Digital communication is more and more a service where technology, content management and support come in one package and at one fixed monthly cost. This also makes digital signage communication predictable and effective. DSaaS is a rapidly growing trend that is transforming the whole industry. Invidis, which compiles internationally relevant themes around the development and trends of digital signage, has highlighted Digital Signage as a Service (DSaaS) strongly in its latest Yearbooks. At the same time, the industry-wide shift from hardware towards software and continuous service models has become even clearer.
But what does “digital signage as a service” mean in practice, and why are more and more organizations choosing to rent digital signage instead of buying it?
What does Digital Signage as a Service mean?
Digital Signage as a Service (DSaaS) is a model where you don’t purchase a system as separate pieces (display + media player + software + installation + support tickets + maintenance). Instead, you receive the full solution for a monthly fee.
A typical DSaaS package includes:
- Suitable displays and the necessary hardware (e.g. media players)
- Installation and deployment (also remotely or as a hybrid setup)
- A content management system (CMS)
- Maintenance, remote management and technical support
- Content creation or content automation (e.g. signage integrations)
- The key difference compared to the traditional model: the service provider is responsible for keeping everything working
Why is the rental/subscription model becoming more common?
There are three main reasons – and each of them is about predictability.
1) Budgeting becomes easier (CAPEX → OPEX)
When an upfront investment turns into a monthly operating cost, decision-making becomes faster. You don’t tie up capital in hardware – you pay for communication that works and stays operational.
2) You don’t need to own the technology to benefit from it
Display technology, media players, software and security updates evolve constantly. With DSaaS, lifecycle management and updates are part of the agreement, so the customer doesn’t need to worry about technical details.
3) Getting started becomes easier
Many organizations postpone a signage rollout because the beginning feels big: device choices, network requirements, user roles, content, and ongoing maintenance. In a service model, starting is lighter and scaling happens as your needs grow.
Read also: What does digital signage really costs? »
Smart content puts the right information in the right place at the right time
A modern digital signage network is a communication channel that builds customer experience and guides action depending on the space. In a retail environment, screens can accelerate purchase decisions with campaigns, wayfinding and availability messaging, while supporting upsell at exactly the right moment. In lobbies and entrance areas, signage makes visits smoother: guidance, queue information and service updates reduce uncertainty and improve flow. In staff areas, screens ensure important messages reach everyone: safety, instructions, goals and an up-to-date situational view remain visible to all.
When you add integrations and automation, screens can live along with everyday operations: timely announcements, local messages, data (e.g. sales, production, customer flow) and scheduled campaigns can run without constant manual work. Invidis has also described the broader shift towards software- and service-driven value creation – where the value increasingly comes from management, content and operations, not just a screen on a wall.
How do signage integrations work, and how can they improve your communication?
A scalable and low-risk service model
“Low-risk” doesn’t mean nothing should be planned, but it does bring flexibility and safety to the purchase decision. You can start small – for example with 1–3 screens – and expand the solution as your business and concept grow. Maintenance and any device replacements can be handled quickly without major downtime. Costs remain stable month after month, which makes budgeting easier.
The service model also makes experimentation realistic: you can test in practice what content and setup work best in your space and for your audience, without having to “lock everything in” at the very first step.
Digital signage is a measurable part of the customer journey
Digital signage is not a separate technical solution anymore – it’s an integrated part of the customer journey. For example, in-store displays can support POS communication, guide customer movement and speed up decision-making. Today, digital content complements the physical space.
Digital signage turns communication into data you can measure. And signage is no longer just a purchase – it’s a working service package that supports customer experience and sales.
Read also: Strengthen internal communication with visible data: Power BI on digital signage »
Who is DSaaS for?
Digital signage as a service is an especially good choice if you:
- want to get started fast without a large upfront investment
- don’t have the time or interest to run devices and updates internally
- want a single accountable partner (SLA, support, maintenance)
- are planning growth: more locations, more screens, more use cases
What should you ask a DSaaS provider?
When comparing DSaaS providers, ask at least:
- What exactly is included in the monthly fee (devices, installation, CMS, support, remote management)?
- How are security and updates handled?
- How are user roles and access rights managed?
- What integrations are needed for content creation (news, campaigns, social, intranet…)?
- What integrations are needed for content creation (news, campaigns, social, intranet…)?
Read more blog posts about what to consider before acquiring hardware:
Blog: Why a basic consumer TV isn’t suitable for digital signage »
Also: How does the installation location affect the effectiveness of digital signage? »
Want to improve customer experience with digital signage without a big upfront investment?
How could Digital Signage as a Service work in your environment? Ask us about monthly-priced digital signage and test risk-free what works best for your business. Book a short 15-minute sparring session and we’ll go through your use case, space and goals.
Should you buy or rent digital signage?
If you want predictable costs, a fast start and one accountable partner, renting / a service model is often the smarter option. Buying can make sense if you want to manage and maintain everything in-house.
What does a DSaaS service typically include?
Usually devices, installation, a content management system (CMS), remote management, support, and often content support or automation.
How are security and updates handled?
In a service model, maintenance and updates are typically included, and remote management plus user roles should be defined from the start.
Miten sisältö saadaan päivittymään automaattisesti?
Through integrations: for example calendars, social feeds, SharePoint/news or Power BI can be brought to screens automatically.
How much does DSaaS cost per month?
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