Cloud, AI, and Future Data Strategy: Is Local Backup Obsolete?

Hey everyone,

I'm Jordan Kemp, an aerial cinematographer, and I've been wrestling with our data management workflows lately. We're often dealing with massive files from our ALEXA Mini and V-RAPTOR XL footage, sometimes PavoTube II 30X and SkyPanel X lighting setups, and capturing multi-channel audio on a Sound Devices 833. Currently, our backup strategy relies heavily on checksums, meticulously organized project folders, and multiple local drives before anything touches the cloud.

But with faster internet speeds becoming more common, AI-powered cataloging appearing seriously viable, and new cloud storage solutions constantly emerging, I can't help but wonder about the future. I'm talking in the next 3-5 years. Do you see us moving away from traditional checksums and strict folder rules as AI takes over more of the cataloging?

More importantly, are we headed towards a scenario where local backups become a secondary, or even entirely obsolete, part of our workflow? I'd love to hear your thoughts and predictions on how these technologies will reshape our approach to data integrity and backup strategies.