Solution architecture · Media infrastructure

Independent technical advice for broadcast and media technology environments.

I've spent twenty-five years in enterprise systems administration and distributed application development, the last twelve specialising in broadcast media asset management. I've built custom applications in Java and Python, architected SDKs, and delivered complex, sometimes high-risk projects for broadcasters and technology vendors.

Get in touch

Services

System architecture & specification

Design and specification work for media asset management systems, from ingest through to storage and metadata strategy.

Custom workflows and integrations

Design of bespoke workflows integrating MAM systems with other platforms, e.g. playout, editorial, storage, and third-party tools.

Custom application development

Custom application development, backend and full-stack, including cloud infrastructure and container deployment.

Technical due diligence

System audits and review of existing or proposed systems ahead of a build, migration, or procurement decision.

Vendor evaluation

Independent assessment of MAM and adjacent platforms, without a reseller relationship attached to the recommendation.

Training

Technical training, from conference-style talks to bespoke, hands-on courses for smaller groups.

Simon Bailey, portrait

Background

I've spent twenty-five years in enterprise systems, the last twelve of it inside broadcast media asset management at Vizrt. I delivered MAM systems ranging from single-server installs to large-scale enterprise deployments, and helped to build the EMEA MAM pre-sales function from scratch. Training and customer outreach have run alongside that work throughout: technical talks in front of large audiences, and bespoke, hands-on training courses for smaller groups. I'm fully bilingual in English and German, with a proven track record of working with teams and stakeholders across the German-speaking markets.

From around 2014, custom development and integrations with other systems ran through nearly every project, often against short timeframes and real budgetary pressure. For the past three years, I've worked in an enablement role sitting between R&D, Professional Services, and Support: assisting on solution architecture and custom development for active projects, providing third-level support for integrations already delivered, and harmonising the Java and Python SDKs and moving them forward.

Alongside my IT work, I run an active photography and videography studio, giving me insight into how MAM systems can actually be used, not just the infrastructure behind them.

Case Studies

National audiovisual archive · Migration

Full broadcast archive migration

Migration of a national broadcast archive to Viz One, including remuxing and regenerating all existing proxies at higher quality, metadata migration, and custom extensions for metadata manipulation. Introduced structured project delivery practices along the way.

Broadcast production environment · Greenfield MAM

First MAM deployment in a long-running production environment

Introduced a MAM system from scratch into a production environment with no prior MAM, integrating archive, playout, editorial, and IPTV delivery. Solution architecture and hands-on delivery throughout.

Custom application · Viz One

Import Manager

Custom-built application for Viz One, easing the creation and import of multiple media assets with consistent metadata in a single operation.

SDK · Viz One third-party API

Java-One SDK

SDK covering all REST objects and operations of Viz One's third-party API, including bootstrapped infrastructure for connection management and application development, plus documentation and training.

Sports data integration · Real-time processing

Real-time sports data import

High-scale, real-time processing of Opta sports data, generating time-based metadata via Viz One's 3DP API.

National broadcaster · Long-term architecture oversight

Long-running, heavily customised deployment

Technical architecture oversight for a long-running, heavily customised deployment across multiple upgrade projects, redeveloping custom workflows and integrations in close liaison with the customer's project team.

Get in touch

Available for new engagements from September 2026. For project enquiries, system reviews, or a conversation about a specific problem, email or call directly.

consulting@simonbstudios.com +44 7469 824 244

Simon Bailey Consulting is a trading name of Simon Bailey Studios Ltd.
Registered in England and Wales. Company No. 17377674.
Registered Office: 71-75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2H 9JQ.
 
Simon Bailey Studios Ltd is not currently registered for VAT.

Simon Bailey – CV

Customised Solution Architect · Media Workflow Systems

Simon Bailey

Customised Solution Architect with 20+ years across software engineering, systems administration, and media asset management. Specialises in MAM product architecture, custom development, and the Java/Python SDKs that extend Vizrt's core MAM platform. Equally comfortable designing high-risk delivery projects and training engineering teams on third-party APIs.

Experience

Customised Solution Architect

2023 – present

Vizrt UK

Strategy, blueprints & solution architecture for the core MAM product; training programs and high-risk project delivery.

  • Strategic improvement of usability and availability of product extensions for Vizrt's core MAM product
  • Blueprints and guidelines for custom development and product extensions
  • Improved the usability of the Java and Python SDKs for working with the MAM product's third-party API
  • Solution Architecture across MAM & cross-product projects
  • Custom development in coordination with Product Management

Pre-Sales & Solution Architect

2019 – 2022

Vizrt UK

Built the EMEA pre-sales function; technical quotations for MAM & cross-product workflows.

  • Established the pre-sales group's structure and procedures across the EMEA region
  • Partnered with Sales on technical expertise and detailed quotations
  • Solution Architecture across MAM & cross-product projects
  • Custom development in coordination with Product Management
  • Project delivery for complicated and high-risk projects

Boatbuilding & Marine Engineering Diploma, IBTC, Lowestoft

09/2018 – 08/2019

Senior Systems Engineer

2017 – 2018

Vizrt Austria

Expanded delivery responsibility with architectural design and R&D coordination.

  • Self-managed project delivery for smaller projects, including simple architectural design briefs
  • Coordination with R&D on product improvements and bug-fixes
  • Continued development of the Java API integration library for Viz One

Systems Engineer

2013 – 2017

Vizrt Austria

MAM project delivery across a wide range of customer scales.

  • Delivered MAM systems from simple single-server installations to large-scale enterprise deployments
  • Training delivery and development of the Viz One Java API integration library

Web Programmer

2012 – 2013

Living Liquid GmbH, Innsbruck, Austria

  • Conception and planning of new web-based software projects
  • Auditing internal workflows for potential improvements
  • Maintenance and enhancements of existing software projects
  • Programming on new projects

Systems Administrator

2003 – 2012

Institute of Computer Science, University of Innsbruck, Austria

  • Systems Administrator for the Computational Research Group responsible for managing and maintaining c. 20-25 workstations and laptops as well as 10-15 Linux based servers
  • Developed multiple distributed web applications for the Institute using PHP and Java; also maintained the XML/XSLT driven CMS systems
  • Involved with the organising committee of numerous international workshops and a summer school
  • Budgetary responsibility for procurement and continual improvement of infrastructure

Linux Systems Administrator

2002 – 2003

Zentraler Informatikdienst, University of Innsbruck, Austria

Server installation and management. Implemented a host intrusion detection infrastructure.

Multiple Positions

ICSP GmbH, Wörgl, Austria

2002 – 2003Freelance Systems and Network Administrator
2002Technical Director and Web Programmer

Implemented a Business Card Engine with automatic layout management in multiple languages; also designed and implemented required server infrastructure for multiple web-based printing applications.

Multiple Positions

Auerwebsolutions GmbH, Wörgl, Austria

2001 – 2002Technical Director
2000 – 2001Web Programmer & Systems Administrator
2000Web Designer

Details on request

Contact

Conwy, North Wales

+44 7469 824 244

hello@simonbstudios.com

IT expertise

Linux – expert

Networking – expert

Java – expert

XML/XSLT – expert

Databases – high-level

Python – good

Languages

English – native

German – native

French – basic

Education

BSc Computer Science (unfinished), Innsbruck – 2001–2012

Boatbuilding & Marine Eng. Diploma, IBTC – 2018–2019, distinction

Other qualifications

Master Photographer (craft-master exam, 2013)

Business license, distinction (2012)

Matura/A-Level equivalent (1998)

Maritime & watersports

SSI Open Water Instructor

RYA Powerboat Instructor

RYA/MCA VHF Instructor

Yachtmaster Offshore theory

Commercial Powerboat Skipper

Qualities

Hard-working · Decisive · Meticulous

References

Andrew O'Neill – SVP Sports Strategy, Vizrt UK

Martin Kraft-Fish – Head of International Projects, BERNARD Gruppe

Veronika Sievers – Owner, Punkfish Diving