Frame Media, Scala bring SignChannel to market

WELLESLEY, Mass. — Frame Media, a provider of software and content for connected devices, today announced a partnership with Scala, a provider of end-to-end solutions for the digital signage and advertising management markets, to bring SignChannel to market. SignChannel is a low cost, self-service, easy-to-use digital signage service.

Under the terms of the partnership, Frame Media provides the platform for content management and delivery and customer support, according to a news release. Scala provides software technology enabling SignChannel users to create their own content which can be combined with Frame Media's vast library of commercial content channels.

"Scala is the perfect SignChannel partner. Its rich history and leadership position will be a critical ingredient to the success of the service. SignChannel is the natural extension of our very popular consumer service, FrameChannel," commented Alan Phillips, chief executive of Frame Media.

The new offering will provide easy-to-use, entry level signage at very low cost. A large number of small to medium businesses can now take advantage of new digital display technologies that were previously unaffordable due to high service and equipment costs. Businesses will remotely manage both local and global displays around the world over the Internet. Users can take advantage of SignChannel's array of timely, up-to-the-minute content including weather, news, sports, entertainment, finance and local community information, as well as thousands of other available RSS feeds.

Users of the new service can create their own messages without the need for expensive professional services. Content templates are oriented toward specific lines of business such as banking, corporate communications, education, entertainment, government, healthcare, hospitality and retail. The templates leverage Scala's deep knowledge of digital signage gained from working with thousands of customers throughout its extensive global distributor network. Optionally, business users can also develop custom content using standard business software tools.

SignChannel will keep the cost of entry level digital signage down by taking advantage of low-cost digital displays. The newest generation of on-line displays start with wireless digital picture frames, priced at under $200. SignChannel is expected to be available during the second quarter of this year. Final prices have yet to be defined but are expected to be well below the cost of traditional high functionality offerings.