Rocket Alumni Solutions vs Gipper: Why Experience and Integration Win in 2025

When schools and organizations invest in digital recognition technology, they’re making a decision that will impact their community for years to come. The market has seen new entrants like Gipper attempt to expand from social media graphics into touchscreen displays, while established providers like Rocket Alumni Solutions continue to refine proven solutions through extensive real-world deployment. This comprehensive comparison examines why experience, integration, and proven performance matter when choosing digital recognition platforms.

Understanding the Competitive Landscape

Gipper’s Core Business: Social Media Graphics

Gipper built its business around helping schools and athletic departments create social media graphics and digital content. The platform focuses on:

• Template-based graphic design for sports announcements
• Social media scheduling and publishing
• Team roster graphics and game day content
• Newsletter creation for athletic departments

While Gipper serves a legitimate need for sports marketing content, their core competency remains in graphic design templates rather than comprehensive recognition technology.

The Canva Problem: Free vs. Paid Competition

Gipper faces a significant competitive challenge that directly impacts schools’ purchasing decisions: Canva offers free Pro accounts to all K-12 schools and educators. This creates a difficult market position:

Canva for Education Benefits:

• 100% free access to Pro features for K-12 schools
• 250,000+ professional templates across all categories
• 75+ million premium photos, videos, and graphics
• Advanced collaboration and brand management tools
• Seamless integration with Google Classroom, Canvas LMS, and Microsoft Teams

Gipper’s Challenge:

• Paid subscription model competing against free alternatives
• Significantly smaller template library (approximately 6,000 templates)
• Sports-focused limitations vs. Canva’s universal applicability
• Limited cross-departmental utility

Many schools question why they would pay for Gipper’s sports graphics platform when Canva’s integration with educational platforms provides free, comprehensive design capabilities that serve athletic departments, academics, administration, and all other school needs simultaneously.

Gipper’s Touchscreen Expansion: Untested Territory

In an apparent effort to diversify beyond graphics, Gipper recently launched “Gipper Touch,” a touchscreen display solution. This represents a significant pivot into unfamiliar territory:

Critical Concerns About Gipper Touch:

• Extremely limited installation base with minimal real-world testing
• No proven track record of long-term hardware reliability
• Uncertain hardware integration and support infrastructure
• Limited experience with commercial-grade display requirements
• Unclear total cost of ownership beyond initial pricing

Schools considering Gipper’s touchscreen offering are essentially becoming beta testers for an unproven platform in a category where the company has no established expertise.

Rocket Alumni Solutions: Proven Leadership in Digital Recognition

A Decade of Specialized Experience

Rocket Alumni Solutions has focused exclusively on digital recognition displays since its founding, resulting in deep expertise that newer entrants cannot replicate quickly:

Proven Track Record:

• Over 1,000 successful installations across all 50 states
• Exclusive focus on recognition technology, not diversified graphics tools
• Purpose-built software specifically for touchscreen recognition displays
• Years of refinement based on real-world deployment feedback

This specialization means Rocket’s platform has been optimized for the specific needs of recognition displays—something impossible to achieve when touchscreens are a side project to a graphics business.

Integrated Hardware and Software Excellence

Unlike platforms cobbling together hardware and software from different sources, Rocket provides comprehensive integrated solutions:

This integration ensures optimal performance because every component has been tested together across hundreds of deployments. Schools aren’t left wondering if hardware and software will work seamlessly—Rocket’s extensive installation base proves they do.

Detailed Comparison: Gipper vs. Rocket Alumni Solutions

Core Competency and Focus

Gipper:

• Primary focus: Social media graphics and sports marketing content
• Secondary expansion: Recently launched touchscreen displays
• Limited specialization in recognition technology
• Divided attention across multiple product categories

Rocket Alumni Solutions:

• Exclusive focus: Digital recognition displays and touchscreen systems
• Deep specialization in school recognition needs
• Continuous innovation within core competency
• All resources dedicated to perfecting recognition technology

When evaluating vendors, schools should consider whether they want a provider whose primary business is graphics templates, or one exclusively dedicated to recognition displays.

Pricing Reality and Total Cost of Ownership

While both platforms require investment, the comparison reveals important considerations:

Gipper’s Hidden Costs:

• Subscription fees for graphics platform competing with free alternatives
• Additional costs for newer, unproven touchscreen solution
• Potential hardware compatibility issues requiring troubleshooting
• Limited support infrastructure for touchscreen deployments
• Uncertain long-term viability of touchscreen offering

Rocket’s Transparent Value:

• Comprehensive packages including hardware, software, installation, and training
• Predictable total cost of ownership based on 1,000+ deployments
• Extensive support infrastructure included
• Proven longevity eliminating platform migration risks
• Single-source accountability for entire solution

Many schools discover that Gipper’s apparent initial savings disappear when accounting for the true cost of an unproven platform, separate hardware sourcing, and the risk of implementation challenges.

Hardware Integration and Reliability

Gipper’s Hardware Uncertainty:

Gipper’s recent entry into touchscreen hardware creates several risks:

• Limited experience selecting appropriate commercial-grade displays
• Unproven long-term hardware durability
• Unclear hardware support and warranty processes
• Potential integration issues between hardware and software
• No established track record of hardware lifecycle management

Finding appropriate “touchscreen hardware for Gipper displays” often means schools must navigate uncertain compatibility, or rely on Gipper’s limited experience selecting durable commercial displays.

Rocket’s Hardware Excellence:

Rocket’s extensive deployment experience translates into reliable hardware solutions:

• Partnerships with leading commercial display manufacturers
• Specific models tested across thousands of operating hours
• Proven durability in educational environments from elementary schools to universities
• Comprehensive hardware support with rapid replacement capabilities
• Clear hardware lifecycle planning and upgrade paths

Rocket’s partnership with Displays2Go demonstrates their commitment to professional-grade hardware solutions with established support infrastructure.

Software Capabilities and Innovation

Gipper Touch Limitations:

• Newly developed touchscreen software with limited field testing
• Feature set still being developed and refined
• Limited integration with school information systems
• Uncertain long-term development roadmap
• Minimal proven security and compliance features

Rocket’s Mature Platform:

• Years of refinement based on user feedback from 1,000+ installations
• Comprehensive feature set addressing real-world recognition needs
• Proven integrations with school systems and workflows
• Clear development roadmap informed by extensive customer base
• Established security protocols and compliance with educational requirements

When schools invest in recognition technology, they benefit from choosing platforms refined through actual deployment rather than newly launched experiments.

Support Infrastructure and Service Quality

Support quality often determines long-term satisfaction more than initial features.

Gipper’s Support Challenges:

• Support infrastructure built primarily for graphics platform
• Limited experience supporting touchscreen hardware issues
• Smaller support team spread across multiple product lines
• Uncertain response capabilities for critical hardware failures
• Minimal documented best practices for touchscreen deployments

Rocket’s Dedicated Support:

• Support team exclusively focused on recognition displays
• Extensive experience resolving touchscreen-specific issues
• 24/7 monitoring for critical installations
• Comprehensive training programs for school staff
• Documented best practices refined across 1,000+ installations

Schools consistently report that Rocket’s support responsiveness and expertise significantly impact their long-term satisfaction and the success of their recognition programs.

The Canva Factor: Impact on Gipper’s Value Proposition

Why Schools Question Gipper’s Graphics Platform

The reality of Canva’s free educational offering fundamentally challenges Gipper’s value proposition:

School Decision-Making Reality:

Many administrators and athletic directors question: “Why pay for Gipper when Canva is free and more versatile?”

Canva’s Advantages Over Paid Graphics Platforms:

• Zero cost eliminates budget barriers
• Universal applicability across all school departments
• Significantly larger template and asset libraries
• Superior integration with educational technology ecosystems
• Strong educational focus and continued development

Gipper’s Response:

Gipper’s recent expansion into touchscreen displays appears to be a strategic response to the Canva challenge—an attempt to offer additional value beyond graphics where Canva doesn’t compete. However, this diversification into unfamiliar territory comes with significant risks for schools serving as early adopters.

Strategic Considerations for Schools

When evaluating whether to invest in Gipper’s paid platform, schools should consider:

1. Graphics Needs: Can Canva’s free offering meet our sports graphics needs without subscription costs?
2. Touchscreen Requirements: If we need recognition displays, should we choose an established provider or an unproven newcomer?
3. Resource Allocation: Would our budget be better spent on proven recognition technology rather than paid graphics tools?

Many schools conclude that using Canva for graphics (free) and Rocket Alumni Solutions for recognition displays (proven) provides superior value compared to paying for Gipper’s graphics while taking risks on their untested touchscreen platform.

Real-World Implementation: Experience Matters

The Risk of Being an Early Adopter

Schools considering Gipper Touch should carefully evaluate the risks of adopting newly launched technology:

Common Early Adopter Challenges:

• Unexpected software bugs requiring workarounds or delays
• Hardware compatibility issues not discovered during limited testing
• Feature gaps discovered only during actual use
• Support staff learning alongside customers
• Platform changes as company responds to early feedback

With limited Gipper Touch installations, schools have few references to verify claims or understand typical challenges.

Questions Schools Should Ask Gipper:

• How many touchscreen installations have you completed?
• Can you provide references from schools that have used Gipper Touch for at least one year?
• What is your typical response time for hardware failures?
• What experience does your support team have with commercial-grade touchscreens?
• How do you handle software updates and potential disruptions?

The Value of Proven Deployment

Rocket’s extensive installation base provides schools with confidence based on evidence:

Rocket’s Proven Performance:

• 1,000+ successful installations providing extensive reference base
• Years of operation demonstrating long-term reliability
• Documented response times and support quality
• Clear upgrade paths based on actual customer deployments
• Established best practices refined through real-world use

Schools considering Rocket can speak with numerous peer institutions, visit nearby installations, and verify claims through extensive evidence rather than relying on promises from platforms with minimal track records.

Technical Considerations: Platform Maturity Matters

Software Stability and Refinement

Gipper Touch: First-Generation Platform Risks

Newly launched software invariably contains unforeseen issues:

• Integration challenges with various hardware configurations
• User interface refinements needed based on actual usage
• Performance optimization requirements discovered under real-world load
• Security vulnerabilities not yet discovered or addressed
• Feature gaps identified only through deployment experience

Rocket: Battle-Tested Stability

Software refined through extensive deployment offers critical advantages:

• Years of bug fixes and performance optimization
• User interface refined based on thousands of users’ feedback
• Security protocols tested and verified through real-world operation
• Comprehensive feature set addressing actual recognition needs
• Proven scalability across installations from small schools to major universities

Hardware Integration and Optimization

The Integration Challenge:

Touchscreen displays require sophisticated software optimization:

• Touch responsiveness calibration for various display sizes
• Performance optimization for different hardware specifications
• Thermal management for continuous operation
• Display color calibration and brightness adjustment
• Power management and automatic recovery from failures

Rocket’s extensive deployment experience means these optimizations have been refined across hundreds of hardware configurations, ensuring reliable performance regardless of installation specifics.

Gipper’s limited touchscreen experience means schools may encounter integration challenges that established providers solved years ago.

Content Management and Workflow Efficiency

Purpose-Built vs. Adapted Solutions

Gipper’s Graphics-First Approach:

Gipper’s touchscreen platform appears adapted from their graphics creation tools:

• Content workflows designed for social media posts, not recognition displays
• Interface optimized for creating individual graphics rather than managing permanent recognition content
• Limited specialized features for alumni data, achievement tracking, and recognition program management

Rocket’s Recognition-Focused Platform:

Rocket’s platform was designed specifically for recognition displays:

• Content management workflows optimized for recognition programs
• Specialized features for alumni databases, achievement tracking, and honoree management
• Built-in tools for photo collection, biography management, and tribute creation
• Advanced categorization for different recognition types (athletics, academics, donors, alumni)

Schools managing comprehensive recognition programs benefit significantly from purpose-built tools rather than adapted graphics platforms.

Analytics and Engagement Measurement

Understanding how people interact with recognition displays helps schools optimize their programs:

Rocket’s Advanced Analytics:

• Comprehensive interaction tracking and heatmaps
• Engagement metrics showing most-viewed content
• Usage patterns informing content strategy
• Performance benchmarking across similar institutions
• ROI measurement tools for recognition programs

Gipper’s Limited Analytics:

• Analytics capabilities focused on social media performance
• Minimal proven analytics for touchscreen interactions
• Limited benchmarking data due to small installation base

Measuring recognition program success requires sophisticated analytics that only come from years of deployment data—something new platforms simply cannot provide.

Long-Term Viability and Platform Evolution

Platform Sustainability Considerations

Schools invest in recognition displays expecting years of service. Platform viability matters:

Gipper’s Uncertain Touchscreen Future:

• Touchscreen displays represent new, unproven business line
• Company resources divided across graphics platform and touchscreen expansion
• Limited installation base may not justify continued development
• Competitive pressure from Canva may impact overall business sustainability
• Unclear commitment to touchscreen platform if initial adoption is limited

Rocket’s Established Trajectory:

• Exclusive focus on recognition displays ensures continued innovation
• Strong customer base funding ongoing development
• Clear product roadmap informed by extensive customer feedback
• Proven long-term commitment to recognition technology
• Financial stability demonstrated through sustained growth

Development Roadmap and Innovation

Rocket’s Innovation Pipeline:

Based on extensive customer feedback, Rocket continues developing:

• Enhanced mobile app capabilities for remote content management
• Advanced AI features for photo enhancement and content suggestions
• Improved integration with school information systems
• Expanded accessibility features for inclusive recognition
• New display form factors and installation options

Gipper’s Uncertain Direction:

• Development priorities unclear between graphics platform and touchscreen expansion
• Limited customer feedback to inform touchscreen development
• Resources potentially constrained competing against free Canva alternative

Making the Right Decision for Your Institution

Key Evaluation Criteria

Schools should evaluate recognition display providers based on these critical factors:

The Experience Advantage

When comparing Gipper’s recent touchscreen entry to Rocket’s decade of specialization, the differences are substantial:

Rocket’s Proven Advantages:

• 1,000+ installations vs. Gipper’s handful of touchscreen deployments
• Years of recognition display focus vs. recent diversification from graphics
• Established hardware partnerships vs. uncertain hardware sourcing
• Mature software platform vs. newly launched touchscreen software
• Dedicated support infrastructure vs. support team learning new product category

These differences translate directly into reduced risk, higher reliability, and greater long-term value for schools.

Comprehensive Recognition Solutions

Beyond Single Display Deployments

Schools often start with one recognition display but expand their programs:

Rocket’s Scalability:

• Multiple displays managed through unified platform
• Consistent user experience across all installations
• Content sharing and synchronization across displays
• Centralized management for district-wide deployments
• Proven scalability from single displays to campus-wide networks

Gipper’s Uncertain Scalability:

• Limited evidence of multi-display deployments
• Unproven content management for multiple locations
• Unclear pricing and support model for expanded installations

Integration with Broader Recognition Strategies

Modern recognition programs extend beyond single touchscreens:

Rocket’s Ecosystem Approach:

• Interactive displays integrated with social media recognition
• Mobile apps allowing community engagement with recognition content
• Print materials generated from digital recognition databases
• Website integration showing recognition content online
• Comprehensive strategy connecting all recognition touchpoints

Schools benefit from providers understanding recognition as a comprehensive program rather than isolated displays.

The Bottom Line: Experience and Integration Win

Why Schools Choose Rocket Over Gipper

The comparison reveals clear differentiators:

Gipper’s Challenges:

• Core graphics business faces direct competition from free Canva educational offerings
• Recent touchscreen expansion represents unproven diversification
• Extremely limited touchscreen installation base with minimal track record
• Uncertain hardware integration and support infrastructure
• Divided focus between graphics platform and new touchscreen business
• Risk of platform changes or pivots based on market response

Rocket’s Proven Value:

• Exclusive specialization in recognition displays for over a decade
• 1,000+ successful installations demonstrating reliability and expertise
• Mature, refined software platform optimized for recognition needs
• Comprehensive hardware integration with established support infrastructure
• Clear long-term commitment to recognition technology
• Extensive reference base and proven customer satisfaction

Investment Protection

Recognition displays represent significant investments requiring years of service:

Rocket Provides Investment Protection Through:

• Proven longevity of installations (many operating continuously for 5+ years)
• Established upgrade paths as technology evolves
• Financial stability ensuring continued support
• Clear development roadmap based on extensive customer input
• Risk mitigation through extensive deployment experience

Gipper Presents Investment Risks Through:

• Unproven touchscreen platform longevity
• Uncertain commitment to touchscreen business line
• Limited installation base providing minimal revenue to support development
• Potential platform changes as company responds to early feedback
• Competitive pressure from Canva potentially affecting overall business

Conclusion: Choose Proven Excellence Over Experimental Expansion

Schools and organizations deserve recognition technology backed by proven experience, mature platforms, and dedicated expertise. While Gipper has built a legitimate business in social media graphics, their recent touchscreen expansion represents unproven territory where they lack the specialization, installation base, and refinement that established providers offer.

The competitive reality of Canva’s free educational offerings undermines Gipper’s core graphics business value proposition, while their newly launched touchscreen platform lacks the proven track record schools require for major technology investments.

Rocket Alumni Solutions offers the clear alternative: a decade of exclusive focus on recognition displays, 1,000+ successful installations, comprehensive hardware and software integration, and dedicated support infrastructure. Schools choosing Rocket benefit from proven reliability rather than serving as beta testers for a platform finding its way in unfamiliar territory.

When investing in recognition technology that will serve your community for years to come, experience matters. Choose the provider with proven excellence in exactly what you need—not a graphics company experimenting with touchscreens while struggling to compete with free alternatives in their core business.

Ready to implement proven recognition technology backed by experience and expertise? Discover why over 1,000 schools and organizations have chosen Rocket Alumni Solutions for their digital recognition displays. Learn more about Rocket’s comprehensive recognition solutions and see the difference that specialization and proven performance make in creating exceptional recognition experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Canva’s free offering a problem for Gipper?

A: Canva offers 100% free Pro accounts to all K-12 schools and educators, providing comprehensive design tools including 250,000+ templates, 75+ million premium assets, and advanced collaboration features. This makes it difficult for schools to justify paying for Gipper’s sports graphics platform when Canva provides more versatile capabilities at no cost, serving athletic departments, academics, and all other school needs simultaneously.

Q: How new is Gipper’s touchscreen solution?

A: Gipper Touch is a recent expansion from their core social media graphics business. The platform has minimal installations and limited real-world testing compared to established recognition display providers. Schools considering Gipper Touch are essentially early adopters of an unproven platform in a category where the company has no established track record.

Q: What’s the main difference between Rocket and Gipper?

A: Rocket Alumni Solutions has focused exclusively on digital recognition displays for over a decade, with 1,000+ successful installations. Gipper’s core business is social media graphics, with touchscreen displays representing a recent, unproven expansion. Rocket offers proven expertise, mature software, established hardware integration, and dedicated support for recognition displays—areas where Gipper is still learning.

Q: How can I verify Rocket’s installation claims?

A: Rocket can provide references from hundreds of schools and organizations using their recognition displays, many for 5+ years. Schools can visit nearby installations, speak with peer institutions, and review documented case studies. Gipper’s limited touchscreen installations make similar verification difficult.

Q: What risks exist with choosing a newer touchscreen platform?

A: New platforms typically face challenges including undiscovered software bugs, hardware compatibility issues, incomplete features, support staff learning alongside customers, and uncertain long-term viability. Established platforms like Rocket have resolved these issues through years of deployment experience, reducing risk for schools.

Q: Does Rocket offer complete hardware and software solutions?

A: Yes. Rocket provides comprehensive integrated solutions including commercial-grade touchscreen hardware, purpose-built recognition software, professional installation, staff training, and ongoing support—all from a single provider with proven experience in recognition displays.