AV integrators are tasked with solving technology challenges to create the best possible end-user experience for collaborative workspaces. This means taking on the role of IT and network expert to ensure a seamless delivery, as well as keeping network dependent systems running smoothly.
Below are ways your AV vendor provides a quality end-user experience without a heavy burden affecting your IT team.
Create an Independent Network
Almost every AV device on the market requires network connectivity.
In order to accommodate this, AV vendors set up an isolated network capable of locally streaming media, connecting AV controlled devices and/or non-internet based wireless connectivity. Anything delivered over ethernet can be set-up directly by AV professionals and this workflow option is entirely separate of the IT team’s network, freeing-up bandwidth and mitigating security risks.
We act as network design engineers in this model, providing switches and routing to facilitate the bare-minimum requirements for AV signal transmission and device control. AV integrators provide the infrastructure to facilitate these devices and ensure a certain quality of service.
Leveraging User-Connected Internet
In cases where outside internet connectivity is needed, we bridge with the user’s internet-connected device to facilitate web-based conferencing connectivity. Cloud-based providers can be accessed through standard internet ports, creating a very comprehensive user experience despite not having the AV system connected to the corporate LAN. This includes cloud-based video conferencing over Zoom, BlueJeans, WebEx, GoToMeeting or Skype. Given user-based access to internet, the need for AV and IT coordination is greatly reduced.
If end users can access internet devices, then we facilitate the audio and visual side of the experience to enhance what their personal device can facilitate. AV broadcasts to a larger in-room display, connects to in-room cameras, and facilitates in-room microphones and external speakers. With standards-based internet access, our AV systems run independently of IT’s involvement, and the end user’s device is the gateway allowing connections beyond the room but enhanced by the technologies in the room.
Work in Cohesion
While AV professionals may circumvent over-burdened IT teams, the only true way to deliver the best possible end-user experience is by working together. Cohesive communication between AV and IT teams is essential for long-term goals of a business and staying ahead of the rapidly changing trends in technology. The future of AV is integrated, and web connected. Market available AV equipment is made to be on your local area network. Products are well vetted, with up to date security provisions making security risks much lower than often expected. AV is becoming an IoT staple, so partnering “hand-in-glove” with IT is the only real way to stay ahead of the tightening technology curve.
A Nod to the Future
As tech capability grows, with AI enablement, cloud-management, remote-monitoring, etc.… your systems will only become more dependent on network-based connectivity and internet-connected allowances. Involvement of corporate IT experts allows for access to advanced analytics to be captured, the use of wireless connectivity to be expanded, and the ability for room-native conference calls to be made. With collaborative commitment, data is aggregated, usage trends identified, and real analytical data applied to best make investments based on actual facts.
True IT partnership expands the functionality of a room, enhances the ease of use, and yields long-term value.
The past decade, AV walked a fine line of not involving the IT team. Both technical camps have the same mission… “Make the business more successful.” If the future AV and IT technology plans for your enterprise is not integrated, you have already fallen behind. The days of siloed function are numbered as AV and IT must be a well-aligned partnership, or it will limit the value on your investment and wreak havoc with your end-user experience.
The big twist of this whole idea of “How to Create a Seamless Experience Without the IT Department”… Is that, ultimately, you can’t. The AV vendor needs your IT team… and whether they realize it or not, your IT team needs an AV vendor they can trust, too. A reliable partner to take the subjective nuances of audio and video off their full-plates and make the shared end-result of in-room technology great, for the total business.
