Acquia initially provided two modules to integrate Acquia DAM with Drupal, each designed for different needs and use cases. However, those features are now combined into the Acquia DAM module.

Overview of the modules

• Acquia DAM (acquia_dam): This newer module offers advanced functionality and flexibility for managing digital assets within Drupal.
• Media: Acquia DAM (media_acquiadam): This older module has two branches:
   
  • 1.x: Customers using version 1.x can contact their Customer Success Manager for assistance with migrating to version 2.x.
  • 2.x: Created as a migration path from 1.x, this version downloads files into Drupal’s file system and uses Drupal’s Entity Browser.

Key Differences

The primary distinction between the two modules lies in how they handle asset storage and delivery:
 

Acquia DAM Module:

• Uses embed codes to serve files through the DAM content delivery network (CDN), conserving storage space as files are not downloaded.
• Integrates with Drupal’s Media Library.
• Offers advanced features such as version control, metadata mapping, and more.
• New in 1.1.0: With the release of Acquia DAM 1.1.0, you can download assets directly to the Drupal file system and get greater flexibility in asset management. This update provides options to  choose between using embed codes for CDN delivery or downloading assets for local storage, optimizing both performance and storage based on specific needs.

Media: Acquia DAM Module (2.x):

• Downloads files directly into Drupal’s file system.
• Utilizes Drupal’s Entity Browser for asset management.

FAQs

• Can users use both the 2.x version of the Media: Acquia DAM module and the Acquia DAM module at the same time?
  No, Acquia does not recommend that you  use both the modules simultaneously. The Acquia DAM module, especially with the 1.1.0 upgrade, provides significant advantages over the Media: Acquia DAM module. The new version introduces the ability to mix and match serving methods, allowing users to use the embed option for large files and the download option for files requiring local storage. This flexibility optimizes storage and performance, making the Acquia DAM module a more efficient and streamlined choice for managing digital assets within Drupal.
• What is the migration path for customers who are currently using the 2.x version of the Media: Acquia DAM module backed by Acquia?
  The migration process is currently underway. A beta version, 2.1.0-beta1, has already been released. Acquia will provide an update when the stable version becomes available. It will feature an enhanced migration dashboard experience. 

For more related articles, visit:

• How do I use the Acquia DAM module?
• How do I use the Bulk Import feature?
• FAQs for DAM module version 1.1.x
• How to migrate from Media Acquia module to Acquia DAM module?
   

What is the difference between the latest Acquia DAM module and the Media: Acquia DAM module?