud-based platform that offers a variety of services for processing, encoding, distributing, and streaming audio and video material. Azure Media Services enables organizations and developers to create scalable and cost-effective cloud media solutions.

Azure Media Services will be retired June 30th, 2024. For more information, see the AMS Retirement Guide.

Key features and capabilities of Azure Media Services include:

Media Encoding and Processing:

Azure Media Services allows users to encode media files into various formats suitable for streaming or download.

It supports a wide range of codecs and formats, allowing flexibility in handling different types of media content.

Content Protection:

Azure Media Services provides Digital Rights Management (DRM) capabilities to protect content from unauthorized access and distribution.

It supports industry-standard DRM solutions to secure content delivery.

Live Streaming:

Live streaming capabilities enable users to broadcast live events to a global audience.

Azure Media Services supports both on-demand and live streaming scenarios.

Dynamic Packaging:

Dynamic Packaging allows the delivery of content in different streaming formats on-the-fly, adapting to the capabilities of the client device.

Media Analytics:

Azure Media Services offers tools for extracting insights from media content through features like speech-to-text, face detection, and more.

These analytics capabilities enable content creators to gain valuable information from their media assets.

Content Delivery:

Azure Content Delivery Network (CDN) integration allows efficient and high-performance content delivery to end-users globally.

How To Migrate from Azure Cloud & Its Replacement?

Migrating from one video hosting or streaming provider to another entails various stages that can be complicated depending on your individual configuration and requirements. Migrating from Azure video Services to VPlayed, for example, would normally entail transferring your video assets, upgrading setups, and ensuring that your end customers can migrate smoothly to the new platform.

Here's a broad guide to assist you with the transition:

1. Inventory and evaluation:

List all media assets hosted on Azure Media Services.

Document all of your configurations, preferences, and adjustments.

Recognise the formats, codecs, and DRM (Digital Rights Management) methods you're employing.

2. Prepare Your Content:

From Azure Media Services, download or export your media files. This process may be automated depending on the size of your collection.

Check the exported files for integrity to ensure you have a complete set of media assets.

3. Select a Migration Method:

Depending on the volume of content, you may select one of the following migration methods:

Manual Upload: Upload files to VPlayed manually if you have a little amount of content.

Transfer Automation: Consider using scripts or tools to automate the transfer procedure for higher volumes.

4. Set up VPlayed:

Create an account with VPlayed and customise your streaming options.

Match the Azure Media Services configurations to VPlayed. This contains video codecs, resolutions, bitrates, and any other unique characteristics.

5. Update URLs and Embed Codes:

If you have embedded videos on your website or in applications, update the URLs or embed codes to point to the new VPlayed URLs.

6. DRM Configuration:

If you were using DRM on Azure Media Services, configure DRM on VPlayed as per your requirements. Ensure that you comply with licensing agreements and security protocols.

7. Test the Migration:

Before fully migrating, conduct thorough testing. Ensure that the playback quality is maintained, and all functionalities are working as expected.

Test on various devices and networks to ensure a smooth transition for end-users.

8. Communicate the Migration:

Inform your users and stakeholders about the migration. Provide clear instructions on any changes they need to make on their end.

9. Monitoring and Troubleshooting:

Monitor the new platform for any issues, especially during the initial days after migration.

Have a plan in place for addressing any potential problems promptly.

10. Data Cleanup:

Once you've confirmed the successful migration, you can consider cleaning up any residual data or configurations on Azure Media Services.

11. Documentation:

Update your documentation with the new streaming URLs, configurations, and any other relevant information.

12. Post-Migration Support:

Provide support to users who may face issues after the migration.

Be ready to address any unforeseen challenges promptly.

Note:

Always consider the terms and conditions of both Azure Media Services and VPlayed to ensure compliance. Additionally, consult with technical support from VPlayed for specific guidance based on your use case and requirements.

Reference:

https://www.mirrorfly.com/blog/how-to-migrate-azure-media-services-to-vplayed/

https://www.vplayed.com/blog/azure-media-services-retirement/

https://www.apptha.com/blog/azure-media-services-alternatives/

https://www.contus.com/blog/azure-media-services-retirement/

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/media-services/latest/azure-media-services-retirement