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CastNET integrates NFC with digital signage

August 12, 2013

CastNET announced today that it has developed and is shipping a new solution that fully integrates Near Field Communications, a.k.a. NFC technology, with its digital signage software. CastNET with MobileHere technology combines CastNET's digital signage content management software with NFC technology to allow mobile devices to easily take away information from digital signage screens, the company said.

NFC is a short-range wireless RFID technology meant for applications where a close physical touch allows the exchange of information. By placing an NFC-enabled smartphone or mobile device against a CastNET with MobileHere digital sign, viewers can instantly download information or be directed to rich media content on their device, the company said.

According to Cast NET, rather than just reading information in front of a digital sign, viewers now will be able to instantly take digital signage information "to go." Customers and visitors can be directed to websites, videos or mobile app stores as well as instantly download wayfinding maps, menus and coupons along with many other types of information. A significant advantage to the implementation of MobileHere technology with CastNET, the company said, is that as the message changes on the digital sign, viewers can tap their mobile device on the screen to automatically receive new information relevant to that new message.

CastNET with MobileHere also increases the collection of data about the effectiveness of any digital signage deployment, the company said. CastNET with MobileHere automatically tracks each viewer's engagements to a database that provides valuable reports on which displays and messages are attracting attention.

"NFC is the next big thing in the digital signage industry," CastNET VP Lance Hutchinson said in the announcement. "CastNET with MobileHere is a product that not only improves the experience for customers and guests in a store or venue, but also provides immediate and accurate reporting on the effectiveness of how and where digital signage is being used. A lot of development time was invested into making sure the CastNET user experience for updating NFC 'to go' content works seamlessly with CastNET's already easy-to-use software workflow."

Learn more about digital signage and mobile interactivity.