AVNation TV

Category: UC

  • Humly Shifts Space Booking Strategy into High Gear for Boston Business

    Humly Shifts Space Booking Strategy into High Gear for Boston Business

    Humly’s premium hardware solutions for the modern workplace are now prominently visible throughout all five floors of The Engine, a Boston-based enterprise that provides a professional business environment for technology innovators throughout the region. That visibility has provided immediate value for the technology innovators and facility managers that now know the precise status of nearly every private gathering space in the building, thanks to the color-coded Humly Room Display panels mounted outside their doorways.

    The Engine Accelerator completed the rollout of its new Humly Room Display network in September, installing more than 50 Humly Room Display panels outside meeting spaces of all sizes, from large board and conference rooms down to small focus rooms and labs. The six-time award winning Humly Room Display panels interface with The Engine’s existing Nexudus software booking system, ensuring that all bookings automatically synchronize with corresponding Humly Room Display panels. The result is a simple and streamlined space booking ecosystem that populates current meeting details and booking status on each panel throughout the facility.

    The Engine Accelerator bills itself as “a home for tough tech” and plays an important role in helping its technology residents translate breakthrough research into “world-changing” technologies through the convergence of science and engineering. The facility is a core component of The Engine Accelerator’s ecosystem, offering participants a unique combination of space, programs, and resources along with a collaborative tech community.

    “Our main objective is bringing top tech founders together and putting them into a system where they can freely collaborate with each other,” said Nana Kusi Minka, Community Operations Associate for The Engine Accelerator. “Our facility has resources for chem-based, bio-based and engineering-based businesses, and being able to have all of these resources in place and supplement them with programming and networking elements allows our technology residents to get the most out of our facility.”

    With an active community of innovators moving throughout the facility each business day, places to meet, gather and collaborate often come at a premium. “The Engine is a very fast-paced environment with a lot of movement, and people here need a system that can manage and track all of the activity throughout the building,” said Kusi Minka. “Our Nexudus software has been exceptional, allowing our residents to easily book spaces from their laptops and personal devices through a front end portal. Less exceptional were the previous meeting room display panels at each door, which had no direct integration to Nexudus. That often led to confusion as to whether a room was free or booked.”

    The Humly Room Display panels have solved that problem. Each panel displays the room number and meeting duration along with green (open) and red (booked) bezel lighting and type that are visible from a distance, eliminating any confusion as to whether a room is available or not. Since Humly Room Display constantly speaks to Nexudus over The Engine’s local-area and WiFi networks, residents can now book an open room on the spot with the assurance they won’t interrupt an important meeting or be interrupted once theirs is underway.

    Kusi Minka adds that the Humly Room Display panels was easy to install, with in-house IT staff managing all panel installation and LAN/WiFi network connections. He also shares that the on-display presentation of Humly adds a touch of class to the visual atmosphere. “Humly adds to the brand of our office,” he concluded. “As we create more meeting spaces, the expectation is that Humly’s presence will continue to spread throughout the facility.”

  • Utelogy Continues Utelligence Program Expansion for A/V Device Standardization with Gude Systems Parntership

    Utelogy Continues Utelligence Program Expansion for A/V Device Standardization with Gude Systems Parntership

    LOS ANGELES – Utelogy Corporation has further expanded its innovative Utelligence Program for A/V and UC Device Standardization by introducing new drivers for GUDE Systems PDUs (power distribution units).

    This alliance with the high-quality manufacturer of intelligent IP power strips provides integrators the following benefits:

    1. Easy and fast integration of GUDE PDUs in Utelogy
    2. High energy efficiency because of power control and monitoring
    3. Fast and better service because of the power cycling function

    GUDE’s products distinguish themselves by their high level of quality and optimal value for money. Because of Gude’s open API interface, it can be integrated anywhere quickly and easily with the use of REST API, HTTP, SNMP and Telnet. This makes GUDE a perfect partner to be integrated into Utelogy’s Utelligence program, ticking all the controlling, monitoring and security boxes to be labeled as Utelligent +.

    “All of our devices are developed and manufactured in Germany in order to meet the customer’s quality expectations towards reliable IT and AV infrastructure. Flexible handling and economical operations complete the attractive product assets. Further product developments and customizations benefit from our continuously increasing expertise. Our free technical support and customer service are integral part of our business concept,” says Philipp Gude, Sales Manager at GUDE Systems GmbH.

    The GUDE PDU API support remote reboots, a detailed power monitoring of up to nine electrical quantities and environmental monitoring through temperature and humidity sensors. They integrate perfectly within Utelogy’s management, automation, and cost-saving solution, U-Automate. With the usage of GUDE smart IP power strips combined with the installation of the Utelogy software, it transforms any AV estate into a manageable environment providing a reduced total cost of ownership with an exceptional user experience.

    “The Utelligence standard is proving to be an increasingly powerful way of building out future-proofed enterprise-grade systems and it highlights the value of building partnerships in the industry, both with other manufacturers and with our growing customer base,” comments Frank Pellkofer, President and Co-Founder at Utelogy. “The Utelogy Platform is becoming progressively more innovative and feature-rich as a result of these collaborations and deep-level customer feedback, allowing ever-more-powerful single-pane of glass management and monitoring.”

  • Poly introduces Poly Lens for cloud-based insights and video endpoint management

    Poly Lens joins the company’s complete end-to-end unified communications portfolio on display at ISE 2020

    Plantronics, Inc. (“Poly” – formerly Plantronics and Polycom) (NYSE: PLT) has unveiled Poly Lens, a new cloud-based insights and management service. Initially available in a fully supported commercial preview, Poly Lens combines seamless management and updating tools with powerful insight into how Poly devices are actually being used to offer greater control and simplicity to IT departments.

    Poly Lens joins the company’s complete end-to-end unified communications portfolio on display at Integrated Systems Europe 2020 (UC Hall; Booths 11-B140 and 11 A-150).

    “Today’s businesses understand that the right communications and collaboration tools can increase productivity, but there’s a blind spot when it comes to how these tools are adopted and used by their workforce,” said Beau Wilder, vice president and general manager of infrastructure, cloud and analytics for Poly. “Poly Lens provides the next-level of visibility into collaboration spaces and device use without the need to install additional infrastructure.”

    Organizations crave transparency and want information surrounding the successes and failures of workspace implementations, including the use of new tools or devices. Poly Lens aggregates data and offers customers a unique overview that lets them turn insights into actions.

    Poly will continue to update the commercial preview of Poly Lens to add new capabilities, ultimately converging Poly’s endpoint management solutions into one convenient service. Today, Poly Lens brings management and updating capabilities to the new Poly Studio X family of video bars as well as the Poly G7500. Over time, Poly Lens will evolve to support Poly headsets and phone offerings in addition to an ever-increasing array of new insights.

    Key features of the Poly Lens service include:

    • Device Management – Poly Lens supports frictionless device onboarding, setting configurations, map-based inventory management, and software upgrades. For example, customers can use Poly Lens today to ensure that their Studio X video bars and G7500 solutions will always have access to the latest Poly MeetingAI features and capabilities. Having the right technology and tools in place is critical to help IT quickly and properly deploy the most suitable mission-critical collaboration devices, services, and systems. Poly Lens provides a simple and modern interface for IT managers and administrators to quickly and effectively deploy, provision and manage their Poly devices.
    • Intelligent Insights – Poly Lens identifies and prioritizes actionable insights that help maximize user adoption and device uptime through an intelligent news feed. The news feed ensures the most important and urgent insights are always at the top of the feed, helping IT managers more efficiently address any issues that might arise. Coming soon, Poly Lens will provide room-based insights to help IT and facilities planners optimize their physical workspace now and into the future.
    • Cloud-based Service – With more businesses moving their operations to cloud-based technology, Poly Lens delivers a flexible and secure solution that enables businesses to be more agile and innovative – instantly. Customers can also migrate between video-as-a-service providers without losing valuable and historical insights.

    “Businesses are struggling to keep pace with the proliferation of devices needed for the digital workplace and multi-generational workforce, combined with high costs of real estate,” said Melissa Fremeijer, Senior Research Analyst, European Telecommunications and Networking, IDC. “Now more than ever, companies have to optimize shared workspaces and tools to stay competitive. This will continue to fuel the need for intelligent devices that provide data-driven, actionable insights and can be deployed in an easy and scalable way.”

    Poly Lens Availability 
    Poly Lens is available now worldwide as a fully supported commercial preview at no charge.  More details on pricing and commercialization will be available in the first half of 2020. For more information on Poly Lens, please visit: poly.com/lens.

  • Crestron’s MX150 Device for Conference Spaces Developed with Microsoft

    Booth 1800 – Nic Milani with Crestron gave AV Nation’s Matt Scott the latest updates for their Mercury MX150 conferencing device. This is one of Crestron’s first entries into UC and they partnered with Microsoft to develop this solution. With improved cabling across a single CAT 5, installation is easier. The device has an extended 20 foot pick-up and voice leveling, which expands the possibilities beyond traditional huddle spaces. Enhanced sound functionality is the result of advances in their Smart Sound Bar technology. On the video side, there is autocropping for a uniform viewing experience.

    With double certifications with Microsoft Teams and Skype for Business, the solution has native functionality between hardware and software and independent lab testing to go through the rigorous testing process. Another benefit to customers is a faster upgrade path. In the end, the customer wants hardware and software to work together seamlessly. There is a Zoom Room certification coming in August. From the boardroom to the desktop, there is one touch to join.

    For more information on Crestron Mercury, click here. To see AV Nation’s coverage of Crestron, click here.

    AVNation is a collective of audiovisual professionals. Our hosts, panelists, writers, and producers all work in the AV industry in some capacity. That gives us a unique perspective on the industry and allows us to ask questions end users, technology managers, IT managers, and AV integrators would ask. Our coverage of InfoComm 2019 comes from these points of view. Everything we are able to do is made possible by our supporters who provide the financial support for AVNation. We are always looking for new voices. If you want to have your point of view heard contact us by clicking here. Let us know who you are and what you have to say.

  • Extron part of Logitech SmartDock line

    Extron control in SmartDock

    Anaheim, California  – Extron Electronics is pleased to announce that Extron AV control can now be part of Logitech SmartDock and Tap collaboration spaces. Our work with Logitech through the Logitech Collaboration Program allows us to extend easy automation and professional control integration capabilities to your modern workspace. The Logitech SmartDock and, soon Logitech Tap, can be equipped with Extron control systems, audio signal processors, and digital video switching and distribution for a fully-integrated, unified collaboration solution. Meeting attendees will benefit from a significant expansion of meeting collaboration features while enjoying the convenience of AV room control, all from a familiar user interface. Extron Control for Logitech SmartDock is available now, and Extron Control for Tap will be available soon.

    “This is an exciting time, as Extron and Logitech have combined complementary technologies to provide powerful, turn-key collaboration solutions for the modern meeting space,” says Casey Hall, Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing for Extron. “Logitech SmartDock and Logitech Tap are automating the meeting experience for huddle spaces or any environment that can benefit from the convenience of combined communication and powerful AV room control.”

    In addition to the easy, Extron on-screen control interface, meeting rooms can integrate video signal detection and occupancy sensors to automate video switching, lighting, and display presets. Extron and Logitech scalable collaboration solutions are designed for enterprise deployment and can be maintained with Microsoft SCCM, System Center Configuration Manager.

    For more information on the work Extron and Logitech are doing together, click here.

  • Extron enhancing their Zoom experience

    Adding new features to soft codec integration

    Anaheim, California  – Extron is pleased to announce the immediate availability of system enhancements and updates to Extron control for Zoom Rooms. With Extron control for Zoom Rooms, there’s no more need to switch devices – a single user interface on your Apple iPad or Extron Pro Series touchpanel is all you need to control every conferencing and audio/visual function in your room. This latest release adds a number of enhancements, including improved GUI elements, contact presence information, content sharing, new camera controls, and much more. Extron and Zoom have simplified the conferencing experience and provide a new level of convenience with turn-key, centralized control of AV devices, shades, lighting, audio, and much more – all from the familiar Zoom Rooms interface.

    “Extron is extremely excited to provide a range of scalable, complementary technologies for customers who have embraced Zoom Rooms,” says Casey Hall, Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing for Extron. “Being able to blend the ease of Zoom video communications with the power of Extron control systems and GlobalViewer Enterprise, yield phenomenal opportunities to make data-driven decisions across the enterprise.”

    In addition to room AV control, this scalable technology includes Extron audio signal processors and digital video switching and distribution for a fully-integrated, unified collaboration solution. Meeting attendees will benefit from a significant expansion of meeting collaboration features while enjoying the convenience of AV room control, all from familiar user interfaces.

    For more information on Extron Control for Zoom Rooms, click here.

  • Atlona Velocity Zooms at Infocomm 2018

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    IP Control with Native UC applications

    At InfoComm 2018 Matt Scott talked with Josh Castro of Atlona about the remarkable Velocity control system. The system lives on the IP network utilizing device self-discovery, gateway redundancy, and a simple clean configuration software interface. Velocity can now natively integrate with Zoom, allowing for full seamless control of Zoom devices and functions.
    To watch the rest of AVNation’s InfoComm 2018 coverage click here.