6 Reasons Why Free Digital Signage Software Is Not Always Free

There are many types of digital signage solutions available. Some are affordable, others are relatively expensive, and some are free. But is free digital signage really free?

We are going to discuss 6 points that explain why there may be more to the claim of FREE digital signage software.

1. PC players must be purchased. That’s right, each LCD screen must have a PC player running the content. Granted, if you choose a multi-head PC player, that cuts the PC purchases in half. However, there is still a substantial cost to get up and running. This is a short-term and a long-term problem. Why? For the short-term, the PC’s must be purchased. In the long-term, the PC’s must be maintained.

2. Supporting software is required and it isn’t always free. For example, some digital signage software allows a PowerPoint file to be played. This feature requires a Microsoft PowerPoint license to be purchased. Another example, anti-virus software is required to ensure the reliability of the digital signage solution. Most anti-virus software solutions have a subscription fee or a license fee. Just one more cost that must be considered.

3. Every PC must have an operating system. Depending on the type of PC, you may need to purchase a copy of Microsoft Windows. Not cheap.

4. The time that it takes to get all of these systems working, that weren’t necessarily designed to work with one another, can be excessive. It’s common to hear from clients that it took so long to get the DIY digital signage network that included the “free” software to work, that they would have paid less by purchasing the “paid” solution.

5. In most cases, the “basic” version of the software is free, but once server hosting is required, or other enterprise-level features are needed, they become a “paid” solution very quickly. The truth of the matter is that all digital signage companies need to make money. In most digital signage applications, enterprise-level features are required, and that is where they get you! If you are looking at a free solution, it’s best to ask how they make their money and you will see how those costs will effect you.

6. Tech support is hard-to-get in a “free” solution. When it does exist, it is generally very expensive.

Free digital signage software is not the same as a free digital signage solution. Make sure you look for a solution that is affordable, comes with all of the enterprise-level features out-of-the-box, and most importantly, designed to work with the hardware and software systems without requiring hours and hours of build time.

To learn more about how Noventri digital signage can fit your needs, click HERE.