A Beginner's Guide to Cloud-Based Digital Signage

A Beginner's Guide to Cloud-Based Digital Signage

 

Cloud-based digital signage has become a revolutionary solution for businesses of all sizes and types. Users can easily manage what appears on their screens, such as promotions, announcements, or images, all from a single dashboard, no matter where they are.

In 2024, this technology has become more accessible and powerful than ever, providing the flexibility and scalability that traditional systems lack.

This guide will explain everything you need to know about cloud-based digital signage, including how it works and the essential tools to get started.

 

Table of Contents

 

What is Cloud-Based Digital Signage Software?

In simple terms, cloud-based digital signage is a platform that allows businesses to manage and update content that appears on digital screens remotely, using the internet, across one or multiple locations.

Unlike traditional signage that requires local servers, onsite management and physical updates, cloud-based systems connect to remote cloud servers, which means it stores all your content and settings online and can update your displays instantly from any location; all you need is an internet connection and a device, like a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, to access the dashboard.

 

How Cloud-Based Digital Signage Work?

Cloud-based digital signage, also known as web-based digital signage, relies on online servers to store, distribute, and manage content. It operates on a subscription model, where the system provider handles server maintenance, updates, and security, while users access the system via a web dashboard. Since everything is cloud-hosted, content is easy to update and access—no need for on-site management.

Users require digital signage software such as EasySignage to upload, manage, or schedule content. Once everything is ready, the content is updated remotely and published on digital signage screens over the internet. To ensure seamless operation, EasySignage also includes local caching on the players, allowing screens to continue displaying content even during internet outages.

This setup is ideal for businesses with multiple locations or those requiring real-time content changes.

 

Key Components of Cloud-Based Digital Signage Solution

Setting up cloud-based digital signage doesn’t require a long list. It relies on a few key components to function. To get started, you’ll need both software and hardware components:

- Software:

1. Content Management System (CMS)

The CMS is the central hub of cloud-based signage. It is a software platform where you add, manage, and schedule content like images and videos, news feeds, as well as organise playlists and monitor screen performance.

This software is hosted in the cloud, meaning it can be accessed from any device with internet connectivity, allowing users to control displays remotely.
EasySignage, for instance, is a cloud-based CMS that makes managing content straightforward.

 

- Hardware:

2. Digital Signage Media Players

If your screen isn’t smart, you’ll need a digital signage media player. These are devices that connect to screens to interpret and display content from the CMS. Some modern screens have built-in players, but many setups use external media players like Android, BrightSign, or Raspberry Pi devices.

These players connect to the internet to receive content updates from the CMS. Compact media players, which are easy to install, are commonly used in today’s digital signage systems.
Additionally, platforms like EasySignage are compatible with a wide range of media players.

3. Internet Connectivity

Cloud-based signage requires a stable internet connection for the CMS to communicate with all media players connected to the screens. This connection allows content to be updated in real-time, so you can make changes instantly without the need to be onsite.

4. Digital Signage Screens

Finally, you have the screens themselves. They could be any type from large commercial displays in stores to smaller screens in office lobbies to display your messages. As long as they’re compatible with your CMS and media player, they’re good to go.

 

Investing in the right hardware and software mix can lead to a seamless and manageable setup. A cloud-based digital signage solution is an all-in-one package that combines these components. Each component of this system collaborates to enable smooth updates and operations.

 

Cloud-based Digital Signage System

 

 

Main Benefits of Cloud-based Digital Signage

Cloud-based digital signage offers a wealth of features and benefits, making it a go-to choice for businesses:

- Remote Management

Manage and update screens across different locations without leaving your desk and being physically present.

- Real-time Updates

Instantly change content on your screens to keep it relevant and reflect any changes in offers, promotions, or announcements.

- Easy Scaling

Cloud-based digital signage easily grows with your business. Start with one screen and simply add more screens to the network as needed, without complicated setups or hardware installations.

- Multi-user Access

Many solutions allow multiple users to access the system with different permission levels to members, so your team can collaborate on content updates and management without risk.

- Cost-effective

Cloud-based signage is cheaper and more affordable than traditional systems because they don’t need on-site local servers and IT support. Most cloud signage solutions operate on a subscription model, meaning you only pay for what you actually use.

- User-friendly

Many cloud-based CMS platforms offer easy-to-use, drag-and-drop interfaces. You don’t need technical expertise to create professional and engaging displays. Most platforms, like EasySignage, come with ready-made templates that businesses can directly use to create digital signage content for their screens without the need to design from scratch.

- Analytics and Reporting

Cloud-based digital signage offers media playback reporting (proof of play) that tracks engagement and provides statistics on content performance. Are viewers engaging with certain ads? Are they ignoring others? Analytics helps you understand what’s working and what isn’t.

- Seamless Integration with Other Apps

Cloud-based digital signage can easily integrate with various applications and platforms, such as social media, BI (business intelligence) tools, design tools, News feeds, and even Google Workspace. This integration allows businesses to display live updates, real-time data, social media feeds, and other important information directly on their screens.

 

Solutions like EasySignage offer all these capabilities in a simple package, allowing businesses to get started quickly without investing in heavy infrastructure.

 

Security of Cloud-Based Digital Signage

One common question with cloud-based technology is security. Data security is a top priority when using digital systems. Leading cloud-based providers implement strong security protocols to keep your data safe. Here’s how:

  • Secure Data Centres: Digital signage providers store your content in secure data centres to prevent unauthorized access.

  • Encryption: Sensitive data is encrypted during storage and transmission, which adds an extra layer of protection.

  • Regular Updates: Software updates are automatically managed in the cloud, ensuring your CMS and media players always have the latest security patches.

EasySignage is committed to data protection and has partnered with Google Cloud to deliver a secure and reliable system. Access is restricted to authorized users to ensure your content remains safe, even in unexpected situations. With these security measures, you can confidently manage your displays without worrying about data breaches.

 

Why Choose EasySignage for Cloud-based Digital Signage

EasySignage is a cloud-based digital signage solution designed to help businesses create, schedule, and display content across various types of screens efficiently.
Some key features:

✔️ Simple enough for beginners yet powerful enough for large enterprises.

✔️ Compatible with a wide range of media players and screen types.

✔️ Remote control and content updates from any location.

✔️ Cover a wide range of apps and integrations.

✔️ Secure and reliable for your digital signage operations.

✔️ Free plan available for one screen forever.

✔️ Responsive support to ensure smooth display operations.

✔️ Cater various industries like retail, healthcare, education, real estate, hospitality, and more.

✔️ Manage multiple screens in different locations from one single dashboard.

✔️ Support offline operation.

✔️ Geolocation feature to deliver targeted content based on the location of your screens.

✔️ Offer customisable pre-made digital signage templates.

 

Getting Started with EasySignage:

  1. Create a Free Account: Sign up without a credit card and start managing your first screen for free.

  2. Install the EasySignage Player: Download and install the software on your preferred device or use the web player for quick access.

  3. Connect Your Screen: Link your screen to your EasySignage account using the provided Hash ID, and you’re ready to start displaying content.

 

EasySignage Digital Signage System

 

Cloud-based Digital Signage Media Players

Cloud-based digital signage media players are small devices that connect to digital screens, enabling content playback and management remotely via the Internet. These media players are essential in cloud-based signage setups as they interpret and deliver the content from the digital signage platform to the display screen.

There are several types of cloud-based digital signage media players. Here are the main types:

1. Android-Based Media Players

These are among the most popular due to their affordability, ease of use, and flexibility. Android-based players, like Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV Stick, can handle a wide range of content types and apps, making them an excellent choice for businesses looking for a budget-friendly, versatile solution. They work well with most cloud-based digital signage software and are suitable for small to medium-sized deployments.

2. Proprietary Media Players

Proprietary players like BrightSign use a dedicated operating system designed specifically for digital signage. These players are known for high performance, reliability, and strong security features, making them suitable for enterprise and commercial environments where durability and uptime are critical. They support advanced features like 4K video, video walls, and interactive content.

3. Embedded Media Players

These media players are built directly into commercial displays, such as Samsung Tizen smart signage and LG WebOS digital signage, eliminating the need for external players. Embedded players are a good choice for streamlined installations and work well with cloud-based software platforms compatible with these smart displays.

4. Windows-Based Media Players

Windows-based players are powerful and versatile, capable of handling complex content and heavy data processing. They excel in multitasking, custom applications, or integrations with specialized software and are often used in large-scale digital signage networks or high-performance environments.

5. System-on-Chip (SoC) Media Players

Similar to embedded players, SoC media players are integrated directly into the screen hardware. They focus on reducing power consumption and hardware costs. SoC players are commonly used in professional-grade displays like Vestel Displays, and are optimized for commercial digital signage.

6. Raspberry Pi and DIY Media Players

Raspberry Pi media players and other DIY setups are customizable and affordable options, often favoured by tech-savvy users and small businesses with limited budgets. They offer flexibility and can be adapted to specific requirements.

 

EasySignage supports a range of popular media players to ensure flexibility and compatibility with different setups:

- Android-based Media Players

- Amazon FireTV Stick

- BrightSign Media players

- ChromeOS Digital Signage

- LG WebOS Digital Signage

- Philips Digital Signage

- Raspberry Pi Digital Signage

- Samsung Tizen Digital Signage

- Vestel Digital Signage

- Windows Digital Signage

 

Digital Signage Media Player

 

In Summary

Cloud-based digital signage in 2024 provides a smart, scalable, and affordable way to share your messages. It’s a powerful tool for any business looking to modernize communication strategies, flexible, allowing you to manage content in real-time, and it grows as your business grows.

With solutions like EasySignage, you can easily set up a secure, efficient digital signage network that enhances your communication and engagement without excessive costs.

If you’re ready to elevate your business with cloud-based digital signage, make the smart choice and start exploring your options today. Whether you need a small local setup or a multi-location enterprise, cloud-based signage can adapt to meet your needs.