Traditionally, AV solutions were hardware-centric, requiring significant upfront investment, on-site installation, and ongoing maintenance. Today, SaaS is changing the game. By delivering software applications via the cloud, SaaS enables AV professionals and end-users to access powerful tools and services on demand, without the need for complex infrastructure or costly upgrades. 

This shift is evident across the ISE ecosystem. We are seeing exhibitors and organisations in this arena increasingly offering cloud-based control systems, remote monitoring platforms, digital signage management, and collaboration tools as subscription services. This model not only reduces capital expenditure but also ensures that users always have access to the latest features, security updates, and technical support. 

According to Fortune Business Insights, the SaaS market is experiencing explosive growth worldwide. In 2024, the global SaaS market was valued at approximately $399 billion and is projected to reach $908 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% to 18% depending on the source. SaaS now constitutes most of the public cloud services revenue, and public cloud expenditure is expected to surpass 45% of total enterprise IT spending by 2026. 

Advantages of SaaS 

In the AV sector, SaaS adoption is accelerating as integrators and end-users seek more agile, scalable, and cost-effective solutions. SaaS enables seamless integration and updates across devices and locations as well as accessible support. This allows for real-time updates and analytics – particularly useful in digital signage content management systems, for example – and enables security features to be rolled out and updated quickly which, with the rise in cyber threats, is important for AV deployments in corporate and public spaces. Additionally, AV integrators can monitor, update, and troubleshoot systems remotely via SaaS dashboards, reducing the need for on-site visits and enabling proactive support. 

With SaaS platforms, AV professionals can customise workflows and integrations without deep coding knowledge, speeding up deployment and adaptation. And the incorporation of AI for analytics, automation, and personalisation means smarter room management, automated content creation, and predictive maintenance. 

The SaaS concept has been taken further by the development of the AV-as-a-Service (AVaaS) model. AVaaS bundles hardware, software, and support into a single subscription, making advanced AV solutions accessible and affordable for more organisations. 

ISE exhibitors leading the way 

At ISE in recent years, many exhibitors have showcased SaaS-driven solutions: 

• Crestron has demonstrated its XiO Cloud platform, a SaaS solution for remote provisioning, monitoring, and management of AV devices. 

• Barco’s ClickShare is a wireless presentation and conferencing platform with cloud-based management and analytics. 

• Sony has highlighted TEOS, a workplace management platform delivered as SaaS, integrating room booking, signage, and device control. 

• Cisco has presented Webex, a SaaS collaboration suite, and cloud-managed AV solutions for unified communications. 

• Samsung has demonstrated MagicINFO, a SaaS digital signage CMS for content scheduling, analytics, and device management; and more recently VXT, which combines signage content management and remote display management. 

These companies, among many others at ISE, are driving the shift toward cloud-first, subscription-based AV solutions that are more flexible, scalable, and future-proof. 

SaaS as a standard? 

As the AV industry continues to converge with IT, SaaS is poised to become the standard for delivering value, agility, and innovation. For integrators, this means new opportunities to offer managed services, recurring revenue streams, and deeper client relationships. For end-users, it means more intuitive, reliable, and future-proof AV experiences. 

The SaaS revolution is just beginning in the ISE marketplace. As more organisations recognise the benefits of cloud-based AV, expect to see even greater adoption, integration, and creativity – pushing beyond boundaries and driving the industry forward into a smarter, more connected future. 

Stay informed!

ISE 2026 takes place in Barcelona on 3-6 February 2026. For more updates on the growing importance of software in AV, and to discover more about ISE 2026 as details are released, sign up for updates.

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