LucidLink has launched Connect, an API-driven access layer that enables teams to stream data directly from existing AWS S3 buckets in real time. Connect is now generally available on Enterprise plans, with AWS Marketplace availability coming soon. Connect lets teams browse and work with files where they already live — no migration, duplication, or architectural changes required.
The core innovation is byte-range streaming. Applications request only the portions of a file they need, reducing bandwidth usage and lowering egress costs. Files remain in their original format and location. Teams get a unified filespace across AWS and other data stores without moving data or rebuilding workflows.
Instant Access, No Rearchitecture: How Connect Solves a Real Problem
Media and entertainment teams face a persistent workflow bottleneck: massive datasets sitting in object storage that are expensive and time-consuming to access. Downloading full files for review, editing, or collaboration drives up cloud egress costs and slows down creative work.
Migrating data to new systems introduces operational overhead and risk. Connect sidesteps both problems.
"Connect extends that to the massive amount of data already sitting in object storage," said Peter Thompson, Founder and CEO of LucidLink. "Instead of migrating or reorganizing it, teams can simply point LucidLink at existing buckets and immediately start browsing and working with that data through the workflows they already use."
Connect doesn't replicate data, doesn't require ingest pipelines, and doesn't add architectural complexity. Teams activate data stores the moment they're linked. Browse large datasets instantly. Stream only what's needed. Write access is available when teams copy files into their LucidLink filespace for real-time collaboration.
Features Built for Enterprise Workflows
LucidLink Connect includes several capabilities designed for media production environments:
Native format integrity: Files stay in place and in their original format. LucidLink doesn't rewrite or repackage data.
Byte-range streaming: Applications stream only the portions of a file they need, reducing bandwidth and access costs.
Unified data view: Teams bring together data across AWS and other data stores in one consistent workspace experience.
Security-first design: Enterprise requirements including predictable governance and controlled access.
Workflow automation: LucidLink APIs link data from existing data stores, automate setup, and orchestrate repeatable workflows.
Flexible data structures: Preserve existing structures or present selected data as intuitive, user-facing drives and directories.
For media and entertainment specifically, the use cases are clear: browse footage, stream only the clips you need across desktop, mobile, and web, and open files directly in desktop applications without downloading.
Industry Partners See Immediate Value
Three industry partners have already endorsed Connect for media workflows. Base Media Cloud, a managed cloud service provider for end-to-end cloud-native media workflows, sees Connect as a key addition to its ecosystem. "We're excited to see the value LucidLink Connect will bring to our customers by enabling video to be streamed directly from any connected S3 storage," said Tanya Rai, Head of Partnerships and Marketing at Base Media Cloud.
7fivefive, a media technology consultancy, highlighted the workflow gap Connect addresses. "What's exciting about LucidLink Connect is that it removes long-standing gaps in enterprise workflows, without forcing teams to move data, duplicate it or re-architect their systems," said Tim Burton, Managing Director at 7fivefive.
Jigsaw24 Media, a media solutions provider, emphasized the practical benefit for teams managing large S3 asset libraries. "Lucidlink Connect allows our customers to access their large amounts of S3 media assets and use them in secure, real-time workflows all within their existing filespaces," said Chris Bailey, Media Solutions Lead at Jigsaw24 Media.
Scale and Availability
LucidLink operates at significant scale. The platform manages over 90 petabytes of data globally, serves 100,000+ users across 4,000+ businesses in 150+ countries, and holds certifications including SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, and MPAA TPN Blue Shield.
Connect is available now on LucidLink Enterprise plans. AWS Marketplace availability is coming soon, which will streamline procurement for AWS-native teams.
What This Means for Workflows
We previously covered LucidLink's expansion into mobile and web interfaces, and the platform's major platform upgrades. Connect represents a different kind of evolution: not a new interface or feature, but a fundamental shift in how teams access data they already own.
For studios, post-production facilities, and media service providers managing petabytes of archived footage, proxy files, and project assets in S3, Connect removes a significant operational friction point. Teams can work with existing storage infrastructure without the cost and complexity of migration. That's a meaningful shift in how cloud-native media workflows operate.
