Digital Signage Portal

Is there anybody interested in getting together to start a National or even worldwide network of digital signage locations. Of course all the details would have to be worked out but I really think it could be a great start for us smaller companies to attract larger clients. I personally see in the near future the larger companies taken over the whole industry and forcing the little people out. If we come together now we can control our own futures.

I'm all for it but how will the overall network get managed by all the different operators? And will there be a standard that operators need to use i.e. compatibility between all the different players out there? Some questions to think about - I like the way you think.

Yes, I agree that the larger companies will take over the whole industry but if you have a niche and innovative product that stands out from the rest, I'm sure your business will survive.

First off thanks for the input. I do believe if a group of small owners get together and put together a basic standard of what's needed to enter into the network it could succeed. Maybe I'm crazy but I do see a network being formed could benefit hundreds of small operators. It could also set a new standard for digital signage. If anyone else agrees just leave a post and maybe we can get to work on making things happen.

Stan

I'll create a blog post on our digital signage blog and see what responses we get.

I like the idea but I think it will be a challenging task. How do you suggest we start?

I think a a scale for revenue sharing has to be created. And then from there the criteria for what is an acceptable setup. I do believe everyone should be on the same setup. Getting advertisers shouldn't be a problem because of the number of screens. I do envision the network possibly becoming the governing body for digital signage standards. I do believe your site can be the cataylst for great things in the industry. I know a lot of people don't like web-based players, but I currently use infosignz. The reason behind me using them is because I believe it's the more affordable solution for a smaller sign owners. We could probably contact them and workout some kind of deal for that ultimate network.

Stan

Yes i agree with you. There needs to be a way to manage and centralise the revenue sharing - something like google adsense/adwords.

I think it will be hard to get everyone to be on the same setup, especially when the information about each businesses digital signage network needs to be validated. I did read in the past that all digital signage manufacturers will end up using a standard protocol called SXML.

One of the major problems that I see, which has been highlighted on our digital signage blog post called "The complete digital signage tracking solution", is how do we track and validate the advertisements displayed on the screens and charge this back to the client.

For example, I might be a digital signage operator and sign up to the network. I then setup 10 players in the Test Lab, each of these are not connected to a screen i.e. it is not displaying anything. In this case, the advertiser would be paying me x amount for displaying nothing - that is one flaw that I see.

We also like to use web-based players, however we do see some limitations with them i.e. cannot install additional software tools for other functions ie Retail Management Systems.

We have tried requesting to become a reseller for infosignz but we have not received any communication from them. Maybe they might be just busy.

Maybe invite them here so that we can discuss how that would work.

To begin with it needs to be established who will be involved in the creation of the network. Once that is established. We can then concentrate on writing out the purpose and goals of the network. I personally myself can see it becoming the regulating standard of digital signage. So I guess the #1 question is who is willing to get involved. I sent Infosignz a email on Saturday inviting, them to take a look at the discussion. I also encouraged them to join the portal so they could respond or add some insight on their thoughts about the WWN.

I talked with InfoSignz yesterday(17NOV)there may be a possibility they may be interested in helping in the formation of the network.

Stan

I'm a little late to this discussion but I'd like to inject some food for thought.
In 2006 and 2007, as a business consultant (see www.SMITH-TRG.com ), I have twice led an equity investor group business case evaluation of a global interactive digital-media network. Based on what I've read - clients had same concept as yours. At first blush - great idea. Actually, an outstanding idea when you embrace the direction interactive digital-media is going world-wide. However, at the end-of-the day, the key business drivers were: 1) financial viability - how much money would it take to acquire (roll-up if you will) or establish a global partnership of independent operators? What would be the business model that would make everyone money (revenue share?!, etc...) 2) Management and day-to-day operational control of new business entity. We took a GLOCAL (global network with local management of media/service delivery, etc...)approach. Local folks must serve community and infrastructure unique needs. 3) Technology - do you cobble together existing platforms or do you standardize on emerging technology solutions? fyi, very complex discussion between hypothetical headquarters types and local operators. Someone would face the need to pay for change - technology, business processes and practices, distribution, billing, etc... Who is it? Will they want ot? 4) Though this is last on this list it is the most important - what about the customer? What do they really want, what will they pay for it (value defined and appreciated by the customer), will there be enough very large customers (Global 2000) to help reach positive cash flow to sustain the business model over time. Global accounts would have to make 3 to 5 yr contractual commitments to insure content delivery demand...ongoing business revenue sustainability - market value creation.

In reality...it is all about scalability and positive cash flow. A privately funded endeavor will require significant long term financial commitment. Public funding - public traded company (ugly place to be for anyone these days...but that could change quickly) could make this happen. But would have to be a strategic top-down decision, agressive implementation plan to demonstrate to shareholders it was a smart ROI driven move.

Bottom line...this is a great idea/concept, but the devil is in the details. Investors will want hard answers to many interrelated execution questions.

Where I see hope - regional players could consolidate, do a smaler version of the global. They could then build a coalition or business alliance with other regional across the globe. Then...future years...they could merge. Achieve end-game objectives.

Hope this helps. I'm curious what others think...have to say.
Richard

Hi richard,

Thanks for your insights. It sounds like you have quite a lot of experience in this area.

In terms of the outcomes of the study, did that eventuate to anything?

Maybe we can start discussing on how we can develop a local network and keeping in mind that it will be used regionally and nationally.

I think using a SaaS model will be the best way to approach this as an Internet connection will be required for any SaaS model for distributing and syndicating content.



Still no signs of infosignz.