Digital signage premise-based vs cloud-based - Expert guide

Digital signage is a powerful tool for businesses to communicate with customers and employees in real time. It can be used to display promotional content, news updates, menus, and other important information. There are two main types of digital signage solutions: on-premise and cloud-based. 

In this article, you will learn about the digital signage premise-based vs cloud-based solutions. To help you with the decision, we have prepared a step-by-step guide and outlined the main advantages and disadvantages of each type of digital signage solution.

Digital signage on-premise vs cloud - Selection process

Digital signage on-premise vs cloud is a question that many organizations ask themselves when setting up their signage network. This is not an easy decision to make and companies must carefully consider both options to find the one that suits their business needs most. Thus, we created a step-by-step guide to help you: 

1. Outline your company's objectives
2. Determine which objectives can be accomplished with the aid of digital signage
3. Find out which digital signage features will help you reach your business goals
4. Choose between an on-premise and a cloud digital signage solution 
5. Look into the top digital signage software solutions that match your business needs
6. Schedule a meeting with a representative to discuss your digital signage network 

On-premise digital signage solution 

On-premise digital signage solutions are locally installed and run on a company's own servers. This means that the company has complete control over the hardware and software, and is responsible for maintaining and updating it. One of the main advantages of on-premise solutions is that they are typically more secure, as the company has control over who has access to the hardware and data. They are also generally more reliable, as there is no risk of a network outage or other issues that could affect the system.

However, on-premise solutions also have some drawbacks. They require a significant upfront investment in hardware and software, and ongoing maintenance and support can be costly. Additionally, they require technical expertise to set up and manage, which can be a challenge for companies without a dedicated IT team.

Cloud-based digital signage solutions 

Cloud-based digital signage solutions, on the other hand, are hosted on servers in the cloud and accessed via the Internet. This means that the company does not have to worry about maintaining and updating the software, as it is all handled by the cloud provider. One of the main advantages of cloud-based solutions is that the upfront investment costs are spread out over time. Other benefits of cloud-based digital solutions include flexibility in scalability and contracts. 

They are also easier to set up and manage, as they do not require technical expertise. However, cloud-based solutions also have some drawbacks to mention. This could be the fact that the company's data is stored on the cloud provider's servers. Another drawback of cloud-based systems could be that you are not the server administrator and have limited access. For instance, you can't connect displays yourself when you have a subscription to our MagicINFO shared cloud. However, you don't have this issue when you choose the private cloud options. 

Samsung’s MagicINFO digital signage software

Samsung's MagicINFO digital signage software is available in two versions: on-premise and cloud. While both versions offer similar features and capabilities, they differ in terms of how they are accessed and deployed. Let’s start with an overview of each version, followed by our expert opinion of the digital signage premise-based vs cloud-based application case.

MagicINFO On-premise

The Samsung MagicINFO on-premise is locally installed software that is accessed and run directly on a digital signage player, such as an SSSP. This version of MagicINFO is ideal for users who want to manage their digital signage content on-site. It is perfect for organizations that can afford the upfront installation cost of the digital signage network and maintenance expenses over time. 

MagicINFO Cloud

On the other hand, MagicINFO Cloud is a web-based version of the software that is accessed and run through a web browser. MagicINFO Cloud is ideal for SMEs or businesses with limited budgets. In recent years, organizations choose cloud-based digital signage over on-premise because of affordability and easy maintenance.

MagicINFO On-premise versus Cloud

One of the main differences between MagicINFO On-premise and MagicINFO Cloud is the way they are deployed. With MagicINFO On-premise, users need to install the software directly onto a server that meets specific server requirements, which can be a time-consuming and complex process. In contrast, MagicINFO Cloud is accessed through a web browser, which is much easier and more convenient.

Another point that organizations must consider when looking into digital signage on-premise vs cloud solutions is security. MagicINFO is ISO certified which means that it complies with the latest and strictest data protection regulations. So, you can be sure that both options are secure. However, on-premise could be safer because everything is managed internally.

Digital signage premise-based vs cloud-based - Final thoughts

Ultimately, the decision between a digital signage on-premise and cloud solution will depend on the needs and resources of the company. On-premise solutions may be a better choice for companies that place a high value on security and reliability and have the technical expertise and resources to maintain and support the hardware and software. 

Cloud-based solutions may be a better choice for companies that want a more cost-effective and easier-to-manage solution and are willing to trade off some control for these benefits. If you are interested in learning more about digital signage we recommend you start with our piece about digital signage displays and how they work.

We have reached the end of our article and hope that you have learned enough to decide between a cloud-based and an on-premise digital signage solution. If you feel ready to discuss the details of your project, book a meeting with our MagicINFO expert to help you get the most out of the software.