If you haven't read up on USD you should check out this article:

With Alembic (.abc) fully implemented into our pipeline this seems like the next step for managing large assets.  It has a toolset for Almebic, Maya, and Houdini as well as others - check out the links at the bottom of the page.  If you're using 3D as a major part of the work flow in your studio or as an individual artist this is something you ought to read up on.  The USD toolset may find its way into pro apps before you know it.