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A year of great challenges in virtual mode

2020 has been a year of important changes for governments, corporations and institutions. For some, its impacts will have traumatic consequences, such as closures of many businesses. For others, this year of change will be the opportunity to develop different projects and important innovations.

The shift from traditional workplaces will have a lasting and profound impact in the ways in which we work with our customers, manage our teams and pilot projects. Since the beginning of March, we have moved our teams at home to ensure their safety. We had to adapt quickly and work in a fully virtual mode.

In the digital signage and interactive terminal sector, we have been able to quickly observe the strength of our partner ecosystems in furniture and display manufacturers as well as for our integration and installation partners. For instance, in only a few weeks, a sanitary terminal 100% made in Quebec was created.

At ITESMEDIA, innovation was always a priority in the way we work. For example, we have pioneered open data integration in the real estate sector with a touchscreen terminal in 2006, in public transit through APIs in 2009 and with KPI displays linked to ERP systems in factories in 2012. In the last 17 years, we have continuously invested important resources to innovate in software development (touchscreens, sensors, LED, RFID, open data through APIs and GTFS-RT) as well as in all other sectors of our organization.

For many years now, our platform integrates the latest HTML5 technologies – we knew that continuing with Flash would keep us from providing innovative solutions tailored to our customers’ needs (read Surviving Adobe Flash Player’s End of Life). Likewise, to meet the growing needs of our important clients and partners from the onset of the pandemic, our teams have worked tirelessly to offer our ITESLIVE digital signage software on most platforms in order to display health measures. Always with helping our customers in mind, we have also taken the initiative of sharing free COVID-19 content.

ITESLIVE is now 100% multiplatform

We then rapidly deployed sits on LG webOS, Samsung Tizen, Android and Brightsign. We even pushed the limits further by offering a 100% web version of our ITESLIVE software. This latest version now lets digital signage network managers share the same information on most of their screens and their sites, as well as on their employees’ mobile phones, tablets and computers, either at work or at home.

To maintain our position as leaders and to meet our clients’ needs, we have implemented a robust “ROADMAP” development plan for the next 24 months. This plan includes, among others, an artificial intelligence component with computer vision for image analysis (this feature will provide a 100% image transmission quality) as well as a motion detection feature which will help prepare for the post-COVID reality when people will be back in hotels and shopping malls.

17 years already

This is now my seventeenth year in the wonderful world of digital signage. The last year was a bit different and needed some flexibility, but through the efforts of our amazing team, we have been able to innovate even more this year for the benefit of our partners and customers. It couldn’t have been possible without our team, and I wish to thank them.

I would also like to thank our partners and clients; without them, we wouldn’t be able to continue to develop new and exciting projects.

Finally, we wish to thank our readers for their feedback and for sharing our content. We are always available to answer your questions and to work with you in your digital signage projects.

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Artificial intelligence: Motion detection

Artificial intelligence has many facets and applications. As read in the article “Artificial Intelligence: Fundamental Principles”, one of the concepts used in this field is computer vision. Computer vision is defined as the ability for a computer to replace the human eye, process incoming information and, if required, create an appropriate response. To achieve a motion sensing system, the input information will need to be a video. A video is a rapid succession of images creating an illusion for the human eye and brain of seeing an animation.

Today’s computers are very efficient, but analysing video content is a tremendous information processing effort. For example, a 1-minute video running at 60 frames per second (FPS) with a 1920×1080 resolution requires a validation of over 2 million pixels for every image. If we want to detect movement, i.e. identify differences between two successive images, it will require the validation of over 4 million pixels. This process represents over 250 million mathematical operations per minute, and that is only to detect differences between two successive images. The amount of information to be processed significantly exceeds the processing power of computers currently offered on the market.

Researchers in computer vision have created many different processes and algorithms to reduce the number of required operations and achieve real-time motion detection. For more clarity, we will analyse a real-life example. In this context, a digital screen will display the face of a person walking by a camera.

The incoming data is the video taken from a person’s camera. The objective is to isolate the person in the video and determine the direction he is going. For example, let’s take this three-second video:

Figure 1. Video of a passer-by

Image segmentation from a video

Running at 60 frames per second, this means the video has a total of 180 successive images for a 3-second period. To significantly reduce the number of mathematical operations, we will use the first and the last images, along with 2 images per second, for a total of 8 images. The analysed images are as follow:

Segmentation d’images aux 500 millisecondes à partir d’un vidéo

Figure 2. Image segmentation at every 500 milliseconds from a video

Logical masking

For the next operation, we will compare, in order, the differences between two sequenced images. As seen previously, an image in this format has over 2 million pixels. To significantly reduce the number of operations and identify differences between two images, we will determine the sections in the starting image that require validation. To cover the entire image, a mosaic-shaped mask will identify the areas that need to be validated in the image. Only areas identified by the mask will be validated between images; thus, we will be able to create a set of areas that illustrate changes between two sequences.

Figure 3. Logical mosaic on an image to compare successive images

Comparing two images

By applying this method on two successive images, we are able to identify the differences occurring in the green areas. Differing content in the green areas between the first two images can be identified. These differences will be illustrated as red areas.

Figure 4. Illustration of observed differences between two images

Analysing and understanding movement

To have a complete illustration of the observed movement, the validation operation between the successive images must be applied on all other images for analysis and processing. Let’s use as an example the results of the comparison between the first and the second image and between the second and the third image.

Figure 5. Comparison results between images 1 and 2 and between images 2 and 3

As shown by the results of the image comparison, by analysing the coordinates of the red areas, we are able to mathematically determine that the movement (what we have defined as the ‘Zone of interest’) goes from the left to the right. We see in the first comparison that the red areas appear from the second column of the mosaic, whereas in the second comparison, the red areas start at the third column, thus leading us to this conclusion. Having the data about this perceived movement, it would possible, through preconfigured algorithms, to create a reaction to this movement. In cases where the camera would also be equipped with a dynamic display, we could show an avatar looking at the passerby and following him with its eyes, for example.

Dynamic display signage, combined with computer vision, can lead to significant innovations. Interactions on touchscreens will be interpreted as movement which will be able to execute commands. An evolving sector that is at the dawn of a new era brings both exciting changes and multiple challenges – two ingredients that fuel innovation and passion for product developers. This demonstration of motion detection is but the tip of the iceberg of an innovative future. Computer vision will be the key to better understand audiences’ reactions before a dynamic display, improve content customization, develop human-machine interactions, and much more!

*Multimedia content source

ITESMEDIA – Case study – Industrielle Alliance
https://itesmedia.tv/en/resources/how-industrielle-alliance-improves-the-visitor-experience/

With COVID-19 and more people working from home, is it still relevant to have digital signage in the workplace?

In recent years, digital signage have become an important internal communication tool in the workplace, complementing face-to-face meetings, email, messaging programs, intranets and paper posters. However, with more people working from home because of COVID-19, is digital signage still a relevant tool?

Work from home

For better or worse, working from home has become an inescapable part of our lives in the last months. This change, which was a concern for managers for many years, turned out to be a very positive experience in most cases. This transformation was initially a temporary measure; however, it will forever change our ways to work and live.

Of course, working remotely is not always ideal for many reasons: focusing on work is harder, workspaces are sometimes improvised, internet connexions can sputter, and distractions can be found everywhere. Also, some people simply prefer working in the office, or would rather use a hybrid solution. And for some companies such as in factories, working from home is altogether impossible (read: In these times of COVID, how can digital signage support employee health in factories?).

In other words, office spaces are still being used, and more people will use them as vaccination increases.

How can digital signage be used in the workplace in times of COVID?

The essence of communication remains the same. As such, digital signage won’t change much, but the most important content needs to be prioritized. Here are four types of messages to display.

Inform employees and visitors about health and safety measures

Of course, you can remind people to sanitize their hands and wear a face covering. You should also provide instructions on the new office configuration to adapt to social distancing measures. To ensure effective communications, displays must be clearly visible and should minimally be placed in high-traffic areas.

Greet customers in a personalized way

Sales and marketing teams can display welcome messages to greet their customers. As with other marketing communication channels, messages should be as personalized as possible and display the company name and logo. In that regard, it is always useful to go the extra mile and display the name of the people you are greeting as well as some of your achievements that are relevant to their needs.

Showcase employee and company achievements

Has one of your teams completed a project that went above and beyond expectations? Did an employee recently achieve a new certification? Did a colleague stand out during a competition? Did the company reach its goals? These are but a few examples of content that should be displayed on your screens. These types of content improve employee engagement and strengthen their sense of ownership.

Display messages from management and human resources

Management can use the displays to remind employees of departmental or company goals and help them focus on achieving these objectives. The HR department can also use these screens to welcome new employees, provide information about an upcoming vacation period, publish changes to polices and invite employees to a social event.

Workplace displays can also be interactive. Here is the example of an interactive project for Industrielle Alliance. Incidentally, this project has been nominated for the global Digital Signage Awards 2021.

In conclusion, workplace digital signage is still relevant, and will be more than ever when people return to the office. However, it will be interesting to see how this technology will adapt to the hybrid work from home/office model. The ITESLIVE content management software can already be leveraged to manage a digital signage network remotely and send information directly on any device (computers, cellphones, tablets, screen savers).

Digital signage in education

We notice it as soon as we enter a school and see the wall covered with posters from organisations and 8 ½ x 11 sheets printed out by the administrative staff. Most of the time, the school staff, either because they are in a hurry or have forgotten, leave posters that are no longer relevant. All communications are important, but the old and the new ones are all jumbled together, and there are so many that we don’t even see them anymore. Sometimes, students are blamed for ignoring messages and not taking their responsibilities – but is it really their fault if the communications are confusing? Do you know what digital signage solutions are? Do you know what to display, and where to set them up? Here is some helpful information.

What is digital signage?

Digital display signage software improves your organisation’s communications. Communications need to be easily shared by your institution, and simple to understand by your students. Here are two interesting features for your sector:

Display message date markers

As soon as you create your message, you can include start and end dates. For example, you need to display a deadline to register to a volleyball tournament on November 27. However, the registration begins only on November 9. If you want to write the message ahead of time, you can already add a start and an end date. This way, you will ensure the displayed content will always be relevant.

Create your messages remotely and in real time

The software solution is cloud-based: you therefore have access from anywhere, and with any computer. Even if you are working from home, you will be able to create messages and import images or videos directly on the platform, and the new content will be displayed on the screens in real time.

Where should the screens be set up, and what content should you display?

Entrances

These locations are where all students, staff and visitors come and go, and do so many times a day. Taking advantage of entrances is critical for general-purpose content; it is one of the few areas where everyone is sure to see the content you are sharing. Show general-interest messages such as health measures, available parking passes, weather, news, or directions to important locations such as the cafeteria, the secretary’s office or lockers.

In the cafeteria

Digital displays can be used here for two specific purposes: showing menus and communicating educational or informative content.

Prices and meals can quickly be changed on digital menus depending on the day and the time (breakfast, lunch or dinner). Menus can be scheduled to change every day at a specific time. The digital signage software enables you to make changes in real time or in advance. Furthermore, digital menus are much easier to read than paper ones.

Educational and informative content can be displayed on different screens and synchronized to show the same content simultaneously. Messages to students (such as Opus card renewals, deadlines to register to a Cégep, available training or dates for the yearbook picture) can be displayed in the cafeteria. Students spend their breaks or lunch time there and study or chat with their friends. They will be more receptive to this kind of information, and displaying your communications at this location will boost their effectiveness.

Staff room

Teachers receive a large amount of emails, whether from students, management, the secretary’s office or the faculty union. Sometimes, important messages are missed because they are drowned out by other messages and do not stand out. Likewise, teachers’ pigeonholes are filled with student lists, invitations to seminars, reminders for the Christmas dinner, union card renewals from their teachers’ association, and other messages. Your important message won’t always reach them. In the staff room however, you will have the full attention of staff and faculty members, since they spend their lunch hours and break times there. Take advantage of this opportunity to display messages that are of interest to them, such as the deadline to submit vacation days, reminders for meetings or new guidelines. You could also add lighter content such as weather updates, news and traffic information to draw their attention.

Digital display software facilitates the creation and management of your messages and keeps them up to date. Also, the information shared is as important as the location in which it is displayed. In other words, the proper message, correctly communicated and displayed at the right location, will be more effective for students, staff and faculty members. Try our software for free to see the results.

Smart cities – Digital citizen communications

2020 has been a year of important changes for citizens on the family, company and institutional levels.

There is no need to remind us of the efforts we all have had to do to ensure our safety, both in the individual and the collective aspects. Measures that had already been implemented (such as working from home) needed to be quickly upgraded to the 2.0 version, which required considerable adaptation for employees and managers – even if some of the latter were somewhat reluctant to do so. Some of these changes will leave a permanent mark on the ways in which we work and live.
Over the past few years, digital platforms have been developed and deployed. The pandemic, and particularly the required social distancing needed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, has accelerated this trend, and new digital services have multiplied in cities large and small. These services have increased tenfold, and range from permit applications for cats and dogs, home renovations, pool installations and tree cutting.

Innovative smart cities rely on open, flexible and integrated IT architectures, and invest in these structures to support their digital transformation. Some cities have now decided to take their digital inclusion process even further, for example by improving their warning notification systems available through innovative digital tools. These centralized platforms rely on interoperability to share their open data and inform citizens in real time through the city’s website, citizen spaces and digital signage solutions displayed inside municipal installations or on exterior LED screens on roads leading in and out of the city.

Here are some examples of digital signage:

Inside the library

It is not rare to see displays at a library’s entrance showing opening hours, prices, new arrivals or schedules of upcoming conferences. This information is updated and displayed automatically, without any human intervention, through data exchanges with the library’s management systems.

In the arena

We also see displays inside arenas showing the schedules of the different skating rinks in real time. This information is provided by management software that maximizes the use of these infrastructures.

For cities, automated content sharing from open data sources is a strategic element in an environment where remote working is changing and where the nature of tasks is constantly evolving – not to mention that important amounts of information needing to be displayed can change at a moment’s notice.

These tools are already available and ready to be implemented in cities. Many companies are already working in partnerships on a robust and proven interoperable model.

A frequently asked question is: “How much does automation cost?”. The answer is: “How much does your current manual process costs you?” Ask yourself the question, and you will realize that without automated content, you will have to continue displaying it manually. You risk forgetting something in your messages, not to mention that you could keep your citizens informed much faster and more frequently with interoperable systems.

Montreal city case study Watch full video now

Artificial intelligence: basic principles

Artificial intelligence is increasingly prevalent in all areas of our society. Definitions and terms are varied in marketing initiatives and strategies aiming at product positioning, but the fundamental concept can be summarized as the ability to transform a machine and give it the faculty to reason as intricately as do human cognitive abilities. To reach this goal, researchers in cognitive computing must both master software programming and study the biological functioning of the human brain, its interpretation of the five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell) and the appropriate response to the captured information.

Reconnaissance faciale par des concepts de vision par ordinateur

Figure 1. Facial recognition through concepts of computer vision

The five senses are information sensors for humans. This information is then sent to the brain and analyzed by the neural network. Once the analysis is complete, the brain decides on a reaction according to the information received. For example, when a human is watching a dynamic display showing the number of available spaces in a parking, sight is the sense being used. The information sensor is the eyes, which capture the information displayed on the screen. Information about the number of available parking spaces are then sent to the brain for analysis. If the brain concludes that there are no more available parking spaces, it tells the body to keep moving to another parking area; if it comes to another conclusion, its command will be to go in the parking and park the vehicle.

Représentation d’un réseau de neurones sous forme d’un cerveau humain

Figure 2. Representation of a neural network in the shape of a human brain

From a more technical standpoint, the fundamental difference between traditional algorithms and artificial intelligence is that the algorithm is a sequence of mathematical operations leading to a given result. In artificial intelligences, traditional algorithms are used, but the results depend on a massive set of data. This method therefore allows a temporal adaptability in the algorithm behavior. For example, forecasting a medical clinic’s staffing needs based on the occupancy rate of a waiting room will show different results depending whether it is summer or winter, since winter months have much higher rates of diseases and viruses such as the flu. Computer systems can carry out these types of analysis without having to rely on artificial intelligence. In this scenario, the added value of artificial intelligence would be installing cameras that could read apparent symptoms in each patient through computer vision concepts. When the doctor makes his diagnosis, it will be possible to create a link between visible symptoms and their associated illness. Therefore, there is the idea of capturing visual information, interpreting what was perceived, and confirming the actual situation by doctors. This chain of operations helps the machine to learn from the correct results based on its observations; this concept is called ‘Machine learning’. When an appropriate amount of data has been collected and validated, the machine will be able to make its own preliminary diagnoses and provide suggestions (for example, isolating people who might have the flu to avoid contaminating patients who are in the waiting room because they sprained their ankle).

This chain becomes very complex, and will have multiple steps. It is therefore important to set the goal we wish to reach through artificial intelligence right from the start. Once this objective is defined, data and information gathering will be relevant to the desired goal, which will represent the recommendation or the action the system will undertake.

Représentation d’un réseau de traitement d’information

Figure 3. Representation of an information processing network

The basic concept of artificial intelligence was expressed by the inventor of the processor, Alan Turing, during his work with the British army during World War II. The concept of evaluating the level of an artificial intelligence (better known in the field as the “Turing test”) is very simple: a human communicating with a machine must not be able to realize that he is talking to a machine. There as never been proof that this test has been failed since the invention of the computer. However, with the evolution of the processing power of computers, along with continuing developments in artificial intelligence, we might one day see a team of researchers create a machine that will not only be able to perfectly impersonate a person, but also fool actual humans in thinking they are communicating with a fellow human being.

Figure 4. The inventor of the processor: Alan Turing

References

Britannica – Alan Turing – British mathematician and logician. Retrieved November 19, 2020 from: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alan-Turing

The Next Web – A glossary of basic artificial intelligence terms and concepts. Retrieved November 19, 2020 from: https://thenextweb.com/artificial-intelligence/2017/09/10/glossary-basic-artificial-intelligence-terms-concepts/

In these times of COVID, how can digital signage support employee health in factories?

Even in the COVID-19 pandemic, manufacturing companies, whether they have one or many factories, are still operating. Day after day, employees go to work to ensure that we still have access to everyday products. These workers did not have to adjust to the changes of working remotely; however, their work environment had to be adapted. In this context, digital signage can support the health of factory workers during COVID.

A communication tool adapted to factories

Placed strategically, displays are a communication channel particularly well suited to factory environments. This tool can rapidly be updated and can easily reach employees.

Reaching employees where they are

Factory workers usually don’t have access to a computer or a laptop – which means they can’t use communication channels generally used in companies such as emails or instant messaging. Most of these employees don’t even have a corporate email address. Digital signage, however, can reach employees in the factory or the warehouse, and have a considerable impact.

Updating content remotely, quickly and safely

With digital signage, information can be updated remotely through a content management interface. New messages can then be sent promptly, and without having to go in different areas inside the factory. This means that updates can be implemented faster and, in this time of COVID, more safely. Furthermore, this flexibility supports a regular rotation of content that encourages different format and visual types. This feature is an important asset that can keep your employees interested and engaged.

Four types of messages to improve your employees’ health and well-being

Information on risks and dangers related to COVID

As with the usual occupational health and safety messages, it is useful to inform employees of the consequences of COVID for their health as well as for the health of their relatives and their colleagues. For example, these messages can be presented in a “Did you know?” format.

Reminders on best health and safety practices

We all know the basic health measures like washing hands often and keeping a 2-metre distance, but it is always useful to help keep them in mind. Also, if your employees must follow particular sanitary measures due to the nature of their duties, it is important to send them reminders. Finally, we can sometimes have a short memory: repeating the above-mentioned information with different formats and visuals is always a good idea.

Sharing preventive measures implemented by the company

Maintain the safety of the work environment by keeping your employees informed on safe working environment measures and on employee psychological support services offered.

Displaying light and positive messages

Share more informal content and display lighter, more positive communications. They can be presented in different formats, such as inspiring quotes, jokes or successful projects.

In conclusion, dynamic displays are particularly well adapted communication tools in factory environments and, in the current COVID context, communications are more important than ever to ensure the safety and well-being of employees.

5 content ideas for waiting rooms

Do you communicate with your patients and entertain them in the waiting room? Digital signage is a great way to communicate with patients. It also makes waiting times seem shorter for them and improves the customer experience. Here are some types of relevant content to display in waiting rooms.

1. Display promotions

Display promotions on your products, for example, a special on toothbrushes at $79.99. This way, you can increase your sales and improve visibility and access for your products. Also, promotions displayed on your screens can start conversations with your patients based on their questions. Your patients won’t miss the monthly sale: they will be able to see it thanks to the digital display software.

2. Offer advice and share educational content

Instead of printing your advice in brochures, use your dynamic signage to display them in your waiting room for your patients. This solution is much more eco-friendly, and helps keeps the area clean: no paper sheets are lying on the floor or on chairs. The economical aspect is worth considering too: saving on printing costs is always a good idea. Adding educational messages such as advice on proper dental care makes your messages more eye-catching and engaging for your customers.

3. Introduce your staff members

Introducing your healthcare employees has its advantages. For some people, it is reassuring to know the doctor they are about to meet. Displayed content helps making the staff in a health clinic more approachable, and being able to see their certifications and specializations makes patients less anxious. A good example of presenting a healthcare professional can be seen below.

4. Display your various services

Show your services and prices to clients. The content presented on your screen will help your customers discover the treatments and services you can offer. It is a great way to promote them – and to improve sales, since informed customers are more inclined to make purchases. Services and prices must be showcased to make the clients engage in a purchasing process.

5. Share answers to frequently asked questions

Are your patients asking the same question in the same day? In that case, why not show the answer on the screens so that everyone knows it? Questions and their answers can be directly populated in the digital signage software as soon as you decide they are asked too frequently. The information will appear in real time on the displays. Furthermore, the automated digital display software frees up employees’ time, and they will be able to allocate it to other duties. Shared knowledge can be added to the data bank without creating duplicates and makes resources available.

This list covers the most popular content types displayed in waiting rooms.
Sharing content benefits everybody – both employees and patients. Many types of content and subjects can be leveraged. Which types of content are you currently sharing with your patients in the waiting room?

The evolution of dynamic parking guidance: A tool for citizen communications

Dynamic parking guidance: Information in real time

Dynamic parking guidance systems inform motorists about the number of available spaces in parking areas of their choice, either for street or off-street parking. Information is updated in real time and displayed on variable message signs in strategic places along high-traffic roads.

Displaying information about traffic congestion provides drivers with useful directions that help them reach their destination easily and avoid driving around in circles to find a parking space.

There are many advantages to dynamic parking guidance systems:

Increase mobility and traffic flow in downtown areas
Reduce carbon dioxide emissions and noise pollution levels
Improve driving times
Inform users about parking space availability
Facilitate access to stores, businesses and restaurants

Innovation drives dynamic parking guidance

The evolution of LED and LCD display components used in digital signage helps cities communicate more information dynamically.

The quality of displays has vastly improved in the last few years, mainly because of the increased brightness of signs, the availability of display colors other than amber and a better resolution with a larger number of pixels. These improvements provide greater flexibility for managers of urban mobility networks and of communications.

The same goes for equipment used for parking access management: they are now connected (gates, cameras or sensors) and provide the exchange of information in real time on the status of parking availability. This information is then displayed on signs to inform motorists.

From dynamic parking guidance to citizen communication

These innovations help cities improve their return on investments in technologies made during the implementation of their digital signage network for dynamic parking guidance.

Cities now use their infrastructure as citizen digital communication tools through system interoperability and open data sharing with the different stakeholders in the smart city ecosystem.

For example, not only can cities communicate information related to parking spaces, they also have the option to leverage multi-platform digital signage software solutions to provide information on road conditions to motorists by displaying messages such as:

“Water accumulation”
“Risk of freezing rain”
“Snowy road”

Many different message types (e.g. event information) are also displayed. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous messages about public health directives have also been displayed, such as the one on this image published last week in the Journal de Montréal newspaper.

Credit: Agence QMI (Joël Lemay)

Which messages types would you ideally want to display in your city?

The importance of keeping your operating system up to date

All computer users have experienced this: whenever they need to focus on an operational emergency, a software pop-up appears, diverting their attention – a software update is available. Between installing the update (which generally takes a few minutes) or postponing it, the decision is usually based on the urgency of the moment. It would be tempting to put off the update in order to meet a deadline or satisfy a customer right away. However, this decision could lead to costly mistakes and have significant impacts on the company’s credibility, especially when sensitive data is leaked.

Cyberattacks: The #1 enemy of companies

In 2017, an important credit monitoring company was targeted by hackers, which caused the leakage of financial data of about 150 million people and companies in North America. That company had decided to delay the installation of software updates. When the cyberattack occurred, the security update that could have prevented this breach (which was available two months prior) caused irrecoverable harm to the company. The decision to postpone the update as well as its impacts soon turned into legal actions. Ultimately, delaying the update ended up costing the company over 700 million USD.

Digital signage: The impacts

The computer population supporting a digital signage network requires constant, timely updates. Digital signage is an ever-evolving, state-of-the-art field. In order to support this innovative and high-performance software, it is important to have the tools required to defend against all possible vulnerabilities. Display network security is vital: otherwise, its impacts are rapidly seen by the people watching the displayed content. For example, if a city wishes to display boil water advisories on its exterior signs, security plays a major role in letting the municipal authorities access the content and avoiding improper messages that could be detrimental to public health.

Conclusion

Operating system updates provide additional features, but their main benefit is the management of vulnerabilities. These updates install patches which constantly improve security inside systems and help prevent costly scenarios such as the one described in the example above. It is therefore vital for companies to have the necessary resources or service providers in order to ensure the safety of their computer population as well as of their software updates.

References

Norton – 5 reasons why general software updates and patches are important (2019). Retrieved November 10, 2020 from: https://us.norton.com/internetsecurity-how-to-the-importance-of-general-software-updates-and-patches.html

Microsoft – Improving the Windows 10 update experience with control, quality and transparency (2019). Retrieved November 10, 2020 from: https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2019/04/04/improving-the-windows-10-update-experience-with-control-quality-and-transparency/

État de Washington – Bureau du procureur général (2019). Retrieved November 10, 2020 from: https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/equifax-pay-700m-following-ag-investigation