Certainly, on-premise digital signage software typically comes with a one-time charge, rather than an ongoing monthly or annual fee. This model is an option for companies that want to own everything in terms of both software and infrastructure.
Before investing, it helps to compare the total cost of on-premise vs cloud-based digital signage to understand which model fits your organization best.
1. How One-Time Licensing Works
The vendor installs the software on your local server instead of hosting it in the cloud, your one-time licensing fee generally covers:
- The server software license, which averages $2,500-$3,000
- The per-screen license fee, which averages $600-$700 per screen
Once the fee has been received, the license now belongs to you. You own the license and can use the software indefinitely without worrying about a monthly fee, which makes this a good long-term option for companies that anticipate using the system for a number of years.
2. Benefits of the One-Time Fee Model
The key value is ownership and control. Your team operates the server and is in charge of managing the data and all associated data storage within your own infrastructure. This type of ownership model is often invaluable for government entities and financial institutions, as well as any large organization, given the importance of rigid data ownership and security policies.
Additionally, many vendors, including Wilyer, offer three-year or five-year support plans, which provide updates and assistance without requiring a full renewal fee.
3. Ongoing Costs to Consider
While the license is perpetual, there may be minor ongoing costs, such as annual maintenance contracts (AMCs) . These usually account for about 10% of the total installation cost and cover technical support and system updates.
4. Summary
The one-time fee model offers long-term cost savings, stronger security, and better customization options. Although the upfront cost is higher, it is a worthwhile investment for organizations that prefer to own their system entirely rather than pay ongoing subscription fees.
