October 6, 2008 - Scala Release 4 Integrates Ad Manager with Scala Content Manager
October 6, 2008 – Scala, the leading provider of end-to-end solutions for the connected signage market, today announced Release 4 of its connected signage software. Release 4 will be available this quarter. This release represents Scala’s continued commitment to cutting-edge technology for its global customer base.
The highlights of Release 4 are:
- Web Services for Content Manager
- Ad Manager Tie In to Content Manager via Web Services
- Media Playback Controls, Time Triggers, and Playback Audit Reports
- Improved Playback
- Interface Improvements
Release 4 adds extensive new functionality to the entire spectrum of the Scala platform. Web Services APIs have been added to the Scala Content Manager to allow third-party applications to interface with the Scala Content Manager functionality. This addition further enhances Scala’s already extensible platform.
Paramount in Release 4 is the first phase of integration of Scala Ad Manager with Scala Content Manager. Ad Manager (formerly Charting Pro) provides extensive advertising management for digital and traditional signage deployments. Included in the integration are: the ability to assign media items to contracts; channel and schedule management; automatic playlist building for Scala Content Manager based on contracted ads; generating proof-of-playback reports against contracts; integrating event triggers and time triggers with ads. Release 4 will also support indoor maps, rate cards, overlapping day parts, measurement, and media sets.
Scala Content Manager supports a reporting module that produces detailed reports on what media played where. Time triggers have been added to trigger a playlist at specific times or regular intervals. New media playback controls have been addressed to provide network managers with the flexibility to control the sequence and appearance of scheduled content.
Additional functionality has been added to Scala Designer to make it more Photoshop® friendly. A third-party utility has been added to convert Photoshop layered elements to ScalaScript while maintaining the layered characteristics of the design. Other features have been added including: zoom in and zoom out; fit to screen; and mouse wheel support to further facilitate the creation of compelling content. Flash® support has been greatly enhanced to provide smoother, faster, high-quality playback including interactive support.
“Customer feedback and industry trends are key components of how Scala focuses our development resources. Scala continues to maintain the highest level of quality possible so our customers around the globe achieve even more success from their digital signage deployments,” says Peter Cherna, VP Research and Development for Scala.
About Scala, Inc.
Founded in 1987, Scala pioneered the Digital Signage industry and today remains the world's largest provider of software for creating digital signage networks, driving more screens than all competitors combined. The company's InfoChannel product line is used for dynamic digital media networks in retail, education, entertainment, government and other industries for diverse applications such as Retail Advertising networks (Retail TV), Corporate Communications (Employee TV), Digital Billboards, Digital Menu Boards, Digital Posters, Community Access channels (Cable TV), Hotel lobby signage and information channels, Gas Pump "toppers", Convention Center Signage, Interactive touch-screens and Kiosks, etc. The Company's cutting-edge InfoChannel software platform powers thousands of digital signs around the world including the digital signage networks of Rabobank, IKEA, Bloomberg, Burger King, T-Mobile, Virgin MegaStore, EuroDisney, Kiwi, McDonalds, Warner Brothers, Santiago Airport, Ericsson, The Life Channel, Rikstoto, FuelCast, Repsol, Shell, NorgesGruppen, The Wall Street Journal Office Network and many more. Scala is today headquartered near Philadelphia, PA and has wholly-owned subsidiaries in The Netherlands, France, Norway, and Japan with a direct presence in a number of other locations and countries. Scala's products are primarily sold through an international network of Scala Certified Partners. More information is available at www.scala.com.
