Strada introduces Agents, allowing users to turn their local hard drives into personal cloud storage without monthly fees. File access happens peer-to-peer, with no uploading or downloading required, and users can stream even high-resolution ProRes files across global distances with minimal bandwidth.
The Real-Time Streaming Solution
Strada Agents uses WebRTC technology to project video frames rather than transfer entire files, making it effective even on poor connections.
The system analyzes internet speeds and automatically converts files to appropriate quality for streaming
During the NAB demo, a 38GB ProRes 4K 4444 file was streamed from Australia to Las Vegas using hotel WiFi
Users retain complete ownership and control of their assets while eliminating recurring cloud storage costs
No file is ever transferred - the system simply projects frames like a "Zoom call to a QuickTime file"
Collaborative Workflows Reimagined
Strada's approach allows receivers to initiate their own transfers, removing the burden from senders.
Users can browse files before downloading, selecting only what they need
Upcoming features include file commenting and review capabilities without cloud uploads
The system supports synchronous review where multiple users can view the same file simultaneously
Especially beneficial for post-production workflows like color grading and sound mixing where time is compressed and multiple review rounds are critical
The Hybrid Future of Storage
Michael Cioni sees a balanced approach between cloud and local storage as the most practical path forward.
The free base version of Strada Agents allows connecting drives, signing up, and sharing/watching files
Premium features will be added based on user feedback
Original camera files (particularly RAW) will likely always remain on drives rather than clouds
Strada plans to introduce advanced AI features like transcription at the edge, though cloud-based processing remains more efficient for large-scale analysis
Strada's approach reflects a growing industry recognition that while cloud storage offers advantages in scalability and redundancy, the costs become prohibitive for media professionals working with large high-resolution files. By enabling peer-to-peer streaming and file access, Strada creates a practical middle ground that maintains the convenience of cloud access without the recurring expenses.
