Table of Contents
- Understanding the Digital Recognition Landscape
- Gipper’s Struggles: Canva Competition and Market Challenges
- Gipper’s Untested Touchscreen Solution
- Rocket Alumni Solutions: Proven Excellence
- Comprehensive Platform Comparison
- Why Schools Choose Rocket Over Gipper
- Implementation and Long-Term Value
Understanding the Digital Recognition Landscape in 2025
Schools and athletic departments face critical decisions when selecting digital recognition platforms and sports graphics solutions. The emergence of new competitors and market shifts have dramatically altered the landscape, with established solutions like Rocket Alumni Solutions demonstrating clear advantages over newcomers like Gipper attempting to expand beyond their traditional graphics-only offerings.
Modern schools require proven, reliable touchscreen solutions for permanent recognition displays
The digital recognition industry has evolved dramatically, with touchscreen displays and interactive kiosks becoming essential components of modern school infrastructure. While Rocket Alumni Solutions has established itself through years of successful implementations across educational institutions, Gipper faces significant challenges on multiple fronts—from Canva’s free educational offerings undermining their core graphics business to their recent, unproven entry into the touchscreen market.
The Current State of School Recognition Technology
Educational institutions increasingly invest in comprehensive recognition systems that celebrate achievements, engage communities, and build institutional pride. Solutions like Rocket Alumni Solutions have refined their platforms through thousands of installations, while newcomers struggle to gain traction in a market that demands proven reliability.
- 🏆Permanent Recognition Displays
Schools require reliable, professionally-designed touchscreen systems that will operate flawlessly for years, not experimental first-generation products from companies new to the hardware space.
- 📱Graphics and Social Media Content
Athletic departments need cost-effective solutions for creating sports graphics, with many discovering that free platforms like Canva outperform paid alternatives for their design needs.
- 🔄Integration and Ecosystem
Modern solutions must connect seamlessly with existing school systems, content management platforms, and recognition workflows without creating operational friction.
- đź’ĽProven Track Record
Schools cannot afford experimental solutions for permanent installations—they require vendors with demonstrated success, comprehensive support, and financial stability.
Gipper's Struggles: Canva Competition and Existential Market Challenges
Before examining Gipper's nascent touchscreen offering, it's critical to understand the fundamental business pressures threatening their core graphics platform—pressures that raise serious questions about their long-term viability and ability to support schools investing in their expanding product line.
The Canva Problem: Free Pro Plans Undermining Gipper’s Business Model
Canva’s educational offerings present an existential threat to Gipper’s subscription-based graphics platform. Schools across the country are discovering that Canva provides superior tools, larger template libraries, and more comprehensive features—entirely free for K-12 institutions.
Canva for Education Advantages
- 100% Free Access: Complete Pro features at no cost for verified K-12 schools and districts
- 100M+ Assets: Massive library of premium images, videos, graphics, and templates
- Unlimited Everything: No restrictions on designs, downloads, storage, or team members
- Professional Tools: Advanced features including brand kits, video editing, and collaboration
- Proven Platform: Established technology backed by billions in investment and development
- Cross-Department Use: Serves academic, athletic, administrative, and communications needs
Gipper's Competitive Disadvantages
- Subscription Required: Ongoing costs that strain athletic department budgets
- Limited Asset Library: Significantly smaller collection compared to Canva's offerings
- Feature Restrictions: Basic functionality compared to comprehensive design platforms
- Sports-Only Focus: Narrow use case limits departmental adoption and ROI
- Uncertain Future: Business model threatened by free, superior alternatives
- Single Purpose Tool: Cannot serve broader institutional design needs beyond athletics
Why Schools Are Abandoning Gipper for Canva
Athletic directors and communications staff increasingly question paying for Gipper when Canva delivers superior results at zero cost. This trend accelerates as schools discover Canva’s capabilities extend far beyond Gipper’s sports-only templates.
- Cost Comparison Reality
Schools eliminating $1,000-$3,000 annual Gipper subscriptions by switching to free Canva accounts with objectively better features and far more templates - Feature Superiority
Canva's advanced tools—including professional video editing, animation, brand management, and collaboration—dwarf Gipper's basic template system - Departmental Efficiency
Single platform serving athletics, academics, administration, and communications versus Gipper's sports-only limitations requiring multiple tool subscriptions - Long-Term Sustainability
Canva's multi-billion dollar backing and educational commitment versus Gipper's uncertain viability facing free, superior competition
For comprehensive analysis of this competitive dynamic, see Gipper vs Canva: Free Alternative comparison that details why schools choose Canva’s free solution over Gipper’s paid platform.
Business Model Under Pressure: What This Means for Schools
Gipper’s core revenue stream faces existential pressure from Canva’s free educational offerings. This raises critical questions for schools considering Gipper’s new touchscreen products:
Critical Questions About Gipper's Future
- Financial Stability: Can a company survive when free alternatives dominate their primary market?
- Development Resources: Will declining graphics revenue fund adequate touchscreen platform development?
- Support Continuity: What happens to touchscreen customers if Gipper's business model fails?
- Platform Integration: Will a struggling company maintain integrations between their graphics and touchscreen products?
Gipper's New and Untested Touchscreen Solution: Unproven Technology
While struggling to maintain their graphics business against Canva's competition, Gipper recently entered the touchscreen hardware market—a space requiring fundamentally different expertise than their traditional software-only focus. This pivot raises serious concerns for schools considering permanent recognition installations.
Established solutions like Rocket offer thousands of proven installations—Gipper's touchscreen product lacks this track record
First-Generation Product Risks
Gipper’s touchscreen offering represents their first venture into hardware and kiosk software—categories requiring expertise dramatically different from creating social media templates. Schools investing in these unproven first-generation products face significant risks.
Concerning Aspects of Gipper's Touchscreen Entry
- âś— No Proven Track Record: Zero established installations demonstrating long-term reliability and performance
- âś— Untested at Scale: No evidence of successful multi-year deployments across diverse school environments
- âś— Hardware Inexperience: Company with software-only background suddenly selling physical displays
- âś— Support Infrastructure Unknown: Unclear technical support capabilities for hardware troubleshooting
- âś— Platform Maturity Questions: First-generation software typically requires multiple iterations before stability
- âś— Integration Uncertainties: Unproven connections between their struggling graphics platform and new touchscreen system
Why First-Generation Technology Concerns Schools
- 💡 Permanent Installations: Digital displays serve schools for 5-10 years—experimental products risk premature failure
- đź’ˇ Budget Constraints: Schools cannot afford replacing failed first-generation technology after budgets are spent
- đź’ˇ Operational Dependencies: Recognition programs depend on consistent, reliable display functionality
- đź’ˇ Support Requirements: Hardware issues require responsive, knowledgeable technical support networks
- đź’ˇ Reputation Impact: Failed recognition displays reflect poorly on athletic programs and administrations
- đź’ˇ Opportunity Cost: Money spent on inadequate solutions prevents investment in proven alternatives
The Hardware Learning Curve: Software Companies Enter Physical Products
Transitioning from software templates to hardware systems requires fundamentally different capabilities. Software companies entering hardware markets typically struggle with challenges their core competencies don’t address.
- Supply Chain Management: Hardware requires managing component sourcing, quality control, inventory, shipping, and logistics—areas outside Gipper's software expertise
- Installation and Physical Setup: Touchscreen displays need professional mounting, electrical connections, and environmental considerations—very different from cloud software deployment
- Hardware Failure Modes: Physical components fail in ways software doesn't—screens crack, touch sensors malfunction, power supplies break—requiring different support infrastructure
- Long-Term Maintenance: Hardware requires ongoing physical maintenance, replacement parts inventory, and field service capabilities beyond software updates
Rocket Alumni Solutions: Proven Excellence Across Thousands of Installations
While Gipper experiments with untested touchscreen products, Rocket Alumni Solutions has perfected their platform through years of real-world deployments, earning trust from schools nationwide through demonstrated reliability, comprehensive support, and continuous innovation based on customer feedback.
Rocket's installations span elite universities, high schools, and athletic programs—proven at every institutional level
Thousands of Successful Deployments: A Track Record That Matters
Rocket Alumni Solutions enters every conversation with the confidence of extensive proven success. Schools researching touchscreen solutions discover Rocket installations already operating in peer institutions, providing tangible evidence of platform reliability.
Rocket Alumni Solutions: Proven Leadership
Installation Scale and Diversity
- âś“ 1,000+ installations nationwide across all 50 states
- âś“ Elite universities including Ivy League institutions
- âś“ Large public school districts with multiple displays
- âś“ Small rural schools with single installations
- âś“ Professional athletic facilities and training centers
- âś“ Corporate recognition programs in Fortune 500 companies
Platform Maturity Benefits
- âś“ Years of real-world usage informing continuous improvements
- âś“ Customer feedback integrated into platform evolution
- âś“ Proven performance across diverse environments and climates
- âś“ Established technical support infrastructure
- âś“ Documented reliability over multi-year operational periods
- âś“ Comprehensive best practices from thousands of deployments
Purpose-Built for Recognition: Specialized Expertise vs. Diversification
Unlike Gipper’s attempt to diversify away from their struggling graphics business, Rocket Alumni Solutions built their entire platform specifically for digital recognition. This focused expertise delivers superior results.
- Recognition-Specific Features Purpose-built tools for athletic achievements, donor walls, hall of fame inductees, academic honors—not repurposed generic software
- Content Management Simplicity Intuitive systems designed for athletic directors and administrators, not requiring technical expertise or design skills
- Interactive Exploration Advanced search, filtering, and discovery features enabling visitors to explore recognition content at their own pace
- Multi-User Touch Technology Sophisticated touchscreen software supporting simultaneous interactions and complex gesture recognition
- Hardware Integration Expertise Years of experience selecting, configuring, and supporting commercial-grade display hardware for educational environments
- Comprehensive Implementation Support End-to-end assistance from design consultation through installation, training, and ongoing technical support
Explore detailed features at Rocket Alumni Solutions touchscreen platform to understand the depth of purpose-built recognition capabilities.
Financial Stability and Long-Term Viability
Schools installing permanent recognition displays need assurance that their vendor will support them for years to come. Rocket’s financial position contrasts sharply with Gipper’s pressured business model.
Rocket's Sustainable Business Model
- âś“ Focused Market Position: Dominant player in educational digital recognition space
- âś“ Revenue Diversification: Income from hardware, software, support, and services
- âś“ Growing Customer Base: Expanding installations demonstrating market confidence
- âś“ Proven ROI: Schools achieve measurable engagement improvements justifying investment
- âś“ Industry Recognition: Established reputation earning referrals and repeat business
- âś“ Platform Evolution: Continuous development funded by sustainable revenue
Gipper's Business Model Concerns
- âś— Core Revenue Threatened: Graphics business undermined by free Canva alternatives
- âś— Diversification Risk: Entering unfamiliar hardware market with unproven product
- âś— Competitive Pressure: Losing ground to both established (Rocket) and free (Canva) competitors
- âś— Customer Defection: Schools abandoning paid graphics platform for superior free options
- âś— Unknown Financials: Private company financial health unclear as business model shifts
- âś— Investment Questions: Unclear if declining graphics revenue can fund touchscreen development
Comprehensive Platform Comparison: Rocket vs Gipper Touchscreen Solutions
Direct comparison reveals why Rocket Alumni Solutions outperforms Gipper's nascent touchscreen offering across virtually every dimension schools should evaluate when selecting digital recognition platforms.
Athletic programs require professional-grade solutions with proven reliability—not experimental first-generation products
Feature-by-Feature Analysis
Detailed Platform Comparison: Rocket vs Gipper
| Capability | Rocket Alumni Solutions | Gipper Touchscreen |
|---|---|---|
| Proven Track Record | 1,000+ successful installations | New, untested product |
| Years of Operation | Multi-year proven reliability | No operational history |
| Hardware Expertise | Extensive display integration experience | First hardware product |
| Content Management | Mature, purpose-built CMS | Adapted from graphics software |
| Recognition-Specific Features | Comprehensive, purpose-designed | Limited, repurposed tools |
| Technical Support | Established infrastructure | Unproven for hardware |
| Platform Integration | Seamless, tested connections | Graphics platform under pressure |
| Search and Discovery | Advanced, intuitive functionality | Basic, limited capabilities |
| Mobile Companion App | Native iOS/Android apps | None |
| Analytics and Reporting | Comprehensive engagement tracking | Limited metrics |
| Installation Support | Professional, experienced teams | Unclear hardware support |
| Customer References | Hundreds of verifiable installations | No established customer base |
| Multi-Year Reliability | Documented long-term performance | Unknown, unproven |
| Business Model Stability | Sustainable, growing | Graphics revenue threatened |
| Overall Recommendation | Proven, Reliable Choice | Risky, Unproven Option |
User Experience and Interface Design
Rocket’s platform benefits from years of user feedback, continuous refinement, and extensive testing across diverse user populations. Gipper’s first-generation touchscreen interface lacks this evolutionary advantage.
Rocket's Refined User Experience
- Proven Navigation Patterns: Intuitive interfaces refined through thousands of user interactions
- Accessibility Compliance: ADA-compliant design tested across diverse user populations
- Performance Optimization: Zero-lag responsiveness from years of technical refinement
- Visual Hierarchy: Professional design ensuring content discoverability and engagement
- Multi-User Support: Sophisticated handling of simultaneous touch interactions
- Mobile Extension: Companion apps extending engagement beyond physical displays
Gipper's Unproven Interface
- First-Generation Design: No real-world usage data to inform refinement
- Unknown Accessibility: Untested compliance with educational accessibility requirements
- Performance Questions: No demonstrated responsiveness under real-world conditions
- Interface Maturity: Lacks evolutionary development from user feedback
- Touch Optimization: Unclear if interface designed for touchscreen vs. adapted from desktop
- Integration Gaps: No established mobile or companion application ecosystem
For detailed technical comparison, review Rocket vs GipperDisplay analysis examining platform capabilities in depth.
Content Management and Administrative Experience
Schools need intuitive systems enabling non-technical staff to maintain recognition displays without ongoing vendor dependence. Rocket’s mature CMS delivers this capability; Gipper’s adapted graphics interface raises concerns.
- Rocket's Purpose-Built Content Management: Designed specifically for recognition content workflows—adding athletes, updating records, creating inductee profiles—with interfaces athletic directors find intuitive from day one
- Bulk Operations and Data Import: Rocket's system handles hundreds of records simultaneously, importing from spreadsheets and databases—critical for initial setup and annual updates
- Template and Consistency Management: Pre-designed layouts ensure visual consistency without requiring design skills, unlike Gipper's template system designed for one-off graphics creation
- Real-Time Publishing and Updates: Changes reflect immediately on displays without technical intervention, with version control and rollback capabilities refined over years of operation
Why Schools Choose Rocket Over Gipper: Real-World Decision Factors
Athletic directors and school administrators consistently select Rocket Alumni Solutions over Gipper when understanding the full context—proven reliability, comprehensive support, and sustainable business models outweigh experimental alternatives with uncertain futures.
Schools value proven solutions that work reliably across diverse environments and use cases
Risk Mitigation: Why Proven Matters for Permanent Installations
Digital recognition displays represent significant capital investments expected to serve schools for 5-10 years. This timeline demands proven technology, not experimental first-generation products.
Investment Protection Through Proven Technology
Financial Protection
- • $10,000-$30,000 typical display investment
- • Multi-year operational timeline expectations
- • Replacement cost if premature failure occurs
- • Budget constraints preventing do-overs
- • Proven solutions reduce financial risk
Operational Reliability
- • Recognition programs depend on display function
- • Athletic director time costs for troubleshooting
- • Visitor experience damage from malfunctions
- • Administrative burden of failed technology
- • Proven platforms minimize operational disruption
Reputational Impact
- • Failed displays reflect poorly on programs
- • Community confidence in athletic leadership
- • Board and administration technology decisions
- • Donor perception of stewardship
- • Proven solutions protect institutional reputation
Peer School Validation and Reference Customers
Schools researching Rocket can easily identify and contact peer institutions operating successful installations. Gipper’s absence of established touchscreen customers creates significant concern.
- Similar School Validation Find peer institutions—similar size, conference, demographic—successfully operating Rocket installations for reference conversations
- Multi-Year Performance Data Reference customers provide real-world reliability information over multiple years of operation and varying conditions
- Documented Success Stories Numerous case examples demonstrating engagement improvements, operational efficiency, and satisfied administrative teams
- Verifiable Installations Visit operating Rocket displays in person to evaluate performance, interface quality, and real-world user experience
- Support Experience Feedback Reference schools provide candid assessment of Rocket's technical support responsiveness and problem resolution
- Competitive Analysis Available Schools that evaluated multiple vendors share decision factors, concerns about Gipper, and why Rocket won
Explore successful implementations across educational institutions via Rocket’s touchscreen solutions for schools showcasing diverse use cases.
Total Cost of Ownership Analysis
Schools must evaluate complete costs over expected operational lifetimes, not just initial purchase prices. Rocket’s transparent pricing and established support model enables accurate planning; Gipper’s unknown long-term costs create uncertainty.
Rocket's Transparent Ownership Costs
- âś“ Clear Initial Investment: Comprehensive hardware, software, installation pricing with no hidden fees
- âś“ Defined Support Costs: Optional annual support contracts with established pricing
- âś“ Predictable Maintenance: Known update schedules and maintenance requirements
- âś“ Proven Longevity: Demonstrated multi-year operational lifetimes
- âś“ Hardware Upgrade Paths: Clear options when displays eventually need replacement
- âś“ Software Evolution: Platform updates included, no forced migrations
- âś“ Training Resources: Comprehensive documentation and onboarding included
Gipper's Unknown Cost Factors
- âś— Unclear Initial Costs: New product pricing potentially unstable as market tests pricing
- âś— Unknown Support Requirements: Hardware support needs and costs uncertain for new product
- âś— Maintenance Unknowns: First-generation products often require unexpected maintenance
- âś— Unproven Longevity: No data on actual operational lifetimes
- âś— Upgrade Path Uncertainty: Unclear if company will support hardware upgrades
- âś— Platform Future Questions: Graphics business pressure raises software investment concerns
- âś— Potential Hidden Costs: Early adopters often discover unanticipated expenses
Integration with Graphics Workflow: The Canva Connection
Ironically, schools increasingly choose Canva for graphics (undermining Gipper’s core business) and Rocket for touchscreen displays—a combination delivering superior results compared to Gipper’s attempt to bundle both.
- Best-of-Breed Strategy: Using Canva's free, superior graphics platform plus Rocket's proven touchscreen solution delivers better results than Gipper's bundled approach
- Cost Optimization: Free Canva access plus competitive Rocket pricing beats Gipper's subscription fees plus unproven touchscreen costs
- Reduced Vendor Risk: Separating graphics from display hardware means Gipper's potential business failure doesn't compromise both functions
- Platform Independence: Schools aren't locked into integrated systems from vendors with uncertain futures
Review free sports graphics alternatives explaining why schools choose Canva over Gipper for athletic department graphics.
Implementation and Long-Term Value: Why Rocket Delivers Superior Outcomes
Beyond platform capabilities, Rocket Alumni Solutions provides comprehensive implementation support, proven maintenance procedures, and continuous platform evolution ensuring long-term success—areas where Gipper's inexperience raises significant concerns.
Professional Implementation and Onboarding
Rocket’s implementation process reflects years of experience installing displays in diverse school environments. This expertise ensures smooth deployments and satisfied customers.
Rocket's Comprehensive Implementation Process
Phase 1: Planning
- • Site assessment and requirements
- • Content strategy consultation
- • Hardware specifications
- • Timeline and budget finalization
- • Stakeholder alignment
Phase 2: Preparation
- • Content migration and organization
- • Design customization
- • Template development
- • Integration testing
- • Pre-installation validation
Phase 3: Installation
- • Professional hardware mounting
- • Electrical and network setup
- • Software configuration
- • Quality assurance testing
- • User acceptance verification
Phase 4: Training
- • Administrative training sessions
- • Content management workflows
- • Troubleshooting procedures
- • Best practices documentation
- • Ongoing support setup
Maintenance and Long-Term Support
Permanent installations require reliable, responsive support over multi-year operational periods. Rocket’s established infrastructure contrasts with Gipper’s unproven hardware support capabilities.
- 24/7 Technical Support Established support infrastructure with response protocols refined through thousands of customer interactions
- Proactive Monitoring Remote system health monitoring identifying and resolving potential issues before they affect operations
- Regular Platform Updates Continuous software improvements delivering new features and performance enhancements
- Hardware Replacement Parts Established supply chain for components enabling rapid repair if hardware issues occur
- Knowledge Base and Documentation Comprehensive self-service resources developed from years of customer questions and issues
- Customer Success Management Dedicated support ensuring schools maximize value from their investment over time
Comprehensive support details available via Rocket kiosks interactive solutions describing ongoing customer success programs.
Platform Evolution and Future-Proofing
Schools need confidence that platforms will evolve and improve over time. Rocket’s track record demonstrates continuous innovation; Gipper’s future remains questionable.
Rocket's Innovation Trajectory
- Continuous Improvement: Regular platform updates driven by customer feedback and market evolution
- Technology Integration: Adding new capabilities like mobile apps, analytics, and integrations
- Hardware Advancement: Staying current with display technology improvements and standards
- Feature Enhancement: Expanding recognition capabilities based on emerging school needs
- Performance Optimization: Ongoing speed, reliability, and efficiency improvements
- Scalability Development: Supporting growth from single displays to district-wide deployments
Gipper's Uncertain Future
- Resource Constraints: Graphics revenue decline may limit touchscreen platform investment
- Market Pressure: Fighting established competitors (Rocket) and free alternatives (Canva)
- Focus Uncertainty: Unclear whether graphics or touchscreen receives priority
- Business Model Questions: Sustainability concerns as core business faces existential threats
- Development Pace: Untested ability to maintain platform evolution and support
- Platform Maturity: First-generation product requires significant iteration before stability
Choose Proven Excellence Over Experimental Risk
Your school's digital recognition program deserves established, reliable technology from vendors with proven track records. Rocket Alumni Solutions delivers the platform maturity, implementation expertise, and long-term support that permanent installations demand—advantages Gipper's new, untested touchscreen offering simply cannot match.
Conclusion: The Clear Choice for Schools Investing in Digital Recognition
The comparison between Rocket Alumni Solutions and Gipper reveals a decisive advantage for institutions prioritizing reliability, proven performance, and long-term value. While Gipper struggles with Canva competition undermining their graphics business and launches untested touchscreen products into unfamiliar markets, Rocket continues perfecting their platform through thousands of successful installations and satisfied customers.
Key decision factors favoring Rocket Alumni Solutions:
- Proven Track Record: 1,000+ successful installations demonstrating reliable long-term performance
- Purpose-Built Platform: Comprehensive features designed specifically for digital recognition needs
- Established Support: Professional implementation, training, and technical support infrastructure
- Business Stability: Sustainable model focused on educational recognition, not threatened by free competitors
- Platform Maturity: Years of refinement delivering polished, reliable user experiences
- Hardware Expertise: Extensive experience selecting, configuring, and supporting display technology
- Customer Validation: Hundreds of reference schools available for verification conversations
Critical concerns about Gipper touchscreen solutions:
- Untested Technology: New product with no operational history or proven reliability
- Business Model Pressure: Core graphics revenue threatened by Canva’s free educational offerings
- Hardware Inexperience: Company moving into unfamiliar hardware/kiosk space from software-only background
- First-Generation Risks: Early-stage products typically require multiple iterations before stability
- Unknown Support Capabilities: Unclear technical infrastructure for hardware troubleshooting
- Integration Uncertainties: Struggling graphics platform raises questions about combined ecosystem viability
For schools making permanent recognition display investments, the choice is clear: Rocket Alumni Solutions offers proven technology, comprehensive support, and sustainable business model that experimental alternatives cannot match. Athletic directors and administrators considering these critical decisions should evaluate actual installations, speak with reference customers, and assess vendor stability before committing to platforms that will serve their institutions for years to come.
Forward-thinking schools combine Rocket’s proven touchscreen platform with Canva’s free graphics tools—a best-of-breed approach delivering superior results compared to bundled offerings from vendors with uncertain futures. This strategy maximizes value, minimizes risk, and ensures long-term success for digital recognition programs.
Explore additional resources on touchscreen software selection and digital recognition displays for schools to inform your platform evaluation and ensure your institution makes the right choice for permanent recognition installations.
