Backblaze Helps Media Post-Production Leader IDC LA Slash Cloud Storage Costs 75% While Accelerating Client Delivery
SAN MATEO, Calif. — Backblaze, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLZE), the cloud storage innovator providing a modern alternative to traditional cloud providers, today announced their customer IDC LA was able to achieve a 75% reduction in cost by leveraging Backblaze B2 Cloud Storage as their primary off-site backup solution.
Article content
IDC LA needed a scalable, secure, and cost-effective solution for disaster recovery and nearline storage. Their prior cloud vendor was expensive and inflexible, creating challenges in managing large volumes of high-value media. With tight turnaround times and demanding client expectations, they required predictable costs and rapid access to protect both their content and their reputation for security.
Article content
'With Backblaze, I know exactly what my costs are going to be, and I can forecast for them,' Ryan Gladden, Director of Mastering & Emerging Technology of IDC LA, said. 'For content where we know we need high availability, it's the right temperature of porridge.'
Article content
IDC LA implemented Backblaze B2 as their primary off-site solution for backups generated via their data management platform. Integrated via the Backblaze S3 Compatible API, the system enables nightly backups of irreplaceable client content. Backblaze also serves as a high-availability nearline storage tier, helping IDC LA maintain performance while reducing on-premises load and simplifying data retrieval through their existing digital asset management (DAM).
Article content
IDC LA's success demonstrates how media companies can break free from the cost spiral of traditional cloud providers while actually improving their operational capabilities,' said Laquie TN Campbell, Senior Product Marketing Manager for media and entertainment at Backblaze. 'When a post-production facility can cut storage expenses and streamline operations, it not only gains greater freedom to choose the tools that fit its workflows, it also creates the opportunity to pass meaningful savings on to clients.'
Article content
The streamlined setup improves operational efficiency, enhances disaster readiness, and provides predictable cost forecasting, while saving 75% compared to IDC LA's previous solution.
Article content
Backblaze is the cloud storage innovator delivering a modern alternative to traditional cloud providers. We offer high-performance, secure cloud object storage that customers use to develop applications, manage media, secure backups, build AI workflows, protect from ransomware, and more. Backblaze helps businesses break free from the walled gardens that traditional providers lock customers into, enabling them to use their data in open cloud workflows with the providers they prefer at a fraction of the cost. Headquartered in San Mateo, CA, Backblaze (NASDAQ: BLZE) was founded in 2007 and serves over 500,000 customers in 175 countries around the world. For more information, please go to www.backblaze.com About IDC LA International Digital Centre (IDC) is a bi-coastal picture and sound creative post production facility located in the heart of Hollywood. IDC LA has extended support of multi-format video/audio, localization in 40 + languages for product fulfillment and distribution. Founded in 1988, IDC has specialized in creating high-quality content for global distribution in every language and format. IDC's expertise and exemplary customer service deliver customized solutions to clients, including creative services, post-production workflows, media processing, audio active creation, audio description, deliverables, dubbing services, timed text, quality control, Blu-ray, and DVD authoring. For more information, please go to: http://idc-la.com/.
Article content
Article content
Article content
Press Contact:
Article content
Yev Pusin
Article content
Article content
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Globe and Mail
Marcus Networking Strengthens Arizona's Technology Ecosystem Through Arizona Technology Council Membership
Marcus Networking, a leading provider of comprehensive IT support services, proudly announces its membership in the Arizona Technology Council, further solidifying its commitment to advancing technology innovation in the Grand Canyon State. TEMPE, AZ - August 18, 2025 - Marcus Networking, a leading provider of comprehensive IT support services, proudly announces its membership in the Arizona Technology Council, further solidifying its commitment to advancing technology innovation in the Grand Canyon State. Founded in 2002, Marcus Networking delivers managed IT and telecommunications solutions to businesses across multiple industries. The company's participation in the Arizona Technology Council enhances its ability to collaborate with over 750 cutting-edge technology companies while contributing to Arizona's growing reputation as a premier technology hub. "At Marcus Networking, we are dedicated to providing 'The Best Customer Experience Possible,'" said Eric Marcus, CEO of Marcus Networking. "Our membership in the Arizona Technology Council aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver innovative technology solutions. Through this partnership, we aim to strengthen our connections within the technology community while continuing to ensure every customer sees the value and partnership that MNI provides." The Arizona Technology Council, established in 2002 following the merger of the Arizona High Technology Industry Cluster and the Arizona Software and Internet Association, serves as the state's premier networking and trade association for science and technology companies. The Council hosts approximately 100 virtual and in-person events annually, focusing on critical topics such as cybersecurity, medical technology, and artificial intelligence. Marcus Networking brings to the Council its extensive expertise in managed IT support services, information technology support services, and technology support services. As a family-owned and operated business that is licensed, bonded, and insured, Marcus Networking maintains a strong presence throughout the United States and Canada, with primary operations in Arizona, California, Colorado, and Nevada. The company distinguishes itself through several key service features, including Direct to Tech contact, which provides clients with immediate access to technicians 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Headquartered in the Phoenix metro area, Marcus Networking maintains a 100% USA-based operation with no offshore outsourcing, reinforcing its commitment to local service excellence. "Our ability to serve as a single partner for both technology and telecommunications solutions eliminates the need for businesses to manage multiple vendors," added Marcus. "As technology continues to evolve, we remain committed to adapting our services to meet changing business demands while saving our clients time and money." Through its membership in the Arizona Technology Council, Marcus Networking gains access to valuable resources, including educational forums, conferences, and advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and local levels. The Council actively supports legislative initiatives focused on creating an equitable statewide STEM ecosystem, advancing clean energy initiatives, and funding education. Marcus Networking serves diverse industries, including medical, legal, manufacturing, retail, produce, finance, educational institutions, and nonprofits. The company's comprehensive IT service management and IT consulting capabilities position it as an integral contributor to Arizona's technology landscape. About Marcus Networking: Established in 2002 by Eric Marcus, Marcus Networking delivers the full spectrum of technology and telecommunications solutions businesses need to thrive. With customer service as its #1 priority, the company provides comprehensive IT support, network maintenance, software installation, and hardware repair services. Marcus Networking can scale its services to any size operation as a single-source managed IT provider or collaborate seamlessly with existing IT services as vital third-party support. For more information, please contact Eric Marcus at Contact Information: Marcus Networking 1241 W Warner Rd, Suite 103 Tempe, AZ 85284 (602) 427-5047 info@ Media Contact Company Name: Marcus Networking Contact Person: Eric Marcus Email: Send Email Phone: (602) 427-5047 Address: 1241 W Warner Rd Suite 103 City: Tempe State: AZ Country: United States Website:
Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Globe and Mail
Microsoft's Azure Boom Lifts Cloud Revenues: More Upside Ahead?
Microsoft MSFT is witnessing strong adoption for its Azure platform, which is powering the company's cloud business. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, its cloud revenues climbed 27% year over year to $46.7 billion, with Azure and other cloud services alone rising 39%. Management also disclosed that Azure's annual revenues exceeded $75 billion, highlighting its position as a central growth engine. This 'Azure boom' has become the single largest contributor to Microsoft's top line, pushing overall fourth-quarter revenues to $76.4 billion, up 18% from the prior year. The momentum stems from enterprises steadily migrating legacy workloads, scaling cloud-native applications and deploying AI-driven solutions. Microsoft's deep partnership with OpenAI and its Azure AI Foundry platform has already attracted more than 14,000 customers building generative AI models and intelligent agents. Meanwhile, the rollout of Copilot across Microsoft 365 and Dynamics 365 is amplifying Azure usage, creating a powerful flywheel that accelerates both adoption and consumption. Looking ahead, Microsoft's confidence in sustained upside is backed by record investments. Capital expenditures reached $24.2 billion in the quarter, with plans to rise to $30 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2026, setting the stage for as much as $120 billion annually. With more than 400 data centers across nearly 70 regions, the company is expanding at an unprecedented scale to meet rising AI and cloud demand. This scale advantage not only ensures capacity but also reinforces customer stickiness, a key to sustaining growth. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 and 2027 indicates that revenues will grow 13.8% and 14.3%, respectively, on a year-over-year basis. How Rivals Stack Up Against MSFT in Cloud Space Amazon AMZN -owned Amazon Web Services (AWS) continues to lead the cloud infrastructure market with approximately 30-32% global market share, ahead of Microsoft and Google. AWS leverages its expansive portfolio of over 200 services and unmatched infrastructure, supported by over $100 billion in annual data center investment. Despite its scale and profitability, AWS faces mounting pressure from Microsoft and Google, whose rapid AI-driven cloud advances threaten its long-term competitive edge. Alphabet GOOGL -owned Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is emerging as a fierce competitor to AWS and Microsoft Azure, driven by rapid AI-led growth. Google Cloud posted revenues of $13.62 billion in the second quarter of 2025, up 31.7% year over year, with its annual run rate topping $50 billion. Strengths in AI/ML, Vertex AI and Gemini, along with partnerships with NVIDIA and PayPal, are expanding enterprise adoption. Google Cloud Platform continues to scale through global data centers, security and next-gen AI infrastructure. MSFT's Share Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates MSFT shares have appreciated 23.4% in the year-to-date period, outperforming the Zacks Computer – Software industry and the Zacks Computer and Technology sector's growth of 19.4% and 13.7%, respectively. MSFT's YTD Price Performance Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation standpoint, MSFT stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month Price/Sales ratio of 11.83X compared with the industry's 8.69X. MSFT has a Value Score of F. MSFT's Valuation Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MSFT's fiscal 2026 earnings is pegged at $15.32 per share, up 2.3% over the past 30 days. The estimate indicates 12.32% year-over-year growth. Microsoft currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Free Report: Profiting from the 2nd Wave of AI Explosion The next phase of the AI explosion is poised to create significant wealth for investors, especially those who get in early. It will add literally trillion of dollars to the economy and revolutionize nearly every part of our lives. Investors who bought shares like Nvidia at the right time have had a shot at huge gains. But the rocket ride in the "first wave" of AI stocks may soon come to an end. The sharp upward trajectory of these stocks will begin to level off, leaving exponential growth to a new wave of cutting-edge companies. Zacks' AI Boom 2.0: The Second Wave report reveals 4 under-the-radar companies that may soon be shining stars of AI's next leap forward. Access AI Boom 2.0 now, absolutely free >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Inc. (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report Microsoft Corporation (MSFT): Free Stock Analysis Report Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL): Free Stock Analysis Report
Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Globe and Mail
Big-Box Retailers Gear Up to Report This Week: ETFs in Focus
The retail sector is in focus with big retailers like Walmart WMT, Home Depot HD, Lowe's LOW and Target TGT due to report earnings this week. With tariffs, inflation, and shifting consumer habits at the forefront, investors will be watching closely to see how these companies are navigating a still-uncertain spending environment. Given this, traditional retail ETFs are in focus. SPDR S&P Retail ETF XRT and VanEck Vectors Retail ETF RTH have gained nearly 12.7% and 5.9%, respectively, over the past three months. Earlier this earnings season, Amazon AMZN CEO Andy Jassy said the e-commerce giant wasn't seeing any meaningful pullback in demand or sharp price increases, while Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach noted that consumer spending remained resilient. Yet, the latest government data painted a more cautious picture as retail sales in July rose by less than expected, raising concerns that household budgets may be starting to feel the pinch. Some companies, particularly in the fast-casual dining space, have already pointed to signs of strain as customers trade down or cut back on discretionary purchases. That mixed backdrop makes the upcoming reports from major retailers even more significant. So far, 21 out of 32 retailers on the S&P 500 Index have already reported. Earnings of these companies are up 20.5% from the same period last year on 8.7% higher revenues, with 81% beating both EPS and revenue estimates. Overall, the retail sector is expected to report earnings growth of 12.6% on 5.6% revenue growth. What Our Model Unveils for Retailer Earnings According to our methodology, the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the chances of an earnings beat. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they're reported with our Earnings ESP Filter. Walmart Walmart has an Earnings ESP of +1.26% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company saw a positive earnings estimate revision of a penny over the past seven days for the second quarter of fiscal 2026. Walmart delivered an average four-quarter earnings surprise of 5.27%. Walmart is scheduled to report on Aug. 21, before market open (see: all the Consumer Discretionary ETFs here). As the nation's largest retailer, Walmart's earnings will serve as a barometer for consumer health, especially in groceries and essentials, where the company has leaned into value offerings. Home Depot & Lowe's Home Depot has an Earnings ESP of +0.35% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company saw no earnings estimate revision over the past 30 days for the to-be-reported quarter. The company delivered an average earnings surprise of 2.21% in the last four quarters. Home Depot is scheduled to report on Aug. 19, before market open. Lowe's has an Earnings ESP of -0.56% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company saw a negative earnings estimate revision of a penny for the to-be-reported quarter over the past 30 days. It delivered an earnings surprise of 3.22%, on average, in the last four quarters. LOW is slated to report earnings on Aug. 20. With housing affordability under pressure and mortgage rates elevated, demand for big-ticket home improvement projects has softened. The focus will be on whether professional contractors and do-it-yourself customers are holding up or pulling back. Target Target has an Earnings ESP of -3.05% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company saw a negative earnings estimate revision of a couple of cents over the past seven days for the to-be-reported quarter. It delivered a negative earnings surprise of 3.22% on average for the last four quarters. Target will report earnings on Aug. 20, before the opening bell. Target has been navigating a choppy retail landscape, balancing discretionary categories like apparel and home goods against stable grocery demand. Investors will look for updates on cost management and whether promotions are driving traffic. ETFs in Focus SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) SPDR S&P Retail ETF tracks the S&P Retail Select Industry Index, which provides exposure across large, mid and small-cap stocks. It holds 76 well-diversified stocks in its basket, with none making up for more than a 2% share. Additionally, SPDR S&P Retail ETF is well spread across various industries with a double-digit allocation each in specialty retail, apparel retail, automotive retail and broadline retail (read: Sector ETFs to Lose/Win From Oil Price Rebound). SPDR S&P Retail ETF is the largest and most popular in the retail space, with AUM of $429.2 million and an average trading volume of 6.1 million shares. It charges 35 bps in annual fees and has a Zacks ETF Rank #4 (Sell) with a Medium risk outlook. VanEck Vectors Retail ETF (RTH) VanEck Vectors Retail ETF provides exposure to the 26 largest retail firms by tracking the MVIS US Listed Retail 25 Index, which measures the performance of the companies involved in retail distribution, wholesalers, online, direct mail and TV retailers, multi-line retailers, specialty retailers and food and other staples retailers. VanEck Vectors Retail ETF is highly concentrated on Amazon with nearly 20.6% exposure, while the other firms hold no more than 9.1% share. VanEck Vectors Retail ETF has amassed $255.5 million in its asset base and charges 35 bps in annual fees. It trades in a lower volume of 4,000 shares a day on average. VanEck Vectors Retail ETF has a Zacks ETF Rank #3 with a Medium risk outlook. Boost Your Portfolio with Our Top ETF Insights Zacks' exclusive Fund Newsletter delivers actionable information, top news and analysis, as well as top-performing ETFs, straight to your inbox every week. Don't miss out on this valuable resource. It's free! Get it now >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Inc. (AMZN): Free Stock Analysis Report Target Corporation (TGT): Free Stock Analysis Report Walmart Inc. (WMT): Free Stock Analysis Report Lowe's Companies, Inc. (LOW): Free Stock Analysis Report The Home Depot, Inc. (HD): Free Stock Analysis Report SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT): ETF Research Reports VanEck Retail ETF (RTH): ETF Research Reports This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (
