Media software solutions varies widely depending on what services your firm offers as well as what specific needs best suit your company. Your computer operating system comes into play as you will need software that works with your present system or you will have to upgrade the entire system to fit the software. Make sure that the software is network-ready for multiple sharing over departments and branches.

Many software systems will contain information that you do not need so do not pay for options that do not work for you. Select a software system that will grow with your company. Alternatively, upgrading your present software with new functions may be the best option if you have a system that is already working for you. Look for these features when choosing entertainment management software:

1. Locate the media and entertainment software that is right for your company

2. Use your current entertainment software with a new twist

3. Get assistance with your media management software

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find media software supplier with programs you can use

Software programs come in all shapes and sizes and there is a price tag that goes with that. Check the features of the software you are considering and purchase what your institution needs.

I recommend: Oracle offers many software programs for media management including database software, contracts and planning. SGL offers media software for the largest network down to the smallest. Create, edit and archive your material no matter where you are with their innovative software.

Choose media and entertainment software that integrates with the system already in place

If your present software is working for you, consider upgrading it to add a few features that you need instead of replacing the entire system. There may be a small charge to upgrade but this would be minimal compared to replacing the entire system. Find out if the new necessary features are available with your present software. Alternatively, choose a software program that adds these features but integrates with the program in place.

I recommend: Media Services offers several software programs including software to write movie scripts and television shows. These programs integrate with your present system. WRT offers many software programs including animation, life art and cinema. They offer some free software titles and all integrate with your present system.

Select providers of entertainment software that have live customer support

The best software in the world is no good to you if you can not reach someone to answer questions when that need arises. Software has an online guide but sometimes that is not enough when you run into a difficulty. Choose software systems with live customer support features to get the most out of program.

I recommend: Autodesk offers software programs for film and television. Create stunning visual effects and high quality graphics with their programs for the media industry. They offer free and fee based technical assistance according to the product purchased and location. Percussion offers software that delivers multi-channel content management. Contact them by phone or email.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Purchase entertainment software programs from trusted sources. Even though an unknown vendor may sell the software for less, the software may be flawed or worse yet it could contain a virus.