What is S3? Buckets? SDKs? A Quick Overview

Amazon S3, or Simple Storage Service, is a cloud-based storage service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It allows users to store and retrieve any amount of data from anywhere on the web, making it a popular choice for individuals and businesses alike.

At its core, Amazon S3 is an object storage system. This means that data is stored as objects, rather than in a traditional file hierarchy. Objects can be of any size, from a few bytes to terabytes, and are stored in containers called buckets. Users can create, manage, and delete buckets through the AWS Management Console or with the AWS SDKs.

Oh riiiiight …What are SDKs? 😊

SDK stands for Software Development Kit. It is a collection of software development tools that allow developers to create applications for a specific software package, hardware platform, operating system, or programming language. SDKs usually include libraries, APIs, documentation, and other utilities that help developers to build software applications that integrate with existing systems or platforms.

Now Back to S3…..

One of the key benefits of S3 is its scalability. It can handle an infinite amount of data and can be accessed from anywhere in the world. This is achieved through a distributed architecture, where data is stored across multiple servers and locations. This also means that data is highly available and durable, with multiple levels of redundancy and built-in error correction.

Amazon S3 also offers a range of features for managing data. Users can set up access controls, encryption, and versioning to ensure that their data is secure and accessible only to authorized users. They can also use lifecycle policies to automatically move data to lower-cost storage tiers or delete it after a certain period of time.

Under the hood, S3 uses a combination of technologies to provide its high performance and scalability. It uses a distributed system architecture, with data stored across multiple servers and locations. It also uses a highly optimized network stack, with low-latency connections to AWS services and the internet.

In addition, S3 uses advanced algorithms and caching techniques to optimize data retrieval. For example, it uses parallel processing to retrieve multiple objects at once, and it caches frequently accessed data for faster retrieval times.

Overall, Amazon S3 is a powerful and flexible storage solution that offers a range of features for managing and securing data. It is a popular choice for businesses of all sizes, from startups to large enterprises, and is used for a wide range of applications, from backup and archiving to content delivery and data analytics.

Do you use S3? Comment & Let me know how – it’s free!

Overview: 30 Cloud Security Companies

Cloud security is a hot topic as streaming, processing, editing in the cloud is growing at a brakefast speed, not to leave out AI learning for meta data, closed captioning, transcribing, and DAI (Dynamic Ad Insertion). Keeping information secure is essential.

Below are 30 cloud security companies and the specific services they provide:

1. Microsoft Azure: Provides cloud security services such as identity and access management, threat protection, and security management.

2. Amazon Web Services (AWS): Offers security services such as identity and access management, data protection, network security, and compliance.

3. Google Cloud Platform (GCP): Provides security services such as identity and access management, data encryption, and threat detection.

4. Palo Alto Networks: Offers cloud security services such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and threat intelligence.

5. Symantec: Provides cloud security services such as data protection, threat detection, and compliance.

6. IBM Cloud: Offers security services such as access management, data protection, and threat intelligence.

7. Cisco Cloud Security: Provides cloud security services such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and threat intelligence.

8. McAfee: Offers cloud security services such as data protection, threat detection, and compliance.

9. CrowdStrike: Provides cloud security services such as endpoint protection, threat detection, and incident response.

10. Akamai Technologies: Offers cloud security services such as web application firewall, bot management, and DDoS protection.

11. Fortinet: Provides cloud security services such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and threat intelligence.

12. Check Point Software: Offers cloud security services such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention, and threat intelligence.

13. Trend Micro: Provides cloud security services such as data protection, threat detection, and compliance.

14. F5 Networks: Offers cloud security services such as web application firewall, bot management, and DDoS protection.

15. Zscaler: Provides cloud security services such as web security, DNS security, and cloud firewall.

16. Cloudflare: Offers cloud security services such as DDoS protection, web application firewall, and bot management.

17. Sophos: Provides cloud security services such as endpoint protection, email security, and web security.

18. Rapid7: Offers cloud security services such as vulnerability management, threat detection, and incident response.

19. Tenable: Provides cloud security services such as vulnerability management, threat detection, and compliance.

20. Alert Logic: Offers cloud security services such as intrusion detection and prevention, log management, and compliance.

21. Qualys: Provides cloud security services such as vulnerability management, threat detection, and compliance.

22. Carbon Black: Offers cloud security services such as endpoint protection, threat detection, and incident response.

23. Netskope: Provides cloud security services such as data loss prevention, web security, and cloud access security broker.

24. Bitdefender: Offers cloud security services such as endpoint protection, email security, and cloud security.

25. Barracuda Networks: Provides cloud security services such as email security, web security, and cloud security.

26. CipherCloud: Offers cloud security services such as data protection, threat detection, and compliance.

27. FireEye: Provides cloud security services such as threat intelligence, incident response, and forensics.

28. Imperva: Offers cloud security services such as web application firewall, bot management, and DDoS protection.

29. Qualys: Provides cloud security services such as vulnerability management, threat detection, and compliance.

30. Skyhigh Networks: Offers cloud security services such as cloud access security broker, data protection, and threat detection.

Overall, these cloud security companies provide a range of cloud security services, including identity and access management, data protection, threat detection, and compliance.

Top Live Broadcast Providers, Overview: CP Communications, NEP, Broadcast Solutions, Gearhouse Broadcast, & Gravity Media

There are Many Live Broadcast Event Companies out there, all with their own range of services.  Following is a short overview of some of them.  Feel Free to chime in with others…..

CP Communications is an audiovisual and live event production company that provides services for sports and entertainment events. They specialize in live event production, audio and video equipment rental, and staging and lighting design. The company offers a range of services, including:

1. Live event production – live event production services for sports, music, and entertainment events. This includes production planning, camera coverage, audio and video mixing, and on-site technical support.

2. Audio and video equipment rental -offers a range of audio and video equipment rental services, including cameras, microphones, speakers, and projectors. They also provide on-site technical support for equipment setup and operation.

3. Staging and lighting design – staging and lighting design services for live events, including custom stage design, lighting installation, and video projection mapping.

NEP Group is a leading provider of production services, engineering solutions, and media management for live sports and entertainment events worldwide. NEP Group provides a wide range of services, including:

1. Live event production – production services for sports, music, and entertainment events. This includes production planning, camera coverage, audio and video mixing, and on-site technical support.

2. Remote production – remote production services for sports events, allowing broadcasters to produce live events from a centralized location. This includes remote camera control, audio and video mixing, and on-site technical support.

3. Media management – media management services, including content storage, archiving, and distribution. This includes video editing, metadata tagging, and asset management.

4. Technical support – technical support services for audiovisual equipment and systems, including equipment rental, maintenance, and repair.

Broadcast Solutions is a global provider of production services and engineering solutions for sports, music, and entertainment events. The company offers a range of services, including live event production, remote production, and media management.

Gearhouse Broadcast is a global provider of production services and engineering solutions for sports, music, and entertainment events. The company offers a range of services, including live event production, remote production, and equipment rental.

Gravity Media is a global provider of production services and engineering solutions for sports, music, and entertainment events. The company offers a range of services, including live event production, remote production, and equipment rental. Gravity Media also provides specialized solutions for specific industries, such as esports and motorsports.

The differences between the above competitors include their range of services, geographic coverage, and industry specialization. It is recommended to evaluate the features, capabilities, and pricing of each provider before making a decision.

Wiki Collab

Wiki collaboration refers to a collaborative process of creating and editing content on a wiki platform. A wiki is a website or online platform that allows users to create and edit content collaboratively. Wiki collaboration can be used in a variety of contexts, including education, research, business, and community building.

Some of the benefits of wiki collaboration include:

1. Collaboration – Wikis promote collaboration among users by allowing them to work together to create and edit content.

2. Easy accessibility – Wikis can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, making it easy for users to contribute and access content.

3. Version control – Wikis typically offer version control, which allows users to track changes and revisions to the content.

4. Transparency – Wikis are transparent, meaning that all changes made to the content are visible to all users. This promotes accountability and encourages users to contribute responsibly.

5. Knowledge sharing – Wikis can be used to share knowledge and information with a community of users, which can be beneficial for education, research, and business purposes.

To collaborate on a wiki platform, users typically create an account and log in to access the content. They can then create and edit pages, add images and videos, and collaborate with other users. Some wiki platforms offer features such as discussion forums, chat rooms, and task management tools to help users collaborate more effectively.

There are various wiki platforms available, including:

1. Wikipedia – The world’s largest and most popular wiki platform, Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit.

2. MediaWiki – An open-source wiki platform that powers Wikipedia and many other wikis.

3. Confluence – A wiki platform designed for business and team collaboration, Confluence offers features such as task management, calendars, and chat rooms.

4. Fandom – A wiki platform for fan communities, Fandom allows users to create and edit pages related to their favorite TV shows, movies, and other interests.

5. DokuWiki – An open-source wiki platform that is easy to use and highly customizable.

Overall, wiki collaboration can be a powerful tool for promoting collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community building. By allowing users to work together to create and edit content, wikis can facilitate the sharing of information and ideas across a wide range of contexts.

Short Tutorial: SMB

SMB stands for Server Message Block, which is a protocol for sharing files, printers, and other resources on a network. In Mac Finder, SMB is used to connect to Windows file servers or other network-attached storage devices that use the SMB protocol for sharing files.

When you connect to an SMB server using Mac Finder, you can access files and folders on the server just like you would on your local computer. You can browse the server’s file system, open files, copy files to or from the server, and perform other file management tasks. 

To connect to an SMB server using Mac Finder, you will need to know the server’s name or IP address, as well as a valid username and password with permissions to access the shared files or folders.

Practice this at least 3 times – get your clicks & Muscle Memory In!

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Quick Comparison of Broadcast Cellular Aggregators

Bonded cellular aggregators are devices that combine multiple cellular connections from different carriers into a single, more reliable and faster connection. This technology is commonly used in live video streaming, where a reliable and fast internet connection is crucial. Bonded cellular aggregators can also be used to improve internet connectivity in remote areas where traditional broadband connections are not available. The technology works by splitting the data stream into smaller packets and then sending those packets simultaneously over multiple cellular networks. The receiving device then combines the packets and reassembles them into a single data stream. This process helps to reduce latency and improve overall connection quality.

There are several companies that provide bonded cellular aggregators, including LiveU, TVU Networks, Mushroom Networks, Teradek, and Peplink. These companies offer a range of devices and solutions for different types of applications, from small portable units for on-the-go streaming to rack-mounted systems for studio production. Each company has its own unique features and capabilities, so it’s important to evaluate them based on your specific needs and requirements.

– LiveU is a leading provider of bonded cellular solutions for live video streaming/ broadcasting. Their products range from small backpack-sized units to larger rack-mounted systems. LiveU’s solutions are known for their reliability and high-quality video transmission. LiveU products are popular among broadcasters for their high reliability and ability to transmit high-quality live video from remote locations.

– TVU Networks is another popular provider of bonded cellular solutions for live video streaming. Their products include both portable and rack-mounted units, and they offer unique features like remote control and automation. TVU products are used by broadcasters to transmit live video from the field, and they offer features like remote control and automation to simplify the broadcasting workflow.

– Mushroom Networks provides a range of WAN aggregation solutions, including bonded cellular devices. Their products are designed to improve internet connectivity in remote areas and areas with poor infrastructure. Mushroom Networks provides bonded cellular solutions for broadcasting, with a focus on improving internet connectivity in remote areas. Their products are designed to help broadcasters transmit live video from areas with poor infrastructure or limited connectivity.

– Teradek is a provider of video encoding and transmission solutions, including bonded cellular devices. Teradek products range from small portable units to larger rack-mounted systems, and they offer features like wireless camera control and remote configuration. Teradek products are used by broadcasters to transmit high-quality live video from remote locations, and they offer features like wireless camera control and remote configuration.

– Peplink is a provider of SD-WAN and WAN aggregation solutions, including bonded cellular devices. Peplink products are designed for both business (broadcasting included)and consumer use and offer features like cloud-basedLO management and failover protection. Peplink provides bonded cellular solutions for broadcasting, with a focus on SD-WAN and WAN aggregation. Peplink products are designed to improve internet connectivity and network reliability for broadcasters, ensuring that live video broadcasts are transmitted smoothly and without interruption.

Each company has its strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on the specific needs and requirements of the user.

Quick Overview: Checksum / How it’s Utilized & How to Use Them

A checksum is a value that is computed from a block of data using a specific algorithm. The purpose of a checksum is to provide a way to verify the integrity of the data. When a sender transmits data, it can compute a checksum and include it with the data. The receiver can then compute a checksum on the received data and compare it to the transmitted checksum. If the two values match, it is likely that the data was transmitted without errors.

Checksums are used in a variety of applications, including network protocols, file transfers, and software updates. They are particularly useful in situations where data corruption or errors are likely to occur, such as over unreliable network connections.

In network protocols, checksums are often used to detect errors in data packets. For example, the Mo of each IP packet. If the checksum indicates that the packet is corrupted, it can be discarded and a new packet can be requested.

In file transfers, checksums are used to verify that the file was transferred correctly. After a file is transferred, the sender can compute a checksum on the file and include it with the file. The recipient can then compute a checksum on the received file and compare it to the sender’s checksum. If the two values match, it is likely that the file was transferred without errors.

In software updates, checksums are used to verify that the update was downloaded correctly. After a software update is downloaded, the user can compute a checksum on the downloaded file and compare it to the checksum provided by the software vendor. If the two values match, it is likely that the update was downloaded correctly.

Overall, checksums are an important tool for ensuring the integrity of data in a variety of applications.

In broadcasting, checksums are often used in conjunction with SCTE markers to ensure the integrity of the video and audio streams. For example, SCTE-35 markers are used to signal ad insertion points in a video stream. When an ad break is signaled, the receiver can use a checksum to verify the integrity of the video data before and after the ad break. If the checksum indicates that the video data has been corrupted, the receiver can request a retransmission of the video data.

Similarly, checksums can be used to verify the integrity of audio data in a broadcast stream. For example, if an audio stream includes a checksum value, the receiver can use the checksum to verify that the audio data has not been corrupted during transmission.

Overall, checksums are an important tool for broadcasters to ensure the quality and integrity of their broadcast streams. By using checksums in conjunction with SCTE markers, broadcasters can provide a more reliable and consistent viewing experience for their audiences.

Quick Overview: API Calls-What Are They & What Is The Workflow?

API stands for Application Programming Interface. An API call is a request made by one software application to another application’s API in order to retrieve or manipulate data. APIs enable different software applications to communicate with each other, allowing developers to integrate different services and functionalities into their own applications.

API calls work by sending a request to the API, specifying the endpoint and any required parameters. The API processes the request and returns a response back to the calling application. The response can include data, metadata, or error messages, depending on the specific API.

APIs are used in a variety of applications, including web and mobile applications, IoT devices, and enterprise software. For example, social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook provide APIs that allow developers to access and manipulate user data, such as posts or tweets. E-commerce platforms like Shopify provide APIs that enable developers to build custom applications that interact with the platform’s inventory and customer data.

APIs are also used to integrate different software applications in enterprise settings. For example, an API can be used to connect a customer relationship management (CRM) system to a marketing automation platform, allowing marketing teams to access customer data and automate targeted campaigns.

Overall, APIs are a powerful tool for software developers, enabling them to build more complex and sophisticated applications by integrating different services and functionalities. Users can select GPT-3.5(ChatGPT) or GPT-4 to interact with me.

Building an API from scratch typically involves several steps. Here’s a general overview of the process:

1. Define the API endpoints: Determine the specific functionality and data that will be exposed through the API. This includes identifying the specific endpoints that will be used to access the data.

2. Choose a programming language: Select a programming language that is well-suited for building APIs, such as Python, Ruby, or Node.js.

3. Choose a web framework: Choose a web framework that supports building APIs, such as Flask, Django, or Express.

4. Design the API data model: Create a data model that defines the data that will be exchanged through the API, including the data types and relationships between different data entities.

5. Implement the API endpoints: Use the chosen web framework and programming language to implement the API endpoints, including handling request and response data.

6. Test the API: Use API testing tools to verify that the API endpoints are working as expected and returning the correct data.

7. Deploy the API: Deploy the API to a server or cloud hosting service so that it can be accessed by other applications.

8. Document the API: Create documentation that describes the API endpoints, parameters, and data structures so that other developers can use the API.

Overall, building an API from scratch can be a complex process that requires a solid understanding of programming, web frameworks, and data modeling. However, there are many resources available online that can help guide you through the process. Users can even utilize AI, ChatGPT 3.5/4 to assist the process.

Overview: Enterprise project management software systems

Enterprise project management software systems are powerful tools designed to help organizations manage, track, and control their projects. These systems help project managers to plan, execute, and complete projects on time and within budget. They provide features such as resource allocation, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and reporting that help project managers to stay on top of their projects and make informed decisions.

Some examples of enterprise project management software systems, with their features, industries they target:

1. Microsoft Project: Microsoft Project is a popular project management software that is widely used across various industries. It offers features such as task management, resource allocation, budgeting, scheduling, and reporting. It is designed for use in industries such as construction, engineering, healthcare, and IT.

2. Oracle Primavera: Oracle Primavera is a project management software that is specifically designed for use in industries such as construction, engineering, oil and gas, and utilities. It offers features such as project planning, risk management, cost control, and reporting.

3. Workfront: Workfront is a cloud-based project management software designed for marketing and creative teams. It offers features such as project planning, resource management, task management, and reporting. It is used in industries such as advertising, media, and publishing.

4. Asana: Asana is a project management software that is designed for use by teams of all sizes. It offers features such as task management, project planning, team collaboration, and reporting. It is used in industries such as marketing, design, and software development.

5. Jira: Jira is a project management software that is specifically designed for use in software development. It offers features such as issue tracking, Agile project management, and reporting. It is used in industries such as technology, software development, and IT.

6. Smartsheet: Smartsheet is a cloud-based project management software designed for use in industries such as construction, engineering, and marketing. It offers features such as project planning, resource management, task management, and reporting.

7. Basecamp: Basecamp is a project management software that is designed for use by small teams and freelancers. It offers features such as task management, team collaboration, and reporting. It is used in industries such as design, marketing, and software development.

8. Trello: Trello is a project management software that is designed for use by teams of all sizes. It offers features such as task management, project planning, team collaboration, and reporting. It is used in industries such as marketing, design, and software development.

9. Wrike: Wrike is a project management software that is designed for use by teams of all sizes. It offers features such as task management, project planning, team collaboration, and reporting. It is used in industries such as marketing, design, and software development.

10. LiquidPlanner: LiquidPlanner is a project management software that is designed for use in industries such as technology, software development, and IT. It offers features such as project planning, resource management, task management, and reporting.

11. Clarizen: Clarizen is a project management software that is designed for use in industries such as technology, software development, and IT. It offers features such as project planning, resource management, task management, and reporting.

12. Procore: Procore is a project management software that is designed for use in the construction industry. It offers features such as project planning, resource management, task management, and reporting.

13. Planview: Planview is a project management software that is designed for use in industries such as technology, software development, and IT. It offers features such as project planning, resource management, task management, and reporting.

14. Mavenlink: Mavenlink is a project management software that is designed for use in industries such as marketing, design, and software development. It offers features such as project planning, resource management, task management, and reporting.

15. Monday.com: Monday.com is a project management software that is designed for use by teams of all sizes. It offers features such as task management, project planning, team collaboration, and reporting. It is used in industries such as marketing, design, and software development.

These are just a few examples of enterprise project management software systems and the industries they target. Each software has its own unique set of features that make it suitable for specific industries and use cases.

Broadcasting Standards: Utilizing AI with SCTE-35, SCTE-104

SCTE markers are metadata tags that are inserted into a video stream to signal specific events or actions, such as ad insertion points. DAI stands for Dynamic Ad Insertion, which is a technology that enables the insertion of targeted ads into live or on-demand video streams. Users can now elect to use or interact with AI bots like GPT-3.5/GPT-4 to even further automate these processes.


There are several SCTE standards that define SCTE markers for different use cases. For example, SCTE-35 defines markers for digital program insertion (DPI) and SCTE-104 defines markers for ad insertion. The specific SCTE markers used for DAI will depend on the implementation.

AI can help the process of dynamic ad insertion by analyzing data to identify patterns and make predictions about viewer behavior. Here are a few ways AI can be used:

1. Predicting viewer preferences: AI can analyze data about viewer behavior, such as which ads they tend to skip, and use that information to predict which ads will be most effective for a particular viewer.

2. Optimizing ad placement: AI can analyze data about viewer behavior to determine the optimal placement of ads within a video stream, such as which ad formats are most effective at different points in the video.

3. Targeting ads to specific audiences: AI can analyze data about viewer demographics and behavior to identify specific audience segments and deliver targeted ads to those segments.

4. Creating personalized ads: AI can analyze data about individual viewers to create personalized ads that are more likely to be effective.

Overall, AI can help make the process of dynamic ad insertion more efficient and effective by using data to make smarter decisions about ad placement and targeting.