Sonos is getting into the recurring monthly revenue (RMR) game with the introduction of Sonos Pro, a new Software as a Service (SaaS) solution that allows businesses to deliver audio content to their various store fronts for a $35 per month subscription fee per location.
Commercial audio represents a new category for Sonos, and the company points out the subscription-based offering includes an easy-to-navigate dashboard to allow users to manage their systems across multiple locations to deliver commercially licensed music, personalized support and more. Sonos boasts the service works seamlessly with a business’ existing Sonos hardware to fill any space with immersive sound. Sonos Pro is immediately available in the U.S. with additional markets to follow.
“As consumers return to brick-and-mortar, retail stores and restaurants are leveraging music, visuals and scents to create a sensory in-store experience that builds an emotional connection with customers,” comments Patrick Spence, CEO of Sonos.
“We’ve seen incredible organic growth for Sonos in commercial spaces as businesses invest in sound solutions to engage customers, which presents a huge opportunity for us. After testing different features in hundreds of business locations to better understand the needs of businesses and the complexities of commercial audio, we’re proud to deliver a simple solution that was designed from the ground up to meet the needs of this audience.”
Sonos Pro Brings Familiar User Experience to Businesses
Sonos states the combination of its SaaS offering for businesses along with its hardware streamlines the process of bringing audio into commercial environments.
“Music is the foundation for creating ambiance and keeping customers coming back for more,” says Audra Kinsley, VP and GM of Sonos Professional.
“Sonos Pro was designed to make it easy for brands to reinforce their vision and lifestyle through sound, with tools to curate content and create distinct sound experiences that resonate with customers.”
Outlining some of the benefits that Sonos Pro provides businesses, Sonos emphasizes its new SaaS platform provides these advantages:
- Manage and monitor from anywhere: Sonos says users can access a bespoke Sonos app experience that includes remote management capabilities, including a web-based dashboard that allows businesses to view and manage activity across locations. Other features the app provides includes preset playlist schedules, set administrator permissions, delegate access to trusted employees and access on-demand premium support from anywhere.
- Set the perfect brand tone: According to the company, businesses can access its Sonos Backgrounds, a commercially licensed music service that features a range of music from independent artists, as well as quick access third-party streaming services like Mood Mix, Soundtrack Your Brand or Rockbot to create a consistent brand experience and engage customers at every location.
- Experience the best sound in business: Sonos says Sonos Pro enables businesses to fill each location with quality sound that’s driven by thoughtful hardware design and intuitive control.
- Customize and scale systems: Users of the new commercial platform can outfit their business locations with a few compact speakers or a mix of smart speakers and components across multiple locations. In addition, the company points out that as businesses grow, users can expand their systems with more speakers and adjust their subscription plans.
Another version of this article originally appeared on our sister-site CEPro on April 18, 2023. It has since been updated for My TechDecisions’ audience.
