You’ve read all the research and know digital signage is the hot market to for displays. Hey – did you forget about content? What now?

Join us as we explore 5 key markets to target along with a review of:

• “White” or “Private” labeling your own software solution with your own brand to increase margins
• A simple ROI calculator to help reseller partners in reviewing different business models to determine the best way to position the software and make money
• How to create a recurring revenue stream by providing a software content solution
• The Rise Vision Software-as-a-Service model that’s not complicated and doesn’t require months of install training

The web presentation is based on real-world installation examples from corporate, education, restaurants and more.  Please sign up to join us Wed Mar 3 at 2pm EST.

Software-as-a-Service Reselling Digital Signage, Rise Network Operator News

Rise technology partner, Seneca is pleased to introduce one of the slimmest high-definition media players on the market. Designed for digital signage, the I-330 HD Media Player opens up entirely new possibilities for high-definition video that goes anywhere.

Seneca has packed big video capabilities and performance into a small, energy-efficient design able to go virtually anywhere. Pairing an NVIDIA® ION™ graphics processor with the low-power Intel® Atom™ processor, the I-330 HD Media Player sets a new standard in small form factor designs.

The I-330 is smaller, more powerful, and far less expensive than other small form factor digital signage media players and has been tested with the Rise Display Network.  To order, please contact Seneca directly by visiting their website or contacting them at 877-450-7808.

Software-as-a-Service Digital Signage Tech Tips, Reselling Digital Signage

A few months ago I did a post for suggestions on Setting up a Showroom.  For those of you considering it here is an example of how Computer Business Services out of WI set one up.

Cathy from Computer Business Services worked closely with one of our Private Network Partners Sherlock Systems to secure the necessary display, cart, media player and software to properly show of digital signage.  The displays have multiple purposes.  First they are promoting what the business does to help show the public examples of digital signage in action.  Through the use of the Ergotron mobile cart the display is also mobile allowing them to take the unit to expos and shows.

In both environments the digital signage solution lets Computer Business Services show other small businesses that they are more than just a break/fix establishment.  They can also help create innovative solutions to enable their clients to become more efficient, promote services, or entertain their customers.

If you are interested in setting up a showroom in your facility or looking to create a mobile demo unit feel free to contact Sherlock Systems to learn more about their demo packages.

Software-as-a-Service Digital Signage Installation, Reselling Digital Signage, Rise Network Operator News

Kudos to The Brawn’s for putting together a great training program.  It is hard to find the time in one’s busy schedule to sit down and watch the program, I know I procrastinated for several weeks.

The Digital Signage Experts Group training is an economical way to spend an afternoon and get a great 1000 foot overview of all of the pieces, components, and concepts behind digital signage.  If you are a reseller thinking about entering the exciting world of digital signage this is a great place to start to help you understand the world you are entering and get some valuable pointers from the best in the business.  Imagine how much better your entire team will operate if you invest the time and money to train your sales people through to support people with all of the key basic principles necessary to communicate.

During conferences one of the main questions I see is “where do I start” and my answer is always the same.  Before you figure out a flashy marketing campaign or start approaching clients I have 2 suggestions:

1) Get some training – and I highly recommend the Digital Signage Experts Group.

2) Set up your demo room – you can read more on this suggestion in my previous post.

Software-as-a-Service Reselling Digital Signage

Looking to get started selling digital signage?  What should you do first?

LCD in boardroom

My advice – set up a showroom.  And I don’t mean dust off an old PC and go to Costco and buy the cheapest LCD TV.  I am suggesting that you evaluate the vendors you want to partner with and you purchase exactly what you intend to sell your clients.  This way you get familiar with the technology by installing it and when you bring a client in for a demo you are showing them the same quality you intend to sell them.

Users buy what they see, so put on a nice show and learn while you do it.

Software-as-a-Service Reselling Digital Signage

Digital Signage Installation by Autocomm

Just saying you sell digital signage isn’t enough these days.  The market has grown by leaps and bounds and the growth has attracted the attention of thousands of companies to enter the space.  If you want to be profitable at digital signage you need to sell a solution, not just a product.  A few years ago an integrator could get away with selling just a few displays and mounts or just the software but now the market demands more.  They want to work with a company that will add value by providing a one stop shopping experience.

This is where partnerships are so important.  If you are good at software, partner with a AV company that understands hardware.  If you are an expert at creating content seek out companies that have mastered the software and hardware integration and are in need of creative help.  No single company is an expert at everything, the key is to know what you are good at and find those relationships to fill in the gaps so that you can provide a solution to your clients.

If you are new to the space and not sure where to start my advice is to reach out to the main line distributors like Synnex, Ingram Micro, Tech Data, and Almo.  Each of these organizations have dozens of partnerships with top tier manufacturers along with programs to help you build your business.  Suggested contacts and links to their websites can be found in our resource center.

Software-as-a-Service Reselling Digital Signage

If you are looking to partner with a digital signage software company to resell their services what should you look for?  And how do you profit from it?

I would start by making sure the software company you choose allows you to do the following:

Reselling Digital Signage Software

• Pay only for what you use – only pay for what you use each month with no long term commitments.
• Brand your service – put your brand on your display network and show your promotions and messages every time your clients login to update their digital signage.
• Build your network – add companies and users as you need them free of charge and add and remove displays as required – no long term commitments or contracts, simply pay as you go.
• Add value – deploy displays, create and manage content, monitor and manage displays, provide support and maintenance services.
• Give and receive ongoing support – you help your clients, and make sure your software provider provides you with online documentation and video tutorials to build your front line support capacity.

If you partner with a company that allows you to do the above, you have a firm foundation to integrate the software into your value proposition enabling you to create an ongoing revenue stream.  You will profit because you have the flexibility to add value under your identity and set a reasonable price for the services you are supplying your customers.

If you want to learn more check out our suggestions for partner success.

Software-as-a-Service Reselling Digital Signage

I’m often asked how to best present the Rise Software as a Service solution to a new prospect.   I typically recommend starting with the example PowerPoint files available to our resellers on the Rise Partner Portal – a website containing tools for selling and marketing the Rise solution.  The available presentations can be used as is by adding your logo and contact information or as a resource for screenshots, application photo’s, and informational slides to build your own presentation.    Inside the Partner Portal, you can find two presentations on the Selling Assistance tab.  The first, An introduction to web-based digital signage, focuses on the Rise solution.  The second, An introduction to Digital Signage, is more generic and provides a high level overview of a complete solution.  Both are available not only as a powerpoint file, but also as instructional pre-recorded videos to help you prepare for your actual presentations.

Software-as-a-Service Reselling Digital Signage

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – September 1, 2009 – Rise Vision, Inc. announces that ASI, a distributor of IT products and solutions, is now distributing its web-based content management system for the control of digital signage networks, Rise Display Network. ASI works with more than 15,000 system integrators nationwide, and chose Rise Vision as its partner to create a robust digital signage presence. While ASI has distributed many of the hardware components used to build a digital signage network, it lacked a strong partner for digital signage content management. The company chose Rise Vision for the strength of its content management solution, its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) approach, and because its Private Network option enables resellers to develop a private-label digital signage solution.

“Our system integrator customers create a lot of custom solutions, and embrace the idea of building their own brand. The Rise Vision Private Network program enables them to brand the entire digital signage solution, including content,” says Kent Tibbils, VP of Marketing, ASI. “In this challenging economy, we need to help our customers identify niche markets where they can add value and build upon their expertise in networking, installing equipment and software, and in training. With the Rise Vision solution, our customers can use those skill sets to grow a profitable digital signage business.”

In addition to the branding capabilities of Rise Display Network, ASI notes that the SaaS approach enables its resellers to achieve a much quicker return on investment.

“ASI does more than just discover products and components for its customer base – it helps them discover new markets where they can compete with the large system vendors on a playing field other than price,” says Ryan Cahoy, Managing Director, Rise Vision, Inc. “The Rise Display Network enables them to build customer relationships by creating a complete, private-labeled digital signage solution wrapped with their unique services.”

The Rise Display Network is a web-based, Software-as-a-Service content management system operated by Rise Vision. Subscriptions include access to live content such as news headlines, local weather, sports scores, and stock ticker updates. Users incorporate this live content with their own information, including media files, graphics, and text, and publish it directly to their network of digital signs. The Private Network Operator program provides partners with a personalized log-in page where they can promote branding, cross-selling, and event messages directly to end users every time they access their digital signage networks.

About ASI, ASI has been a leader in the distribution of IT products for over 20 years. Founded in 1987, the company has rapidly grown to become the partner of choice for over 20,000 VARs throughout North America. ASI offers an extensive line of products, components and services, and also provides ISO-9001 compliant system integration and value-add contract assembly. Experienced technical support team, knowledgeable sales, dynamic marketing, and innovative management have helped the company achieve an impressive $1.3 billion in sales revenue. For more information, visit www.asipartner.com.

About Rise Vision, Inc.
Rise Vision, Inc. owns, develops, and operates the Rise Display Network, a web-based, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) content management system for digital signage that brings live data, custom messages, and content to thousands of displays. The Rise Display Network is a web service that does not require hosting infrastructure; users login from any Internet-accessible browser to update, control, and monitor their displays, or use their smart-phone browser to send critical alerts. Every display needs a message – we believe that it should be as easy as creating that message from the web, anywhere, anytime and knowing that it has been delivered. It’s that simple. For more information, call 877.538.7473 or visit http://www.risevision.com.

Contacts:
Todd Hemme
Rise Vision, Inc.
913-538-6988
todd.hemme@risevision.com

Alison Harris
Harris Media Services
207-829-4500
alison@harrismediaservices.com

Digital Signage Software, Software-as-a-Service Reselling Digital Signage, Rise Network Operator News